[Buddha-l] A candid question

[Erik Hoogcarspel]

Joy Vriens schreef:
>
>> But I disagree with your assumption that practicing severe austerities was  
>> reserved for Brahmins, at any time, or that it was also "meant" to lead to  
>> death. The aim was above all to curb domination of the mind by the senses  
>> and by bodily needs. 
>>     
>
> No, the contrary if I may believe the Paramahamsa-Parivrajaka Upanishad. Although for me and most modern Westerners any austerity would be severe. 
>  
>   
What I don't understand, Joy is what on earth gave you the idea that brahmins practice austerities. The brahmins I know eat and drink abundantly, learn silly poems by heart and drink soma. And if they're old enough they drop out and turn on. They were the real hippies.

Erik


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