Traditional Buddhism Isn't

I saw on Facebook that the Dalai Lama gave support for gay marriage.

Someone posted: I thought Tibetan Buddhism traditionally rejected homosexuality.

"Tibetan Buddhism traditionally..." Perhaps he was being in the present, instead of in the dictates of the past. As a leader, he has some traditional responsibilities. As an enlightened being, he sees much more.

Tibetan Buddhists made up rules based on how they saw life. The rules are for those that need a better set of rules to give up the set they stumbled into. Many don't even realize they have a set of rules, much less know they're not true or real.

Ultimately, Buddhism is about seeing that all rules are artificial, constructs of the mind, communicated in an abstract language that can't begin to approach the wonder of existence. Ultimately, Buddhism is about seeing that what we think is "life" is also artificial, a construct of the mind. "Life" might be real, but it's beyond our thoughts. Our thoughts and understandings can point at it, but it's ultimately unknowable. Thinking we understand stuff is merely pride, our most common mistake.

Buddhism has a pretty good set of rules for many. If one rule, like "no gay sex" doesn't work for you, discard it. Suffering is one of least likely ways to find enlightenment. Buddha said "life is suffering". But he said it so we could notice that it's our default condition, not because it's true or necessary.

Buddha preached Buddhism, but wasn't bound by the rules. He invented a set of rules and ways of looking at life that are valuable for many. He made them up, then lived them and taught them by choice, not because they were true. They're just rules. They're not truth. And, they've helped many.

We all inherit lots of rules. Some we keep, others we discard. All animals have certain natures. It's best to live in harmony with ours. Adapt the rules to live a good life. But, don't necessarily believe your thoughts about what you need or don't need. To me, the Dalai Lama says to look at your happiness- your tranquility, the love in your life, your appreciation to see if your rules are working for you. Those people that are bent out of shape about people not following "traditional Buddhist rules" haven't learned very much about Buddhism, or gotten very far toward enlightenment.