To the Buddhists here: How do you think Buddhism is compatible with human nature?

I have been interested in the Buddhist worldview for a while, and a question has recently formed in my mind: Considering that we are all decendents of apes, with all the natural instincts that come with it, how can one think that there is place for a "Buddha" nature? If it lies in our nature to be creatures whose primary functions are survival and procreation, and if it similarly lies in our nature to be killers and predators, how is it possible that there is a "Buddha" nature?

The cycles, the rhythms, the flows, the ebbs.

We can override that instinct to grab a rock and bash another ape who has slighted us in some way, usually by realizing the desire to go through life without ever being slighted is what is making us want to be violent, not the slight itself.

That's Buddha nature.

from what I have seen it may be the most suitable sort of spiritual practice for people because it seems to be the most immune from the cancer of sectarianism.

It's the religion least likely to lead to people doing evil things.

did not consider himself to be God or a God. nt

the 'monkey mind'.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_monkey

http://www.buddhanet.net/pdf_file/monkeym.pdf

question your assumptions carefully.

If it is in our natures to be killers and predators, all of us, then only external factors pressure us into not killing and predating.

I know that is not true for me.

Question your definitions. What is a killer or a predator? Are you a carnivore? Do you wear leather? Do you live in a house that has displaced an ecology?

If yes, you have inured yourself to the part of your nature that is compassionate and empathic to survive. You have carefully redefined "good" and "bad" as relative to yourself.

Life is NOT objective, in our experience. :-)

What is good for you is evil for the cow.

animals may be as well, but humans definitely are. What that means is that it is possible to consciously abandon our predatory natures if we wish. Perhaps a little more study of Buddhism would be of benefit. You might visit your local Buddhist organization and confer with someone there about your questions. I'm sure you'll find a friendly welcome and the explanations you seek. Truly.

You'll find Buddhism a very interesting religion/philosophy, I'm sure.

...and it is our huge pre-frontal cortex that allows us to be aware our thoughts and to suppress impulsive, habitual actions. Meditation over many years basically rewires the of the behavioral circuits in your neo-cortex.

Buddha was an avatar. (From the original on down the line)

Krishna was an avatar.

Jesus was an avatar.

Moses may have been an avatar (probably was based on his name).

Mohammed was an avatar.

Animals can have Buddha nature because all mind is from Brahma - the ineffable mind of the creative whole.

Dolphins and whales may actually be higher evolved perfected forms than humans (bigger brains etc.)

But among most primates are not really killers and predators (unless you count fruit, seeds, nuts and leafy greens).

In the concept of reincarnation we evolve through all beings and levels of consciousness and human beings are at a spiritual evolutionary stage where they need to reconnect with their brahmanic nature (Nirvana. Buddha nature, unity with the divine ALL) through compassion and the abandonment of desire and attachment to physical pleasures, material desires, etc. By seeking to attainthe Buddha nature we accelerate our unity with the Divine original mind of the Creator which is ineffable and really beyond human understanding.

That is how it is possible. We are not governed only by our material "functions" - we are also evolving on a nonmaterial (spiritual) way.

Trying to attain the Buddha nature frees one from suffering as one no longer is stuck in the "I want" mode and focus on higher purposes (i.e. compassion, charity, love, caring, humanity, service, etc.)

I don't think it's possible if you reproduce, I
don't think I could give over responsibility for
the desire for my children to live without
deprivation.

I do think it's possible if you are only responsible
for your own welfare.

with the essential quesiton of human nature.

Monotheistic religions start with the essential nature of the Creator. The standard catechism for the Church asks "what is the purpose of Man" and the answer is "To give glory to God", so that human nature is seen as primarily in relationship to God.

Buddhism basically states that the question of the deity is unknowable outside of human existence. Human nature is unique because it is aware of its own suffering. The core of Buddhism deals with transcending your material world and getting control over your own personal nature in order to reduce your attachment to unnecessary relations that cause suffering.

In that sense Buddhism is completely compatible with human nature. That however does not make it either 1)true or 2)advantageous.

If you believe that we are primarily abandoned and want a belief system that confronts that reality then Buddhism would be a good choice. If you believe that we are the result of an intended action by a Supreme Being that has an intention to relate personally to us then the fact that it is compatable with human nature would not be a good thing, you would want a religion that helps you transcend your human nature not be 'compatible' with it.

into like, you, know, a higher plane sort of deal.