Buddhism

subject to any of the foibles, ignorance, naivete, and harmfulness that we all are. There is no need to project a romantic notion on those who attempt to practice and follow the Dharma, especially in an idealistic way that applies to everyone who uses the terminology.

History reveals many phases, schools and movements falling under the banner of what we now call Buddhism and the range of behavior is varied. Buddhism has been "less" deplorable overall and more peaceful and beneficial, but it still falls within the context of relative truth and dualistic thinking in that respect. Idealism and perfection are subject to the nature of the adherents, their teachers and their temporal context and culture, as well as circumstances.

That aside, there is no need to be an apologist for Buddhism as a believe system and acts such as those are deplorable and counter to the definitive nature of the Dharma itself.

It is my humble suggest that Westerners take advantage of the circumstances we in the West have when it comes to our exposure, understanding, and practice of Dharma, be the interest devotional, philosophical or intellectual. I would suggest considering that Buddhism is not actually what Buddha was about. Buddhism can be considered a religion-like result of a system methods that have also become the underpinnings of beliefs tinged with some Theological aspects.

The opportunity now is to note the value of the methods and logic and perhaps see through the cultural and traditional trappings that may or may not apply currently, which actually corresponds more directly with the living, dynamic and immediate nature of the Dharma and how it definitely relates to and reveals our own true nature.

That said, rather than resorting to any "ism" one can venture into buddhadharma with an unrestricted freedom that brings insight to the meaning of provisional teachings and their relationship to the rare, but decisive, intimate and direct aspects of the definitive wisdom that arises innately upon exposure to itself externally.

Let us resort to our natural compassion for the sentient beings involved and look for our inherent insights when it comes to our response to the suffering and misunderstandings that the event in the OP reveals. It is a truly sad and distorted situation.

Now, there is a secondary value and that is for us to look without flinching at the violence and suffering and watch, without judgment or editing the mind, our immediate response and reactions. Let this tragedy transform in our realization by opening us up to the event and its phenomena and meaning. How does it resonate? What does it reveal about our own violence, direct or subtle? Do we rationalize it and do we observe honestly even our own exposure, thoughts and feelings that arise in response to it? Do we grok the real connection directly at all?

Good fortune to you all in the Citadel of Pure Mind directly present!