Ask A Buddhist

[bodhigirlsmiles]

Although not fully explained by Joseph Smith, we gather that "intelligence" equates to "light and truth" (see D&C 88, 93).

Prior to this life, we lived in God's presence as his spirit children. He created our spirits from intelligence. Some members believe that intelligences were beings of thought and understanding.

Many LDS scholars, however, believe that intelligence is pure matter from which all things are created. D&C 88 tells us that the "light of Christ" penetrates all space, and is the power by which the sun, moon and stars operate (remain in their orbits, burn, whatever).

Imagine if a basic intelligence were an atom. It has basic properties and characteristics. An oxygen atom can be used for breathing, for example. All atoms of a kind have the same properties, and so are a specific form of intelligence. Then, when combined with two hydrogen atoms, an oxygen atom becomes a water molecule. Suddenly the new intelligence has more capabilities. The sum of the parts is not equal to the whole. Water has new properties that neither oxygen nor hydrogen atoms have alone. These molecules can then be combined with others to form higher levels of intelligence.

We eventually get to a point where the intelligence obtains individuality in its organization: a spirit. Later, as we desired to develop more like God is, we gained physical bodies and became higher levels of intelligence still. The goal is to become like God, who is the highest form of intelligence of all.

In this way, all creation is God's creation and equally loved by him. A bug's creation is from the same or similar intelligence as I'm created. Both of us can obtain heaven.

thank you both of you for your thoughtful responses.

i would like to share with you some thoughts by the dalai lama on this topic....

As a boy studying Buddhism, I was taught the importance of a caring attitude toward the environment. Our practice of non-violence applies not just to human beings but to all sentient beings any living thing that has a mind. Where there is a mind, there are feelings such as pain, pleasure, and joy. No sentient being wants pain; all want happiness instead. I believe that all sentient beings share these feelings at some basic level.

In Buddhist practice we get so used to this idea of non-violence and the ending of all suffering that we become accustomed to not harming or destroying anything indiscriminately. Although we do not believe that trees or flowers have minds, we treat them also with respect. Thus we share a sense of universal responsibility for both mankind and nature.

Our belief in reincarnation is one example of our concern for the future. If you think that you will be reborn, you are likely to say to yourself, I have to preserve such and such because my future reincarnation will be able to continue with these things. Even though there is a chance you may be reborn as a different creature, perhaps even on a different planet, the idea of reincarnation gives you reason to have direct concern about this planet and future generations.

Concern for the environment is not necessarily holy, nor does it always require compassion. We Buddhists express compassion for all sentient beings, but this compassion is not necessarily extended to every rock or tree or house. Most of us are somewhat concerned about our own house, but not really compassionate about it. We keep it in order so that we can live and be happy. We know that to have happy feelings in our house we must take care of it. So our feelings may be of concern rather than compassion.

Similarly, our planet is our house, and we must keep it in order and take care of it if we are genuinely concerned about happiness for ourselves, our children, our friends, and other sentient beings who share this great house with us. If we think of the planet as our house or as our mother-Mother Earth we automatically Feel concern For our environment. Today we understand that the future of humanity very much depends on our planet, and that the future of the planet very much depends on humanity. But this has not always been so clear to us. Until now, you see, Mother Earth has somehow tolerated sloppy house habits. But now human use, population, and technology have reached that certain stage where Mother Earth no longer accepts our presence with silence. In many ways she is now telling us, "My children are behaving badly." She is warning us that there are limits to our actions.

The Tibetan Buddhist attitude is one of contentment, and there may be some connection here with our attitude toward the environment. We don't indiscriminately consume. We put a limit on our consumption. We admire simple living and individual responsibility. We have always considered ourselves as part of our environment, but not just any part. Our ancient scriptures speak of the container and the contained. The world is the container our house and we are the contained the contents of the container. From these simple facts we deduce a special relationship, because without the container, the contents cannot be contained. Without the contents, the container contains nothing. It's meaningless.

It is not at all wrong for humans to use nature to make useful things, but we must not exploit nature unnecessarily. It is good to live in a house, to have medicines, and to be able to drive somewhere in a car. In the right hands, a machine is not a luxury, but something very useful. A camera, for example, can be used to make pictures that promote understanding.

But everything has its limit. Too much consumption or effort to make money is no good. Neither is too much contentment. In principle, contentment is a goal, but pure contentment becomes almost like suicide, doesn't it? I think the Tibetans had, in certain fields, too much contentment. And we lost our country. These days we cannot afford too much contentment about the environment.

what do you make of his teachings?

[Hemidakota]

Hmm...if I begin to post my own posture feelings, I would be [cyber space] stoned. :) I really feel for Joseph Smith and those who seek the same – to know ‘what was’. I can understand it was not subject that can be treated without making a point clearly and understanding that anyone can make alternative conclusions. A few here know what I am referring too.

There are some truths in Dalia Lama assumption or written experiences. Yet, it wasn't him who knew about this or its precepts. I do believe even Enoch seen it with his own eyes.

[Hemidakota]

Before I forget, "The goal is to become like God, who is the highest form of intelligence of all.", yes and no. As long there is human created form, there is something above HIM.

Before anyone decide to throw some stones at the computer screen, I truly love my Heavenly Parents. At times, it is hard for me to live another mortal day without shedding some tears of being apart from them both.

[bodhigirlsmiles]

i believe that we are all connected in a very intrinsic way....from rocks to insects to humans to whales....there cannot be one without the other.

do i believe that there are different levels of intelligence and sentience? yes, absolutely.

i have always enjoyed the words of chief seattle....

Every hillside, every valley, every plain and grove has been hollowed by some sad or happy event in days long vanished. The very dust you now stand on responds more willingly to their footsteps than to yours, because it is rich with the blood of our ancestors and our bare feet are conscious of the sympathetic touch.

Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.

You must teach your children that the ground beneath their feet is the ashes of your grandfathers. So that they will respect the land, tell your children that the earth is rich with the lives of our kin. Teach your children what we have taught our children, that the earth is our mother. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. If men spit upon the ground, they spit upon themselves.

[Hemidakota]

True....for all we know, our simple universe can be a simple neuron that governs a small fraction stored truths for a higher Intelligence.

[bodhigirlsmiles]

Hmm...if I begin to post my own posture feelings, I would be [cyber space] stoned. :) I really feel for Joseph Smith and those who seek the same – to know ‘what was’. I can understand it was not subject that can be treated without making a point clearly and understanding that anyone can make alternative conclusions. A few here know what I am referring too.

There are some truths in Dalia Lama assumption or written experiences. Yet, it wasn't him who knew about this or its precepts. I do believe even Enoch seen it with his own eyes.

it has been told to me by an lds friend that joseph smith once said

The things of God are of deep import; and time and experience and careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts can only find them out. Thy mind, 0 man, if thou wilt lead a soul unto salvation, must stretch as high as the utmost heavens and search into and contemplate the darkest abyss and the broad expanse of eternity—thou must commune with God....None but fools will trifle with the souls of men.

i love this quote. i love that he taught all to stretch to the heavens and search the darkest abyss. this is wisdom.

[HiJolly]

Before I forget, "The goal is to become like God, who is the highest form of intelligence of all.", yes and no. As long there is human created form, there is something above HIM.

Yes, you're on thin ice there, in an LDS context. I think you're speaking of things as they are in the third (highest) heaven. Yes?

Before anyone decide to throw some stones at the computer screen, I truly love my Heavenly Parents. At times, it is hard for me to live another mortal day without shedding some tears of being apart from them both.

Amen, my brother.

HiJolly

[rameumptom]

Bodhi, I think with the exception of the concept of reincarnation, I agree with the concepts you express. Our view of resurrection and dwelling in the presence of God in an eternal family structure gives us pause to reflect on our responsibilities to nature, mankind, and all things. We use the term "stewardship" as Joseph Smith's way of stating we do not own anything, but are just stewards of this earth and the things God has given us. We will be held accountable by God for how we use the earth or abuse it.

God wishes we use things with moderation and wisdom and not to excess, as that is sin (see D&C 89). We are to partake of all our food with thanksgiving, given something living has had to provide it. Our efforts are to be used to create beauty and to promote heavenly and good things upon the earth, so that we will then know how to create beauty and heavenly things in heaven.

Joseph Smith's statement comes from the current Joseph Smith manual we are studying in Church. You can read the quote in chapter 22.

Joseph also stated:

Knowledge is necessary to life and godliness. Woe unto you priests and divines who preach that knowledge is not necessary unto life and salvation. Take away Apostles, etc., take away knowledge, and you will find yourselves worthy of the damnation of hell. Knowledge is revelation. Hear, all ye brethren, this grand key: knowledge is the power of God unto salvation.

Knowledge does away with darkness, suspense and doubt; for these cannot exist where knowledge is. … In knowledge there is power

Joseph's greatest effort, I believe, was to teach the members how to seek God and attempt to experience their own theophany. In the book of Mormon, the D&C, the temple endowment, and in Joseph's continual efforts with the saints, he always sought to bring people into God's presence in a shared experience.

This, for me, is one of the strengths of Mormonism. Mohammed didn't have anyone else experiencing Gabriel the angelic messenger. Edgar Cayce, Mary Baker Eddy, Nostradamus, and other prophets have been solo artists. They saw heaven, and everyone else had to experience it through them.

Joseph Smith sought to have others experience his visions with him. Oliver Cowdery saw the angel Moroni, John the Baptist; Peter, James and John; Moses, Elijah, and Jesus Christ with Joseph. Martin Harris and David Whitmer saw Moroni with Joseph and Oliver. Sidney Rigdon saw heaven and God on his throne with Joseph. Sidney and Frederick G Williams saw the first Mormon temple in Kirtland in vision together with Joseph, saying it showed in the distance and came closer until it zoomed over them so they could see the interior. Hundreds of saints saw angels and Christ during the dedication of the Kirtland Temple. People in the area saw angels on the roof top of the temple.

Other shared visions and experiences would occur. And they still occur, as leaders pray with their counselors and receive shared revelations on issues regarding their callings. The vision on the priesthood revelation of 1978 occurred with the First Presidency and 11 of the 12 apostles present. I've heard two of those apostles proclaim how sublime the experience was: greater than the witness of the Son of God, stated one of them.

So, while I grant the others their inspiration, it is still very different than the claims of Joseph Smith, who sought all God's children to receive revelation and to stand in God's presence and be like him.

[HiJolly]

it has been told to me by an lds friend that joseph smith once said

The things of God are of deep import; and time and experience and careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts can only find them out. Thy mind, 0 man, if thou wilt lead a soul unto salvation, must stretch as high as the utmost heavens and search into and contemplate the darkest abyss and the broad expanse of eternity—thou must commune with God....None but fools will trifle with the souls of men.

i love this quote. i love that he taught all to stretch to the heavens and search the darkest abyss. this is wisdom.

Yes. I advise all that before they venture forth, they first purify their inner vessel. Otherwise it's a dangerous prospect indeed.

HiJolly

[Hemidakota]

Yes, you're on thin ice there, in an LDS context. I think you're speaking of things as they are in the third (highest) heaven. Yes?

Amen, my brother.

HiJolly

No. Beyond that....Not even among the brethren [those who know it] will discuss it openly. It requires a deeper understanding of the creation itself and the grand purpose of Intelligences; being instructed over period of time by the Holy Ghost until it becomes 'perfect knowledge'. John only touch it briefly from his vision -Book of Revelation -...

I just marvel on how much Joseph really knew and what was allowed to church.

[Hemidakota]

Joseph's greatest effort, I believe, was to teach the members how to seek God and attempt to experience their own theophany. In the book of Mormon, the D&C, the temple endowment, and in Joseph's continual efforts with the saints, he always sought to bring people into God's presence in a shared experience.

Exactly...

Other shared visions and experiences would occur. And they still occur, as leaders pray with their counselors and receive shared revelations on issues regarding their callings. The vision on the priesthood revelation of 1978 occurred with the First Presidency and 11 of the 12 apostles present. I've heard two of those apostles proclaim how sublime the experience was: greater than the witness of the Son of God, stated one of them.

I have to contend with the Brethren with that statement, that there is no visions, dreams, or revelations greater than be first-hand witness of our Heavenly Parents, standing in the Temple within the Celestial Kingdom.

It is the goal of GOD to ensure we have the same heavenly privileges as the former brethren, as Joseph taught, to walk with HIM in this mortal probation.

[rameumptom]

Why do you have to contend with the statement? I never said they had the greatest or most sublime vision, yet perhaps they did. I was left with the impression that they had a witness of the Father and Son together, or a theophany.

Being in the presence of the Father is the most sublime experience any one of us can have.

Interestingly, during the Nauvoo temple dedication, first session, Pres Hinckley paused for a moment, his eyes teared up, and he said, "I feel the presence of the Father, Son and Joseph Smith." It, too, was a sublime experience for those of us present, even in our myriad stake center locations.