Comments on: Beware of “moral people” http://www.bodhipaksa.com/archives/beware-of-moral-people random thoughts of a western buddhist Sat, 11 Feb 2012 21:43:16 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Rosana http://www.bodhipaksa.com/archives/beware-of-moral-people/comment-page-1#comment-73156 Rosana Sun, 14 Jun 2009 11:42:58 +0000 http://www.bodhipaksa.com/?p=1805#comment-73156 Hi Bodhipaksa The text made me think of the sad image we have of politicians in my country (Brazil). The most 'traditional' ones would start every speech by saying how honest and 'explaining' how sincere they are in their intentions to help the needy population. Sadly, these are usually the same people who embezzle piblic money which would help poor children. I know this is my 'local' view and most politicians in affluent countries are not so obviously hypocritical as here but I felt like sharing my thoughts. Hi Bodhipaksa

The text made me think of the sad image we have of politicians in my country (Brazil). The most ‘traditional’ ones would start every speech by saying how honest and ‘explaining’ how sincere they are in their intentions to help the needy population. Sadly, these are usually the same people who embezzle piblic money which would help poor children. I know this is my ‘local’ view and most politicians in affluent countries are not so obviously hypocritical as here but I felt like sharing my thoughts.

]]> By: bodhipaksa http://www.bodhipaksa.com/archives/beware-of-moral-people/comment-page-1#comment-73070 bodhipaksa Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:43:09 +0000 http://www.bodhipaksa.com/?p=1805#comment-73070 It seems from the research that having an idea of oneself as "moral" is mainly a problem when it's not accompanied with a clear set of internalized ethical rules. It's that combination that makes "moral" people more likely to cheat than the average person. But one thing that's been striking me recently is how the Buddha stressed the need to abandon all views of oneself, and what you say seems to be in line with that. As soon as we have an idea of ourselves being a good person we look for others to recognize that. We cling to our self-identification and suffer when it's not validated by others. It seems from the research that having an idea of oneself as “moral” is mainly a problem when it’s not accompanied with a clear set of internalized ethical rules. It’s that combination that makes “moral” people more likely to cheat than the average person. But one thing that’s been striking me recently is how the Buddha stressed the need to abandon all views of oneself, and what you say seems to be in line with that. As soon as we have an idea of ourselves being a good person we look for others to recognize that. We cling to our self-identification and suffer when it’s not validated by others.

]]> By: The Conscious Life http://www.bodhipaksa.com/archives/beware-of-moral-people/comment-page-1#comment-73064 The Conscious Life Fri, 12 Jun 2009 07:35:20 +0000 http://www.bodhipaksa.com/?p=1805#comment-73064 Hi Bodhipaksa, Thanks for highlighting this article. It's a very good reminder. Self-righteousness is indeed a pitfall that many 'moral people' fall into unknowingly. Although I don't see myself as a moral person, I do see myself as a 'good' man sometimes, especially when I'm at a dilemma. This is no less dangerous than what the author has mentioned. Because my mind is trying to form an identity that shouts for recognition and even acclamation (gasp!). Once it's formed, it'll be used as a front to do evil things for 'good' causes. I must stay vigilant. Wish me luck. Hi Bodhipaksa, Thanks for highlighting this article. It’s a very good reminder. Self-righteousness is indeed a pitfall that many ‘moral people’ fall into unknowingly. Although I don’t see myself as a moral person, I do see myself as a ‘good’ man sometimes, especially when I’m at a dilemma. This is no less dangerous than what the author has mentioned. Because my mind is trying to form an identity that shouts for recognition and even acclamation (gasp!). Once it’s formed, it’ll be used as a front to do evil things for ‘good’ causes. I must stay vigilant. Wish me luck.

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