tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post3274930579757042948..comments2024-03-18T16:28:06.364+07:00Comments on Buddha Space: Magha Puja (Sangha Day)Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11820006311674418847noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-63212024985160097532019-07-23T20:15:59.787+07:002019-07-23T20:15:59.787+07:00Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a phi...<br /><br /> Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy or 'way of life'. It is a philosophy because philosophy 'means love of wisdom' and the Buddhist path can be summed up as: <a href="https://unexploredbuddhistmonuments.com/" rel="nofollow">https://unexploredbuddhistmonuments.com/</a><br /><br />bedibhavanihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17021636031308928844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-59760776428994276712016-03-10T23:44:13.975+07:002016-03-10T23:44:13.975+07:00Thanks for the comment, David. Metta to you, too.Thanks for the comment, David. Metta to you, too.Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11820006311674418847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-71073514739126464272015-08-12T11:59:23.424+07:002015-08-12T11:59:23.424+07:00I hope to be happy married togheter forever
with g...I hope to be happy married togheter forever<br />with great MettaAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03602284110435595137noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-47100782507015512012011-03-04T18:31:34.375+07:002011-03-04T18:31:34.375+07:00Hi Dip.
Well, the Buddha summed up the noble eight...Hi Dip.<br />Well, the Buddha summed up the noble eightfold path with the threefold training of virtue, concentration, and wisdom, so if we adhere to this ideal then both precepts (virtue) and meditation (concentration) are really important. <br /><br />There are different approaches to meditation (& mindfulness) in various Buddhist traditions, so if you (like me) are not overly attached to one interpretation of these terms, then there are less "formal" types of meditation to be found. <br /><br />One thing here is that Buddhism isn't necessarily meant to be comfortable or easy, so if it's challenging us to go beyond our habits, likes & dislikes, then that's probably a good thing. Adopting the precepts and meditating regularly are ways to achieve this letting go.<br /><br />We all lapse from time to time, and there are many challenges from within and from without, Dip. It's never about "confronting" them, however, but seeing, understanding, and letting go of them. And a focused, calm, and virtuous mind is the best tool for the job!<br /><br />All the best in your practice,<br />and thanks for the comment.Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11820006311674418847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-55308784889063918312011-03-04T13:27:42.173+07:002011-03-04T13:27:42.173+07:00I apologize for getting off topic again, but I'...I apologize for getting off topic again, but I'm interested to know how seriously you take the practice in terms of keeping precepts and meditation. I have always loved the aspect of virtue and wisdom found in Buddhism, but I was never too keen on formal meditation. Perhaps it's due to the fact that I perceived it to be a means to become something like an arahut, which I personally never cared for. Moreover, I'm curious because I use to apply a lot of effort into practice, but gradually strayed. Also, I would appreciate in learning about some of the difficult obstacles you may have faced in practice (if any) and how you confronted them (if you did). Thank you.<br /><br />Best regards to you and your family,<br />DipDiphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16077800458731717900noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-16381765908354719892011-02-26T08:21:44.572+07:002011-02-26T08:21:44.572+07:00The important thing - as you indicated - is balanc...The important thing - as you indicated - is balance, isn't? Studying by itself is one extreme, meditation by itself is another, as is virtuous behaviour, etc. The Buddha taught the noble eightfold path that includes three main aspects, of which meditation is one part of one aspect. If we cultivate virtue, meditation, & wisdom, then this balance (the middle way) can be achieved. <br /><br />Thanks for your comments, Was Once!Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11820006311674418847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-79844825141810225882011-02-25T23:35:56.556+07:002011-02-25T23:35:56.556+07:00Drop, only in the extreme sense, of course. Balan...Drop, only in the extreme sense, of course. Balance seems always to lean towards intellectual understanding first in the west...was the point.<br /><br />I started with meditation with a friend, which lead me to seek a temple, and investigate my ways of seeing combined with a meditation. Then sangha helped guide me, and then life's up and downs..led me to meditate daily...a way to balance how I perceive the world.<br /><br />You are right, of course...my only wish is that more would try meditation, not worrying of becoming Buddhist.Was Oncehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15787588883235992471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-3222946238371838072011-02-25T20:22:11.030+07:002011-02-25T20:22:11.030+07:00Yes, you're absolutely right, Was Once, that m...Yes, you're absolutely right, Was Once, that meditation is the key to developing wisdom. Furthermore, it's so true that consistent daily practice will supply the impetus to really cultivate the path.<br /><br />It is a myth, however, that we need to "drop" books and only meditate, which is what you seem to be saying. (Especially so for those who do not have access to a Buddhist teacher). In truth, it is a balance between Dharma learned in our hearts and Dharma learned in books (or retreats etc.) that will help us to let go of it all - including the need to meditate!Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11820006311674418847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-24510068383349871342011-02-25T13:35:23.194+07:002011-02-25T13:35:23.194+07:00Ajahn Chah said many times that we "in the we...Ajahn Chah said many times that we "in the west", want to figure it all out in our heads, then decide to practice.<br />Most of what you answered G and Lance spoke of, will never make it as clear as the Buddha... within each of us.<br />Drop the books, and most of the ideas and just sit, and it took me daily sits(not weekly or twice weekly) to even get a taste of the wisdom inside.Was Oncehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15787588883235992471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-57060735071382917042011-02-23T18:00:11.362+07:002011-02-23T18:00:11.362+07:00Lance, you've made two important points (at le...Lance, you've made two important points (at least) in your comments.<br /><br />Firstly, yes, rather than getting caught up in concepts (including Buddhist ones), just practice.<br /><br />Secondly, clinging to views (including Buddhist ones) prevents awakening rather than facilitating it. Your point about the subtle senses of self found in such misguided attitudes relates to the Buddha's teaching on mana, or 'conceit'. (See my previous comment.)Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11820006311674418847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-69090389215361755012011-02-23T06:00:19.554+07:002011-02-23T06:00:19.554+07:00although there is actually no self as proven by th...although there is actually no self as proven by the 5 aggregates and dependent origination. it could be best just practice dont stop just practice, AS IS!!! attachment even to buddhism binds one in reincarnation. like the simile of the raft.. saying buddhism is superior to others is also attachment and sometimes binds one to subtly concieve it is or im the best or my view is the best. what the buddha did by tuning what nature is really about is fascinating.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13055142677738721875noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-20532448921715141882011-02-22T21:29:59.373+07:002011-02-22T21:29:59.373+07:00Thanks, Zencode.
Yes, believing there is a self, a...Thanks, Zencode.<br />Yes, believing there is a self, and disbelieving there is a self are both "dangerous," as you put it. All belief when clung to is "dangerous" - even this statement is so if attached to. Ha!<br /><br />Yes, the self-delusion continues subconsciously even after initial awakenings - something we all should be aware of. In Theravada terms, this is the difference between sakkaya-ditthi ('self-view) which is abandoned at the first stage of enlightenment, and mana ('conceit' or the vague feeling of selfhood) which is only abandoned with complete liberation. <br /><br />And, yes, again! Meditation opens the gates of awakening, along with mindfulness and insight. This is great: "your head will explode trying to intellectually understand the concepts without practicing." Well said: let's all make the effort to practice!Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11820006311674418847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-29925177509257917952011-02-22T20:36:37.731+07:002011-02-22T20:36:37.731+07:00well not the case even you are not selfish thus ha...well not the case even you are not selfish thus having a belief there is a self is still dangerous. masters do mention the self still works subtly even someone is well in the path second, there is actually no self. what you think is the self is simply the aggregates or not even very human. in fact it is mental processes or grups of discrete volition when you lift up the skirt of maya and last if the buddha say there is a self he will rather tell us there is a self and also you can preserve your self by not being egoistic. read more dependent origination and anatta to see what u asked.<br /><br /><br />finally, difficulties and intellectual arguments hold no water like fod, you gotta taste it in meditation and see it for yourself. your head will explode trying to intellectually understand the concepts without practicing. meditation reconciles all!zencode241noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-7478674848927578372011-02-22T18:37:01.740+07:002011-02-22T18:37:01.740+07:00Thanks for the comments, 'Another Anonymous.&#...Thanks for the comments, 'Another Anonymous.'<br /><br />Attaching to the sense of self is indeed the crux of the matter where suffering is concerned.<br /><br />As to your views on Bodhisattvas, I have no opinion, only one observation: to cling to the belief in Bodhisattvas or to cling to the disbelief in them is to cling, isn't it? As Ajahn Chah taught, it's surely better not to cling to such views, especially as points of philosophy, and to focus on the practice of the noble eightfold path, instead.Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11820006311674418847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-89776651937194313162011-02-22T15:02:38.921+07:002011-02-22T15:02:38.921+07:00From another anonymous.
Just a couple of points to...From another anonymous.<br />Just a couple of points to consider: the idea or sense of self is not a cause of suffering, but attachment or clinging (tanha)to it is, and, the concept of Bhodisattvas, beings who avoid any form of enlightenment until all other beings become enlightened, would have to be the dumbest and most anti-Buddhist concept ever. How is someone rooted in greed, anger, and delusion going to help others become free from suffering?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-59972611573481717462011-02-21T18:21:36.663+07:002011-02-21T18:21:36.663+07:00Thanks, "Anonymous." (BTW, what's yo...Thanks, "Anonymous." (BTW, what's your name; it seems impolite to frequently converse with you but not be able to address you properly.)<br /><br />Regarding pantheism, it's just a philosophical label, isn't it? What is your experience of it; what is mine? If we use words like pantheism, do we really know what it means existentially, or solely intellectually? If we awaken, and then use the word 'Big Mind' to describe our experience, does that accurately represent the experience and therefore make it substantially different to the word 'nibbana'? Or, might these be different ways of describing the same experience? <br /><br />None of the Eckhartain scholars that I've read have consider him pantheistic, Anonymous, but apparently this is a common misunderstanding of some of his teachings. <br /><br />As to "our senses shutting down in meditation," language certainly seems to have failed us here! It isn't that the senses shut down, but that the concentrated mind has moved away from them and is no longer aware of them. <br /><br />In the Pali Canon, the Buddha teaches that after developing meditative concentration, we should then turn attention to the three characteristics, not instead, as you suggest. If we approach these characteristics with our usual states of mind, we run the risk of responding to them intellectually and philosophically, instead of meditatively, which is what the Buddha taught. It is a step-by-step practice.<br /><br />As to the "basis of good and evil in good deeds," I don't really know what you mean, Anonymous, so I can't answer the question. Language, language! :-)<br /><br />One thing, Anonymous; in a dialogue, it's usual not only to ask your own questions expecting replies, but also to answer questions put to you. You have avoided answering a very important question in this discussion thus far, so I'll repeat it in the hope that you will reply to it this time!<br /><br />Do you meditate?Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11820006311674418847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-56437529792186747582011-02-21T17:47:22.742+07:002011-02-21T17:47:22.742+07:00Thanks, Kristi.
It's good that you find the po...Thanks, Kristi.<br />It's good that you find the posts on 'Buddha Space' "often quite different from one another" as there are many approaches to awakening and at least as many ways to express it! (Please see the comment from Anonymous below and the reply.)Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11820006311674418847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-83553750949029549582011-02-21T01:54:10.845+07:002011-02-21T01:54:10.845+07:00the so called pantheistic version of buddhism are ...the so called pantheistic version of buddhism are tendai, shingon like dharmakaya vairocana, tathagathagarbha, mind only, yogacara, the big mind in zen, tibetan samathabhadra buddha or adibbuda and sometimes your post relating buddhism and eckhart who is clearly a pantheist. also sir your emptiness or n-thing all embracing and relates us all into awareness as it is. diff names or cncept but same exp.<br /><br /><br />what made our senses shut down in meditation? should we be mindful instead about the 3 marks when doing cntemplation?<br /><br />what is the basis of good and evil in good deeds some say it is intention some say it is consequences and some say intention of the heart like in liao fan lessons i encountered situational ethics like depending on the issue. like it is good t spank a child if it brings his well being like learning more quickly or recieving rewards upon a good deed in poor country so people will be more motivated to help.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-3013025502952545782011-02-21T01:08:05.259+07:002011-02-21T01:08:05.259+07:00I do not comment much, but always read and reread ...I do not comment much, but always read and reread your blog posts and, although often quite different from one another, they inspire me to be mindful and happy and compassionate. Thanks!Thickethouse.wordpresshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17187303460677067276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-65694894696931819552011-02-19T20:04:06.850+07:002011-02-19T20:04:06.850+07:00There! I've learnt something new today, Renee....There! I've learnt something new today, Renee. ;-)Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11820006311674418847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-4467314869089351272011-02-19T18:56:10.849+07:002011-02-19T18:56:10.849+07:00oh, I made a mistake :-)! I wanted of course say B...oh, I made a mistake :-)! I wanted of course say Buddhism! Yes it is German!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-7748816091134249922011-02-19T18:37:50.671+07:002011-02-19T18:37:50.671+07:00Renee, it's good to read of your inspiration i...Renee, it's good to read of your inspiration in the Dharma, both from reading about the Ovada-Patimokkha Gatha, and the teachings of Ajahn Sumedho. He has been a big influence on me, too, so we share something here, too! <br /><br />P.S. 'Buddhismus' - is that German for 'Buddhism'?Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11820006311674418847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-36215024522659043242011-02-19T17:38:04.753+07:002011-02-19T17:38:04.753+07:00I thank you for the lines of Ovada-patimokkha Gath...I thank you for the lines of Ovada-patimokkha Gatha that I didn't know in this context, Gary. To read this text had a strange influence of my mind. I felt happiness and also courage to continue to follow the path of the Buddha (or Buddhas).<br />I thank you also for your explanations about the Buddha's sayings. It always gives me a new insight of what Buddhismus really is. So often you run the risk of wrong understanding and I must grant you that only because of the teachings of Ajahn Sumedho I have the strong impression to really understand...<br />Have a nice and good day, Gary and thank you for all your effort! <br /><br />RenéeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-52171979548296900402011-02-19T11:02:58.786+07:002011-02-19T11:02:58.786+07:00Anonymous, thank you for your queries. You asked:
...Anonymous, thank you for your queries. You asked:<br /><br />"does buddhism teach some sort of oneness or somekind of vedantalike?"<br /><br />Which Buddhism are you referring to, Anonymous? Theravada, Zen, Tendai, Pure Land, Vajrayana, Shingon, Nichiren...or none of the above?<br /><br />In the Pali Canon, the Buddha does not "teach some sort of oneness or somekind of vedantalike," but in Mahayana Sutras there are similar-sounding concepts. We need to be careful, however, as the Buddha never taught so that we attach to his teachings as absolute truth. They are upaya (skillful means) to achieve awakening, not dogmas to be clung to. This applies to all Buddhist teachings, Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana, or 'Whateveryana.'<br /><br />"btw so people suffers because they do not see reality as it is like they always force themselves to believe there is a self but actually there's none?"<br /><br />Yes.<br /><br />"interesting insight answering gerardo s deep samadhi block thoughts and body how possible is that?"<br /><br />It isn't that difficult, if we practice meditation to the point of a stilled, focused mind, Anonymous. Try it!<br /><br />All this is mere philosophy, Anonymous, if we approach these issues only with our intellect - we should ask ourselves what our experience of the Dharma is, not only our theoretical knowledge of it. Do you meditate?Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11820006311674418847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-595900014735598043.post-16072456652127630582011-02-19T09:28:18.473+07:002011-02-19T09:28:18.473+07:00btw so people suffers because they do not see real...btw so people suffers because they do not see reality as it is like they always force themselves to believe there is a self but actually there's none?<br /><br /><br />interesting insight answering gerardo s deep samadhi block thoughts and body how possible is that?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com