Buddhist brother says engaging with others in ‘violent’ and ‘bloody’ online game is like playing chess; only worries he may become addicted
Huayan once achieved the Legendary Eagle Master position, a very high ranking in Counter-Strike (CS).
“Why should I quit this good activity? While playing games, I can communicate and cooperate with people to achieve a win-win situation. I also gain empathy for others. These traits are all helpful for a person’s growth,” he said.
I thought Buddhist monks have made a vow to live a life of nothingness with no technology and no outside influences. How did he get access to screens and technology? Wouldn’t he be exiled from the monastery for bringing in such things?
I don’t know about this dude, but also not all monks are, like, born into a monetary and raised in it. So probably he played videogames when he was younger, and argued as an adult that they’re not that bad.
Some monks may do that but it’s not common to fully insulate themselves, or they may temporarily spend time away from society focused only on dhamma study but otherwise will read the news and engage in activism and wordly things plenty. They don’t handle money and avoid alcohol, sex and drugs etc usually but still have recreation and even fight in militaries at times. Many monks and buddhist lay people specifically take a vow to remain in the worldly sphere (as a “Bodhisattva”) so they can use their experience and conditioning to help guide other people out of the suffering of the mundane world.
I thought Christian pastors have made a vow to serve the Lord and abstain from monetization of the church. How did they get access to little boys holes? Wouldn’t they be exiled from the church for raping kids?
Ah, you’re comparing this videogame-playing monk to those guys? Then clearly something ain’t right here.
It’s hyperbolic. An exaggerated example to prove a point.
A better example would be the Amish. There are multiple different sects that allow varying use of technology, with some allowing computers and phones.
Their whole thing about technology is it being a distraction from God, and different groups have different lines drawn.
I’d imagine that getting to interact with people from all over the world would fit in with Buddhism’s quest for enlightenment for some monks, but not others.
That is the amish.
Some sects allow computer and cellphone use. I’d imagine there’s different sects of Buddhist monks with varying thoughts on the topic.
Nah, not all monastic orders are the same at all