Episode 14, 13 February 2015, Indulging in Superstitions. [10:11]

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A contemporary look at Gautama Buddha’s Teachings, from Karma Yeshe Rabgye.

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Episode 14: Indulging in Superstitions. [00:45]

1. Superstition as a way of avoiding responsibility.

For centuries, people have been indulging in superstitions, lucky charms, omens, divinations, and fortune telling.

They've used these things to help them make decisions and keep them from taking responsibility for their own actions.

2. The Harm Caused by Superstition. [03:45]

You may say there's no harm done, but I beg to differ.

These two stories show just how harmful this type of trickery can be.

I believe these people are acting irresponsibly and fraudulently.

3. No use for "Low Art". [05:38]

Gautama Buddha called all these practices "low art" and on many occasions he stated that such things are of no use, as we have to take responsibility for our own lives.

In the [Anguttara Nikaya], Gautama Buddha stated that this is how responsible people act.

There is a story about a Brahman, who was an expert in predictions drawn from cloth.

Gautama Buddha did not believe in luck, fate or chance, he taught that, whatever happens, does so because of cause or causes.

4. Responsibility, Rationality and Obligations. [08:07]

So what did Gautama Buddha believe?

He believed in individual responsibility, rational thought and social obligations, rather than unhealthy fears and irrational superstitions.

This point was made very clear in the Mangala Sutra.