I expect that most American Buddhists are liberals just as you describe your friend. There is a preconceived view in the west of what Buddhism is and that attracts people who think it will be a validation of their own views.
But religions of all flavors find themselves to be convenient decorations for those seeking self-validation. Thus there are a very large number of self-identified Christians who are liberals in spite of the fact that the core precepts don't align very well with liberal philosophy and policies.
If your friend had said he felt that he, personally, wasn't fit to sit on the jury to me that would have been a Buddhist way of looking at things. To say that he couldn't "because I am a Buddhist" sounds more like a cop out to avoid taking responsibility for his own feelings about it. Not a Buddhist way of dealing with things IMO.
There are no perfect followers of the Buddhist path though. If you already knew the way what need would you have for a guided path? As Krishna said to Arjuna in the story "you have to proceed from where you are." For the vast majority of people that starting point is "near hopelessly lost." ;^)
Yeah, it is very cool, but they cut the whole vocal off the back of that track.
BTW, I think the saxophonist in that bit has gone on to become the touring horn for Dave Matthews Band since their old guy passed away.
That looks like a guitar with a banjo body. I’m fairly certain it’s technically an electric banjo.
One can never be 100% sure, but I think the term “American Buddhists” says a lot! In the case of the few folks that I have met who speak of being Buddhist there is something of a romantic notion about it. In the same way many in the left seem to hold “pacifism” in some kind of high regard, as with many that I know on the left who are vegetarian. There is this image of nobility, for being or pretending to be Buddhist, for not eating animals, for being “pacifist” ~ an heir of superiority. I think there is a kind of elitism in it. Obviously, this ain’t Buddhism and exists in many worldviews and religions. Often, in contradiction to the tenets of such a faith or ideology.
People that I know who are on the right who are vegetarian may do so for a variety of reasons, but aside from a little good natured kidding around they really don’t care what others think and they don’t feel a compulsion to “convert” or convince others to come around to their way of seeing, or eating.
For this matter, I like to take something of a “Clintonian” spin on reality when addressing these unhappy herbivores; unless I actually have the flesh of an animal in my mouth, I am as good a vegetarian as anyone else. As I type to you right now, I am a vegetarian. So, I can not be diminished by such haughty plant-eaters.
My acquaintance was simply saying that he was going to use the matter of claiming to be a Buddhist, whether he actually considers himself to be one, to get out of jury duty. I have such low opinion of this notion that I am actually somewhat conflicted on the term that I use to describe this person; friend or acquaintance.
Certainly, and from what I have read and understand, this is not the Buddha Darhma either.
I still couldn’t find the quote on pacifism that I was looking for. Thought it was Lewis, maybe Chesterton? I did however see this one;
“Everyone’s a pacifist between wars. It’s like being a vegetarian between meals.” ~ Colman McCarthy
;0)