TOMAS: 10-29-98.Pgh Part 2

[ZooidODell at aol.com]

(Continued)

ELYSSIA:  I would like to be able to firm up my understanding of this Buddhism
thing because it is widespread and I would like to be able to understand these
people better and to not be saying to myself that they lack the important
thing, which is, of course, to me, always, The Urantia Book.  So I guess I'd
really like some help in trying to consolidate my feelings or -- My thoughts
are not firmed up.  I want to be effective on this subject, because if I go
out there and talk about Buddhism, I really think people will know, "Yes!
Yes, it's true.  It's everywhere!" and yet I was hoping, Tomas, that you could
clarify a bit just these feeble little thoughts that I have.

TOMAS:  I will be brief in my response to you, for poignance sake.  It would
be much like saying that if you could play rinky-dink piano, you would be
familiar with the soul of the black; or if you shrewedly invested your money,
you would understand the Hebrews; or if you celebrated Christmas, you would
know the mind of Christ.  You cannot be well versed in Buddhism with a few
poignant facts. Buddhism is a way of life, an experiential frame of mind which
is one of those things that cannot be comprehended by and through academics,
and so you will not be effective in attempting to convey a heartfelt belief
about Buddhism because you are not Buddhist. You do not know Buddha.

You can discuss your understanding of the philosophy of Buddhists or the
standards ascribed to by Buddha, but even there you will fail to assimilate
the sutleties of such a belief system that is so ingrained it tints every
aspect of their life, much like your Christianity affects every aspect of your
life.  These evolved religions are very slow but sure.  They are so evolved
over such a period of time, there is no real dividing line between before they
were and now.  You can however, appreciate a belief system, a culture, a
religion, a way of life, by and through your support of its tenets or aspects
in and through your personal attitude, and this is where you are the workbook,
my dear.  This is where you are the exercise.  For in and through an attitude
of acceptance and love of all of your brethren in and through Our Father, you
will see their value, that which they have known, how they have become, that
which they have to offer, some part of what their limitations might be, and
how they might overcome those deficits by and through a greater revelation of
truth beauty and goodness such as all of you are capable of assimilating.  (To
be continued)