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**12Cickprior** · 06-28-2006, 08:00 AM

Many westerners have ideas about eastern religions that come from reading translations of old religious works. This is a trap; these translations are always missing something. Many of them are slanted by the translator's view. It gives you a very incomplete picture at best, and in most cases a wrong picture.

When people have a preconceived idea of how a belief system work, they will be disappointed by reality. It is better to give up the preconception and form your own opinion by staying in a country where that religion is practiced, watching people and learning about their culture. It takes a long time and is harder than reading a book or watching a TV special. You opinion will change several times before you make up your mind. It is very challenging.

For example, if you watch Taoism you will see something very different from "nothing really matters" and "life is meaningless". You will see life full of responsibility. You will even see an afterlife full of responsibility. At least, that is what I have seen. I'll bet others on this board have seen much more.

06-28-2006, 08:00 AM	#4
12Cickprior Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 534 Senior Member	Many westerners have ideas about eastern religions that come from reading translations of old religious works. This is a trap; these translations are always missing something. Many of them are slanted by the translator's view. It gives you a very incomplete picture at best, and in most cases a wrong picture. When people have a preconceived idea of how a belief system work, they will be disappointed by reality. It is better to give up the preconception and form your own opinion by staying in a country where that religion is practiced, watching people and learning about their culture. It takes a long time and is harder than reading a book or watching a TV special. You opinion will change several times before you make up your mind. It is very challenging. For example, if you watch Taoism you will see something very different from "nothing really matters" and "life is meaningless". You will see life full of responsibility. You will even see an afterlife full of responsibility. At least, that is what I have seen. I'll bet others on this board have seen much more.
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