The Buddha taught compassion, and unlike the Christians, a Buddhist actually tries to live compassionately. Here is my rub. It is difficult not to be judgmental and there are people that I feel resentment toward: I have strong political leanings and prejudice against organized religions; I dislike mean people and stupid people.
AMBIVALENCE
I was in the Hannaford Food Market today in our little town of about seven thousand. Usually there are between twenty and seventy people in the market at one time. Not for the first time I noticed hugely obese women riding around in electric shopping carts buying food. These women (and usually there are more women than men) are too big to walk and shop. Their legs are as bigger than my wife’s waist, their asses hanging over both sides of the seat and their bellies hang down between their legs when they stand – and they are riding around in electric carts to buy more food? This begs for a George Carlin comment.
So where does this leave me in Buddhist philosophy? I focus on my daily life and try to remain impassive to those things in the world I can not change; but, I’m not really successful.
the Ol’Buzzard
Have you ever noticed how many overweight women are either quite intelligent or beautiful under the fat, or both? But one day I picked up on how intelligent this fat woman was and started paying greater attention to obese women. It is very interesting really.
ReplyDeleteThe carts help people to get around who normally couldn't and hopefully, the more they are able to get out--perhaps they will slow down with the incessant eating. Then again, maybe not.
I know what you're saying though.
It's easy to judge if you don't know the circumstances. I try to not worry about the people using the electric carts, they have their problems and I have mine. Notice them, yes, but not really form any opinions about them.
ReplyDeleteWhat Kulkuri said.
ReplyDeleteWhat what I know of it, the eating is as much a mental disorder as physical. A cycle that is very difficult to break, particularly with those who already have a low self-esteem.
Obesity is generally a condition found mostly among the poor. Although it isn't enjoyable to see them riding their carts or walking down the bus aisle to sit next to you, it's hard not to feel sorry for them.
ReplyDelete