Update: Weather Service Says Rain Changing Over to Snow in San Angelo and the Concho Valley

Some people believe that statues can cry blood or that bleeding wounds appear on the hands of those who are faithful. Oddly, they believe that these things are good omens! Personally I think that's very strange... even a bit unsettling... but those people are free under the law to believe those things and, even if they weren't, some would likely persist in their beliefs!

Some reject all religion, but as Joseph Campbell said, "Half the people in the world think that the metaphors of their religious traditions, for example, are facts. And the other half contends that they are not facts at all. As a result we have people who consider themselves believers because they accept metaphors as facts, and we have others who classify themselves as atheists because they think religious metaphors are lies."

There are many who follow, but with doubts, and rightfully so. Scientific understanding has shattered the ancient notions of most of the world. But our experience of life also leads to questions. Often we experience troubles and upsets that a personal God could, hypothetically, easily prevent yet doesn't—and how much more inexplicable are the tragedies that strike? Illness, the deaths of loved ones, injustice, cruelty, misery, agony, and heartache can and do assail us. Many have a spiritual sensibility that they follow to a sacred space, but as time passes the doctrines seem less true and life makes less sense. I suspect that, much like poor Jesus, there are those who cry out wondering why God has forsaken them.

All religious activity has some value. Some Christians have very high standards of behavior. They are ethical and moral people, and their activities generally lend towards good karma and happiness. There are others who are lost in their faith like a drunken stupor and some who, regardless of any creed, are immersed in their own ego, drowning in their own passions, and trapped by their own fears. There are some who "have just a little dust on their eyes," and once it is wiped off, they'll begin to wake up.

The message of the Lotus Sutra, the "King of Scriptures," is simple and clear: "You are all destined to become Buddhas!" Joy, bliss, perfect understanding, character, and eventually form are the ultimate destiny of all beings. Once we are taught to see it and begin to act on it, it will begin to manifest.

Nichiren taught that for the age we live in, so long after the Buddha taught, the simple and widely accessible method of chanting the Sutra's title can accomplish the goal of meditation. "Namu Myoho Renge Kyo" was the chant of Nichiren, the title of the Lotus Sutra and the spiritual triage for people born in an age of spiritual decline when the people born would have the karma to fall into hell in their next lives.

Maybe that's just a myth, but... looking at my own experience of being targeted and driven out and also looking at the world around me at many of the same things Christians notice and point out, well...

https://youtu.be/1HF22rzF2zk

I understand that people may feel the need to "bend the rules," (or for that matter, the law,) in order to keep the peace and prevent some greater threat from gaining ground. We're probably on the same "team" as far as the need for keeping that threat at bay. Still, I suppose I may owe the community an apology if... Buddhism is too threatening to them... or if I seemed like the kind of guy who might successfully take on several wives. Things like this can terrify people, and if I have caused anyone to be terrified, I apologize. Sometimes I just don't know the strength of my own ability to influence, it seems....

As far as the threats made... I'm not changing my religion just because someone might use violence. If you're so unsure about your faith that you have to threaten others just to get them to stick around, I've got some answers that might help you. Otherwise... I've seen things that I took to be religious metaphor become very real for me as I've continued practice. If the inevitable happens sooner rather than later over this, it actually brings great merit. If I defend myself effectively over this issue, there's actually no demerit. The whole situation is a special kind of stupid. "Avidya" is the word.

But you're right. Relocating is a good choice. I haven't had much good to say about San Angelo, but I can't say people haven't proved me right, either. And, FWIW, you don't have to worry about "bursting my bubble." I'm not exactly surprised about what's happened. Sorry if that seems mean, somehow.

_/|\_