Judging other people can get you into a cycle of depression and negativity. Insisting on rightness is delusional and can lead to violence. We can learn to cooperate in our family, workplace, or in our relationships instead of always competing or trying to be right. Don’t get stressed about arguments. Just investigate that stress and see if it’s stemming from some depersonalization or dissatisfaction with our mind states. Arguments can be painful and can have consequences, usually bad, but understanding the anatomy of arguments can help lessen them. We always see the world the way we want to see it, based on our views. When we have a strong opinion, it’s difficult to see things objectively. In the story, two monks argued about whether reincarnation is essential to Buddhism. One argued that it is, while the other said it can’t be because the present moment is all there is. When they both argued their position to the master, they both realized that their arguments depended on their perspective and that there is no right or wrong answer.
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This dhamma talk was originally recorded using a low quality MP3 to save on file size (because internet connections were slow back then – remember dialup?) on 10th January 2003. It has now been remastered and published by the Everyday Dhamma Network, and will be of interest to his many fans.
These talks by Ajahn Brahm have been recorded and made available for free distribution by the Buddhist Society of Western Australia. You can support the Buddhist Society of Western Australia by pledging your support via their Patreon page.
Dealing With Tragedies | Ajahn Brahm
What is Prison? | Ajahn Brahm
Buddhism and Psychology | Ajahn Brahm
Hopelessness | Ajahn Brahm
Mental Energy Equals Happiness | Ajahn Brahm
Helping Children Overcome Problems
Doing What Is Good | Ajahn Brahm
Who's Right? | Ajahn Brahm
Self Discipline | Ajahn Brahm
How To Deal With Pain | Ajahn Brahm
The Buddhist Attitude to Animal Abuse | Ajahn Brahm
Dependent Origination | Ajahn Brahm
Reborn ... Again! | Ajahn Brahm
Free Will | Ajahn Brahm
Doomsday! | Ajahn Brahm
Having Your Cake | Ajahn Brahm
Freedom From Self-Hate | Ajahn Brahm
Assumptions | Ajahn Brahm
The Values of Buddhism | Ajahn Brahm
Praise and Blame | Ajahn Brahm
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