Video games better than meditation ;-)

[koala]

From http://techdirt.com/articles/20090922/0328396274.shtml

Buddhist Leader Says Playing Video Games Lets Out Aggression; Better Method Than Meditation

While other religious and political leaders around the world are busy creating moral panics around violent video games, it appears that one Buddhist leader feels quite differently about them....

"The aggression that comes out in the video game satiates whatever desire I might have to express that feeling. For me, that's very skillful because when I do that I don't have to go and hit anyone over the head."

In response, the interviewer asks "shouldn't meditation take care of that?" to which he replies: "No, video games are just a skillful method." So, kids, next time some politician says that violent video games are bad, why not point out that one of the most peaceful men in the world uses them to let out some aggression in ways that meditation cannot provide.

[Zealex]

Videos games can relax one, but can frustrate one to the point were they will hit someone in the head...Interesting article.

[ArmaTheGreek]

I agree with Zealex, playing video games has two sides and you won't be able notice it right away.

Playing video games can be relaxing and everytime you're stressed all you need to do is to play video games and that leads to addiction. And once you're addicted it will lead to frustration that can lead to stress.

[Laurie52]

"In all things use Moderation"

But then how do you get to play at Carnegie Hall?

Practice, practice, practice ;)

[007josh]

I totally agree whenever I get mad I go and play a shooter, and go blow people away, and it calms me down.

[Mcninjaguy]

I do enjoy blowing away Nazi's in Company of Heroes. Makes me go whosh and a calm feeling comes over me.

Watching TV is interesting but the only good TV is shows like House, Monty Python (too bad it ended decades ago), Trueblood, etc. I think physical exercise like martial arts then meditation would be just as good as Video games or better.

[ArmaTheGreek]

Originally Posted by Mcninjaguy

I think physical exercise like martial arts then meditation would be just as good as ***** games or better.

I agree, if you're already mad with someone in the game then you can go do some exercise and meditate to release your negative energy.

Or smoke weed, go slow and steady then play the game again.

[Mcninjaguy]

No drugs is not the solution. It will only be temporary and quick fix. It is not good for the long term. Simply blocking the problem from the mind using chemicals is not a good thing.

There are medical reasons for using Marijuana but meditation is not a good one.

[Zealex]

I agree drugs will not solve your problems. Long walks is the best way to relieve stress..just the part of exercise always relieves stress for me...go track 09-10!

[ArmaTheGreek]

I agree too and I don't actually promote the usage of weeds for relaxation or for producing positive vibes to release stress but I guess it depends on who's the user and how he/she uses it and he/she handle the effects of it or what you make out of it. But in general, long term usage of weeds is not really good or temporary usage which may lead to addiction. I guess 'Moderation' can still be applied with this one.

[rhinonsense]

Originally Posted by Zealex

I agree drugs will not solve your problems. Long walks is the best way to relieve stress..just the part of exercise always relieves stress for me...go track 09-10!

Except long walks can be extremely boring without music/dog/other person.