Buddhism And Helping Others

[Neeranam]

I am a bit confused after speaking to a number of monks from large temples around Boeng Kaen Nakhon in Khon Kaen. I am looking for a place for alcoholics and drug addicts who want to quit to go and help each other recover, perhaps once or twice a week. None of the monks so far have said yes, whereas the local catholic church said, "sure, no problem". Maybe it is because I am a farang and they think I am Christian.

I am not saying it is wrong of them to not want these type of people , if indeed that is the case, which surely isn't, but got me thinking of the difference in Buddhism and Christianity for example.

Do Buddhist try to help others to help themselves?

I would agree that when one is enlightened, then they are able to help others a lot more. Am I understaning correctly?

The aim of Buddhists is to get oneself free from the cicle of rebirth, period.??

Oh, I appologise for any of my thoughts for the day, sorry folks.

Edited August 7, 2005 by Neeranam