Response to samdup: Reading your message, which I appreciate you sharing, I thought of the following quote: "Buddhism must leave Buddhism itself in order to enter the field of blessing." I think Joseph Campbell said that but I'm not sure. Anyway, it appears that you are in great inner turmoil and anguish. I have no suggestion -- I share my fantasy/thinking that in the situation that you describe I think I would respect and follow my heart more than my religion, more than my head, and definitely more than maintenance of the social status. In my understanding I could have who I love and have my Buddhism -- it's not either-or, it's both-and. if I gave up who I love, I fear I would also damage my Buddhism. I wish you well, Dave
On Dec 18, 2012 david doane wrote :