Buddha and the Cat

So you learn something new everyday right? Through the plight of a friend I can across something interesting in Buddhism within the last half hour.

In Japan, legend has it that a mouse was sent to get medicine for Buddha. Along his journey however he was met a hungry cat that sealed his fate and ate him. At the funeral, the cat did not repent, nor mourn the Buddha's death (he and the mamushi [a venomous serpent] were the only two that did not among all those in attendance).

As a result, the cat was held to be a cursed creature.

As a Jedi- what do you see in this story?

That ignorance of compassion and breach of dharma might be a karmic stain - which could be considered a 'curse' perhaps. I don't necessarily think karma need directly match how I view the Force, but it would be in the same sort of concept of metaphysical causality.

The cat was cursed for following its nature...why was the serpent cursed...

In other forms of buddhism cats have a different reputation...most forms revere it...
http://thebuddhasface.blogspot.com/2011/06/buddhism-and-cats-cute-kitten-and-its.html?m=1

Should things be cursed for their nature? It's all about perspective, right?

I mean, Buddha didn't banish the cats. He was dead and gone. It was his misguided students who made the call. Actually just makes me question teachers' opinions.

I got that our actions have wider effects than we realise. And just because its in your nature to do something, doesnt make it the right thing to do.

also, dont invite cats and snakes to funerals. they kill the grieving vibe.

I got that our actions have wider effects than we realise. And just because its in your nature to do something, doesnt make it the right thing to do.

Or the wrong thing.

I see no morality in this.

Khaos wrote:

I got that our actions have wider effects than we realise. And just because its in your nature to do something, doesnt make it the right thing to do.

Or the wrong thing.

I see no morality in this.

Can you elaborate please?

Well, we do a lot of things that aren't in our nature, Brenna. We hold our piss in until we find a socially acceptable place to piss. Does this make it bad? Ask Hobbes.

Helllloooooo kidney stones :whistle: and bladder infections, and uti's...all from holding it in until we reach a socially acceptable location...

RyuJin wrote: Helllloooooo kidney stones :whistle: and bladder infections, and uti's...all from holding it in until we reach a socially acceptable location...

As I recall, there is a thread on bathroom habits elsewhere.

Can we stay on topic please?