From bitch to buddhist

I want to, but…

The five precepts of Buddhism state that one should:   

refrain from destroying living creatures.

                                                                                                                Refrain from taking that which is not given

                                                                                                                Refrain from sexual misconduct

                                                                                                                Refrain from incorrect speech

                                                                                                                Refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs

In my daily life it is easy to refrain from taking which is not given, refrain from sexual misconduct, refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs…but incorrect speech and refraining from destroying living creatures…that is a little bit more difficult.

Incorrect speech is gossip (which I hate to admit that I LOVE a good story)

Incorrect speech is lying (which I do engage in little white lies here and there)

Incorrect speech is speaking ill of others. (this blog is called from Bitch to Buddhist isn’t it?)

It is difficult for me to keep tabs on what I say at any given moment.  Part of me thinks “yeah freakin right.  I can refrain from incorrect speech for all of three minutes!”  Seriously…hearing of and talking about Josie’s sexual escapades and Linda’s affair with the pool boy make my day a little more interesting at times.  But alas, I must engage in these no more. 

Buddhism speaks to me. It makes me feel more whole, and gives me the urge to be a better person…but a better person who doesn’t eat meat? Kill frightening creepy crawlers? Ugh…I dunno!

I have to say, I don’t think being a vegetarian would be that difficult if I didn’t have an addiction to my family’s famous tacos.  Yummy beef tacos.  I love them, and everyone I have made them for loves them.  My grandmother taught me, and the rest of the family that food is love.  When you care about people, feed them and feed them well.  Beef tacos, shredded beef tamales, pork soft tacos, and chicken burritos are among my favorites of her love.  I don’t know if I could live my life void of this type of nostalgic affection in my life.  Food is love…but Buddhism is growth and enlightenment. 

Lets see if I can be a good follower of the Buddha and follow the five precepts.  Take it a day at a time, and wean myself from my addiction to meat. 

I can’t promise anything about the creepy crawlers.

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