Buddhism in connection with friends and family ...
...or: No human being is an island.
We live with countless other people in our daily lives. Friends and family come very close to us.
As Buddhists (or people interested in Buddhism), we are often faced with the question of how we should treat our loved ones in our daily lives.
Should we be lenient, or assertive? How do we bring our beliefs into our daily interactions?
Should we address grievances, or better keep quiet?
The path of Buddha was the path of the middle, but also the path to truth.
What is true may be said, yes, it must be said. As a Buddhist, one should (always) tell the truth.
From experience I know that problems do not disappear if you "keep quiet" about them.
But: always with a proper amount of kindness; our words and actions must show the love we feel for our "loved ones".
We should always point out solutions, never being too determinate, always friendly but determined in the matter.
The most important thing is that a Buddhist life results in the creation of an example. "Preaching water and drinking wine" is certainly the wrong approach.
Show those around you how you approach things from your Buddhist worldview. Actions speak louder than words.
If you come to the conclusion that it can make sense to talk about the philosophy of Buddha, then do so. But do not impose the teaching on anyone.
Find the necessary and important time to take care of your loved ones, to do things together that are important to everyone.
Be responsive to needs and preferences, inclinations and desires.
And remember: what is true must be said!
SOMETIMES I THINK WE ARE NOT A FAMILY, BUT A BIOLOGICAL EXPERIMENT
- AL BUNDY - FICTIONAL CHARACTER FROM A US SITCOM
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