I did not realise how much of Viola's ideas surround religion. Of course, it goes hand in hand with the 'life death rebirth'...
He mentions (p.121, from the book Reasons for Knocking at an Empty House) the story of the Buddha:
which led me to think about my buddhist family, and how strange it was to think about everything in english.. it feels like a different religion altogether... though I wouldn't be able to explain it in mandarin either.. I feel disconnected from it, though I am eager to learn it all again. I read the basics of buddhism online in english and it sounded familiar but not at the same time.. it was a weird feeling. I didn't know there were things called '4 noble truths' and '8 fold path' etc... but then again, my family and I are in a very specific branch in chan buddhism.. anyway, I told my mum I wanted to learn again (I don't know why, but I get embarrassed about this kind of topic, expressing interest) and she was very happy to hear I think. She even said I can teach it one day. Well, I do want to learn because I truly think the religion I was brought up with is the absolute truth. It is funny, the way you are brought up affects your viewpoint so much in life.
He mentions (p.121, from the book Reasons for Knocking at an Empty House) the story of the Buddha:
which led me to think about my buddhist family, and how strange it was to think about everything in english.. it feels like a different religion altogether... though I wouldn't be able to explain it in mandarin either.. I feel disconnected from it, though I am eager to learn it all again. I read the basics of buddhism online in english and it sounded familiar but not at the same time.. it was a weird feeling. I didn't know there were things called '4 noble truths' and '8 fold path' etc... but then again, my family and I are in a very specific branch in chan buddhism.. anyway, I told my mum I wanted to learn again (I don't know why, but I get embarrassed about this kind of topic, expressing interest) and she was very happy to hear I think. She even said I can teach it one day. Well, I do want to learn because I truly think the religion I was brought up with is the absolute truth. It is funny, the way you are brought up affects your viewpoint so much in life.