Rush -- a Buddhist perspective [View all]

[vlyons]

I ask myself now that Rush has died, what is an enlightened way to view his legacy? The answer that I get is to see him in much the same way that I view Trump -- as a master class in ethical morality. That is, as a person completely lacking in the virtues of ethical morality. That is, as an example of how not to be in body, speech, and mind. It's an ugly lesson. Difficult to look on Rush and still maintain a calm abiding mind, because his speech was especially ugly and without merit.

Harsh, angry language that inflames hatred and anger in others is especially non-virtuous. Divisive language that sets people against each other is also non-virtuous. We Buddhists believe that the only thing that we take with us when we die, is our mind. And wherever Rush lands in his next life, his angry contemptuous mind is what he will have as the mental formations that he takes with him.

The master lesson for me is not to follow his ugly example. Anger and hatred is what Hell is all about. If there is a god, do you think he will let an angry foul-mouthed person, who spews angry hateful divisive words, and disturb the peace of mind of those in heaven, and generally stinks up the place? I don't think so.

I ask my special spiritual friend to help me see what he sees. And he answers, see those with angry speech as an opportunity to value and practice self-discipline over my own speech.