I have to wonder about human nature. I don't think it's just because I am chronically passive-aggressive that I get so upset when people act like belligerent assholes for no apparent reason. At some point you have to think, isn't life more enjoyable when you choose to contribute positively to a community?

I've been reading a book called "Living Buddha, Living Christ", by Thich Nhat Hahn. It's claiming that Buddhism and Christianity aren't that removed from each other, that they're based on the same principles of peace, love and service, just walking a slighty different path to reach the same goal. Buddhism resonates me way more than I thought it would. It's such an introspective religion, based on the idea that it is impossible to achieve peace among people, much less among nations, if we can't first make peace within ourselves. So self-knowledge becomes central to spiritual development. Christianity I guess is much more based on God-knowledge, like my journey as a Christian is based on how well I know God, rather than myself.

The book refers a lot to the gnostic gospels, and how ideas presented by Jesus in these texts are similar to Buddhist teachings. Listen: (from the gospel of Thomas)

Jesus said, "If those who lead you say to you, 'Look, the Kingdom is in the sky,' then the birds of the sky will get there first. If they say, 'It is in the sea,' then the fish will get there first. Rather, the Kingdom is inside of you, and it is outside of you. When you come to know yourselves, then you will become known, and you will realize that it is you who are the children of the living Father. But if you will not know yourselves, then you dwell in poverty, and it is you who are that poverty."

'It is you who are that poverty.' That is fantastically true.

Another thing that Buddhism stresses is the importance of living in the moment, experiencing every thing in every day to its fullest, not being obsessed with the past or future.

I love it. Here's another favorite passage:

"Until there is peace between religions, there can be no peace in the world. People kill and are killed because they cling too tightly to their own beliefs and ideologies. When we believe that ours is the only faith that contains the truth, violence and suffering will surely be the result. ...Do not think the knowledge you presently possess is changeless, absolute truth. Avoid being narrow-minded and bound to present views. Learn and practice nonattachment from views in order to be open to receive others' viewpoints. This is the most essential practice of peace."

Right from my heart, man. I love this book. You should read it.