To all you Buddhist hating thumb downers: Do you ever read the questions & answers you hate on?

Good evening, Sati

I know exactly what you mean and I posited a similar question a year ago ( http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=At0Eq... ). I'm unsure whether the TDs are the result of those considering themselves to be more pure Buddhists than others (frequently referring to others as "reptilians") or from those opposed to Buddhism in general.

In my practice we are not permitted to proselytize. We are only allowed to answer a question when asked in sincerity. Yes, it takes a considerable amount of time, thought, and effort to compose a cohesive and accurate answer. Will we ever know who is so full of animosity toward another's belief? Are they trolls or fundamentalists of one group or another? Probably not. But I am noticing a greater degree of intolerance at Y!A in R&S over my nearly five years in participating. I've even considered perhaps I should simply continue in my private practice without participating on Y!A at all. But I am constantly reminded that when a serious question is asked it warrants a serious response.

Trent may not be aware of the number of TDs that answers pertaining to Buddhism receive especially since many times the question and responses are deleted after being inundated with "No Best Answer" votes if the asker does not select a best answer: So the question and responses are relegated to cyberspace without even a ripple. Almost as interesting is that in my case after the asker has selected an answer as "Best Answer" you can *still* garner TDs. I believe I exceeded your number of 19 TDs at least on one occasion even after is was selected as "Best Answer" by the asker ( http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Av8Wa... ). But we also view TDs as a means of keeping pride in check. It's all a matter of mind where we place the emphasis.

Sarva mangalam.

EDIT 19 January 2012: We live in a world where many affront another's beliefs with hatred and distrust in their postings be they in words or TDs. I was sent the following link this morning: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=... . Now, if two unrelated species (a dog and a squirrel) can accept each other, why is it we humans with supposed higher intellect find it difficult to do likewise? Perhaps we can all learn a lesson of civility from this video.

Of all world religion, Eastern religion is the one I've most respect for.

I find Taoism a bit confusing at times, but I enjoy it, and if I were ever to convert to something, it would be Buddhism, as I agree with the core of its philosophy.

Desire is the cause of all suffering, to achieve Nirvana is to free yourself from desire, and to free yourself from the illusion that you have a self.

It's something I agree with.

Never really clicked with the idea of reincarnation though.

An a side note, I don't see many Buddhist posts in here, nor do I see them get down rated much. In fact, the only ones I see down rated in the Buddhist questions are the answers typically trying to convert everyone to Christianity.

I could be wrong though.

@Sati

I am sincerely surprised at that to be honest. It might be a troll, if I had to guess. Either that or most people have little understanding of what the beliefs of Buddhism are, and may believe you incorrect on the issue.

My father is a prime example of this. . He believes Buddhists only believe in what he calls "the middle way."

All that aside, I'm 99% certain it's a troll. Especially since everyone was downed almost equally in each of the questions you answered, it suggests 1 guy logged onto his 6 or 7 profiles and just downed everything.

Yes, Sati ... I too have seen this phenomenon. A question asked. Several valid, accurate answers, with multiple TD's. I have 11 years of weekly lessons in Tibetan Buddhism from one of the Dalai Lama's monks, so I do recognize when an answer is valid and accurate.

Guess they didn't come out of the woodwork for THIS question of yours, did they?

Love your quote.

Hatred never ends through hatred.

Thanks

The only thing I dislike about Buddhism is reincarnation, a failed attempt to convert more members with the thought of an after life..

About 100 years ago they didn't even have this concept... but now they do.

Because everyone wants the bigger better deal.

Most people actually have no problem with Buddhism most attacks are directed at the Abrahamic religions.

People sometimes just give thumbs down for no good reason and this happens to everybody it shouldn't upset you.

I do not hate Buddhists, people from other religions and philosophical thought. I just get a bit aggressive or smart, now and again.

People hate Buddhists ? That's like hating puppies.

i don't hate buddhists. to be honest, i prefer them to the other religious folk i see on here.