Tibetan Buddhist nun and teacher Pema Chödrön on transformation through difficult times:
“The difference between theism and nontheism is not whether one does or does not believe in God… Theism is a deep-seated conviction that there’s some hand to hold: if we just do the right things, someone will appreciate us and take care of us. It means thinking there’s always going to be a babysitter available when we need one. We all are inclined to abdicate our responsibilities and delegate our authority to something outside ourselves. Nontheism is relaxing with the ambiguity and uncertainty of the present moment without reaching for anything to protect ourselves.”
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Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.I believe that Pema Chodron is totally correct. In my view, the universe and we are all here by way of totally random processes, given the way the universe originated and the ways in which it is organized, laws of physics, and all that. And there is no protection from the random things that can befall any being, or even inanimate object. Apparently, the vast majority of people are not able to to be comfortable with "...the ambiguity and uncertainty" she speaks of. As I understand it, acceptance of what is is a major theme of Buddhism. In do not believe that it is meant as a form of passivity, but it is something like "Don't cry over spilled milk." Clean "it" up, rather than moan, complain and bitch; and move on.
BirdMan1
Level 8
Sep 30, 2019
1
No crutches here, no security blankets, what i have is what i have achieved myself without any help except my effort, hard work and intelligence, i never look for a hand to hold, never abdicate my responsibilities but i delegate when necessary, specially in business at work, never equated this to religion or the lack of it, just the need to get things done properly. Why do we have to get all mystic when the answer is quite clear in the secular world? Never needed to listen to swamis or nuns or mystics or any other similar b.s. to do the right thing.
Mofo1953
Level 9
Sep 29, 2019
1
Isn’t the Buddhist nun saying basically the same thing as you?
@WilliamFleming no because my statement has nothing to do with religion, comes directly as personal experience, leaving gods and other made up mystical crap out of the equation
@Mofo1953 “Nontheism is relaxing with the ambiguity and uncertainty of the present moment without reaching for anything to protect ourselves.”
Quote.
@WilliamFleming you can quote all you want, doesn't change my personal experience one iota
Most of us, consciously or unconsciously, search for our security blanket in life. Being alone in this terrifying & uncertain reality feels dreadful, & we seek solace like a child seeks it's parent on a dark night, accepting any imagionary help we can get.
A non theist can detach from the horror. This takes courage & acceptance. The courage to accept your reality & acceptance of your being. Grown ups can have the experience to trust themselves & detach, which brings freedom
Remiforce
Level 7
Sep 28, 2019
4
Very well said!
I would add that as a practical matter courage and acceptance grow with honesty, familiarity and practice.
@WilliamFleming Yes, I think so. When we're new at a challenging activity, we're naturally nervous. A willingness to accept failure & growing familiarity breed confidence, This seems so for learning any skill, especially life skill
Well there are people who have a need to believe in something or someone to help them threw life and that is fine with me, as long as they don't impinge on me and my life by trying to ram it down my throat as I don't try to do it to them either.
Jolanta
Level 9
Sep 28, 2019
5
It is the ramming that both insults and enrages me.
Not so sure that all theists believe that there is someone who will look out for them if they do the right things. I have read about those who think that a god (God) is likely, but may not be aware of humans or care. So then the question is not a binary, "does a god exist?", (yes or no) but, If a god does exists, does he/she give a shit. 
dahermit
Level 7
Sep 28, 2019
2
Very good point IMO. Deists hold that opinion. It boils down to how you define God.
In the final analysis I think we are unable to grasp the deeper questions of existence, and whatever definition or label we come up with for the great unknown beyond the senses will fall short.
IOW one is reality-based and the other fantasy-based.
jerry99
Level 8
Sep 28, 2019
0
Then the question becomes “What is real”? It is a question not easily answered.
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