Ariadne Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 Hi, I'm sorry Ariadne seems to have stopped contributing. I found your posts, Ariadne, stimulating, and I would have hoped to have continued the discussion. I just saw this. No Ariadne, these really aren't rules...they're recommendations and guidelines...There's no form of punishment or retribution, no threat of expulsion or censure.... Yes they are. They are rules, guidelines, whatever you want to call them. It's the same thing. Those rules are missing the whole point, but for some people they might be of some help. At the same level that the Bible is of help. Similar to the don't do onto others what you don't want them to do to you, or love your neighbor. Of course you can't make people love anybody just by telling then, either they love or they don't, but it's a nice idea overall. Just like the Eightfold Path. there are responsibilities and duties which go hand in hand with the position.... but accept the consequences of what it is to occupy that post, is up to you, isn't it? It sounds like any regular type of job, what does that have to do with spirituality? Yes, you also go to school and you do your homework and you pass the course. With every step "up the ladder" there comes a certain obligation to modify your responses accordingly. I can't believe you are comparing spirituality to "the ladder". You sound like a robot to me. So it's up to you whether you take the job or not, but if you do, then you have to equally accept there are certain expectations. What are the expectations in Buddhism? That you adhere to the Eightfold Path I suppose, is what you are trying to imply? But it's all your choice. How you fill that post, and do that job, is up to you. This is a joke. And that's the way with Buddhism. If you decide to behave in a certain way, and make a certain choice, then there are certain things you might like to consider implementing. And that's why Buddhism is no different that Christianity or any other kind of other organized religion. You are implementing things, because the root is external. Life is all about choices and consequences. We do this every single day, in everything we do. And whatever choice we make, there is a consequential result. There are lessons to be learned for the given choices. Ariadne Link to post Share on other sites
Author Geishawhelk Posted May 21, 2007 Author Share Posted May 21, 2007 I was using the job offer as an analogy of the way one could perceive adhering to Buddhist precepts would be... Religion and Law are extremely closely intertwined, in that or Laws and regulations are founded on original religious concepts. So even abiding by the law and being a conscientious citizen requires us to abide by certain rules and regulations in everyday life. And as you say, there are always consequences. That's waht we call karma. The chief way in which Buddhism is completely different to any other religion is that the is NO GOD. I'm not exactly sure what point you're trying to make, Ariadne... Link to post Share on other sites
Ariadne Posted May 21, 2007 Share Posted May 21, 2007 Hi, I'm not exactly sure what point you're trying to make, Ariadne... You invited me to reply and I did. Ariadne Link to post Share on other sites
Author Geishawhelk Posted May 21, 2007 Author Share Posted May 21, 2007 Well, I'm merely continuing the discussion based on your first input into this thread with regard to everything being BS. And really, it carried on from that. I'm not really sure what aspect of everything we've discussed you consider to be BS, especially as I have now attempted to illustrate that the main basic premise of Buddhism is to know ones' own mind, and to take personal responsibility for the personal choices one makes. Assuming you have made a fundamental study of Buddhism and have that foundation to give an opinion based on your research and knowledge, What part of that do you therefore consider to be BS? That's what I am now asking. That's all. Link to post Share on other sites
Ariadne Posted May 21, 2007 Share Posted May 21, 2007 What part of that do you therefore consider to be BS? None of it is BS. Now I undestand. Ariadne Link to post Share on other sites
Author Geishawhelk Posted May 21, 2007 Author Share Posted May 21, 2007 Thank you. You're lovely (if that's you in the avatar). If it isn't, you're still lovely, and I'm grateful you came back in. I was concerned I might have offended you, in some way. Actually, I do love the avatars...evocative and reminiscent of a time when the world still thought beauty was a most pertinent and relevant criterion to ones surroundings, as well as aspects of functionality and practicality. So much of what is created nowadays is functional but ugly. Never before in the history of mankind, have we industrially and environmentally surrounded ourselves with such architectural and quotidian ugliness..... every building looks like another, every car is the same.... I digress. Link to post Share on other sites
Ariadne Posted May 21, 2007 Share Posted May 21, 2007 Thank you. You are welcome and you are very special too (in some weird sort of way). And yeah, nothing like the old buildings. I just wish they wouldn't tore them down so much to build new ones. Ariadne Link to post Share on other sites
Author Geishawhelk Posted May 22, 2007 Author Share Posted May 22, 2007 Oh yes. I'm especially weird.... Link to post Share on other sites
Author Geishawhelk Posted June 22, 2007 Author Share Posted June 22, 2007 Having had ample time to consider the above discourse, (or maybe not!) I thought I'd continue this vein of discussion by highlighting some fundamental truths we are encouraged to consider and ponder upon. These are referred to as "Dharma Seals" because they form the foundation of the entire process of learning, and of applying what we learn. In addition to which, they are pretty much indisputable, and frankly obvious. However, the point of these factors is not necessarily their evident Truth, and our intellectual understanding of them. The main crux is choosing to Live them. To be actively conscious of them, and to live our liives in Mindful Awareness of the penetrating Honesty of their message. Every second of every moment of every waking day. We are encouraged that if we accept these Truths, then we have to be conscious of them, and walk the talk. Link to post Share on other sites
Author Geishawhelk Posted June 22, 2007 Author Share Posted June 22, 2007 AN 5.57 Upajjhatthana Sutta Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu "There are these five facts that one should reflect on often, whether one is a woman or a man, lay or ordained. Which five? (1) 'I am subject to aging, have not gone beyond aging.' (2) 'I am subject to illness, have not gone beyond illness.' ... (3) 'I am subject to death, have not gone beyond death.' ... (4) 'I will grow different, separate from all that is dear and appealing to me.' ... (5) 'I am the owner of my actions,1 heir to my actions, born of my actions, related through my actions, and have my actions as my arbitrator. Whatever I do, for good or for evil, to that will I fall heir.' ... These are the five facts that one should reflect on often, whether one is a woman or a man, lay or ordained." Now, as I have said, these first four, certainly, are stating the obvious. But they're a matter for distinct and constant contemplation and awareness, in Buddhist philosophy, whereas in many cultures they are actively shunned, swept under the carpet, not discussed, thought about or addressed, and largely ignored in the hope that they will go away. 'They happen to other people, but not to me' kind of attitude. But of course, they won't go away, because they are with us daily. And they most certainly DO happen to us, and we are very much a distinct part and parcel, tangible real and living proof, that these things are here with us always, Here, and Now. Now, before I came to buddhism, and before I had really pondered upon these things, I came to the conclusion that this was a pretty dysmal, negative and pessimistic way of looking at life. This perspective might well be enough to turn anybody off.... But in actual fact, I have found that the more I ponder on these things, the more liberated, relaxed and inwardly joyful I become..... Link to post Share on other sites
Fa Chan Posted June 22, 2007 Share Posted June 22, 2007 Hi, I gradually came to realise over time that it wasn't necessarily the so-called christian message that was angering me, or alienating me per se....it was the control being exerted but those in eclesiastical authority So are the Four Noble Truths and The Eightfold Path. Another version of a whole bunch of BS. Ariadne the four noble truths and noble eightfold path are the tools that one needs to follow in order to reach the goal of release from the cycle of birth and death. They are not commandments or laws to abide by. You have the choice to follow this path to reach enlightenment or not to follow and continue the endless cycle of more births and more deaths. There is no God deciding your fate. You decide your own. There's a big difference between this path and the path of worship and commandments found in the Abrahamic religions. Peace... Fa Chan Link to post Share on other sites
Author Geishawhelk Posted June 22, 2007 Author Share Posted June 22, 2007 Hello Fa Chan! Welcome, and Namaste to you! Link to post Share on other sites
Fa Chan Posted June 22, 2007 Share Posted June 22, 2007 Hello Geishawhelk! Thank you and peace and blessings to you It's good to see other Buddhists on LS. By the way, I read through the thread and appreciate your contribution in providing Buddhist thought and practice here. Keep up the posting! Peace... Fa Chan Link to post Share on other sites
knaveman Posted June 22, 2007 Share Posted June 22, 2007 I have a question. If meditation is a solo exercise, why are we encouraged to participate in groups? I generally do much better with my own mind...on my own. Or have I missed something? I am still quite new to this. Link to post Share on other sites
Author Geishawhelk Posted June 25, 2007 Author Share Posted June 25, 2007 That's a really good question.... meditation is a "solo" exercise, in the sense that you focus your intention inwardly, in order to calm, appease and ultimately eliminate unwanted thoughts, distractions, perceptions and illusions. It is 'solitary' in the sense that nobody else can do this for you. But it's not designed, or was ever singularly, consciously intended to be a practise you necessarily have to practise on your own. or with others. Monks will engage in group meditations, but will also do this as a solitary practise. The point of group meditation is twofold: There is encouragement, in a way, to concentrate and be unified in your practise, and to submit to the discipline and 'rigour' of the session. You can gain strength and unity from being with others. You might gain insight and feedback from others, and help, if you should reach a hiatus, or 'mental barrier' which you find difficult to negotiate. The second factor is that many see meditation in groups, as a way of unifying the collective Consciousness, and to access a different plane or level of practise. But if practising alone floats your boat, go right ahead. You do what feels comfortable and more natural. As with much of this kind of practise, there is no do or don't, no right or wrong..... Link to post Share on other sites
Author Geishawhelk Posted June 25, 2007 Author Share Posted June 25, 2007 By the way, I read through the thread and appreciate your contribution in providing Buddhist thought and practice here. Keep up the posting! Peace... Fa Chan I first started posting here with the preliminary caveat that I was simply passing on things that i had learnt - in a "Thus have I heard" way... That if anyone wanted to enquire further, to test and find other sources, and to not just take my word for it. I would value any input or contribution you too would love to make, and if I should cover something from a different viewpoint to yours, please feel free to add comment.... Thank you so much! Link to post Share on other sites
Topper Posted June 25, 2007 Share Posted June 25, 2007 Maybe if Tony read about the Tantric Buddhist, he might have a different idea about the meditating buddhist wusses. Most of us can only dream about the pleasures that can be achieved by a Tantric master or Priestess. Any spiritual path that came up with the Karma Sutra as a holy book can't be all about being a wuss. Link to post Share on other sites
Author Geishawhelk Posted June 26, 2007 Author Share Posted June 26, 2007 Thanks for coming in Topper, but, er... I'm at a slight loss as to understand what your comment relates to.... Sorry if I sound a bit vague, but could you elaborate what you mean? And Tantric sex isn't about pleasure, by the way - it's about transcending pleasure and the ultimate symbolic definition of uniting the Yin with the Yang, but realising they are separate, independent, co-existent and symbiotic, yet ephemeral and to be detached from.... in a nutshell..... Link to post Share on other sites
disgracian Posted June 26, 2007 Share Posted June 26, 2007 I think Topper was referring to the other thread with that guy and his "meditating wussies" comment. I've certainly mixed up threads before when I hae many Firefox tabs open. Cheers, D. Link to post Share on other sites
Author Geishawhelk Posted June 26, 2007 Author Share Posted June 26, 2007 Oh, right, yes....gotcha.... thanx.... Link to post Share on other sites
Topper Posted June 26, 2007 Share Posted June 26, 2007 yeap wrong thread sorry for the confusion. Link to post Share on other sites
Fa Chan Posted June 26, 2007 Share Posted June 26, 2007 I have a question. If meditation is a solo exercise, why are we encouraged to participate in groups? I generally do much better with my own mind...on my own. Or have I missed something? I am still quite new to this. Meditation is a "solo" practice. I wouldn't call it an exercise, like some kind of mental gymnastics. It is about freeing your own mind. However, practicing in groups keeps you sharp. You can feed off each other's practice and encourage one another. Plus, if you have a teacher (recommended) then they can show you what you are doing right and what you are doing wrong. I think you would find it much easier to keep your practice up and you would be able to learn from others. It's kind of like weight watchers In a group setting there is more encouragement from your practice mates to meditate every day and practice good moral conduct. And don't forget that listening to dharma talks in a group is very important. Peace... Fa Chan Link to post Share on other sites
Fa Chan Posted June 26, 2007 Share Posted June 26, 2007 I first started posting here with the preliminary caveat that I was simply passing on things that i had learnt - in a "Thus have I heard" way... That if anyone wanted to enquire further, to test and find other sources, and to not just take my word for it. I would value any input or contribution you too would love to make, and if I should cover something from a different viewpoint to yours, please feel free to add comment.... Thank you so much! Thank you. We are all on the dharma path and can learn from each other. Keep it up! Peace... Fa Chan Link to post Share on other sites
dropdeadlegs Posted June 27, 2007 Share Posted June 27, 2007 I am so happy to see this thread reinvigorated! Geishawelk and Fa Chan, please carry on and enlighten me. With my children home for the summer my time is limited, but I am eager to learn as much as I can and will pursue my studies further when my time is once again my own, come mid-August. Until then, please continue posting! Link to post Share on other sites
Author Geishawhelk Posted June 27, 2007 Author Share Posted June 27, 2007 Geishawelk and Fa Chan, please carry on and enlighten me. Yah....er....hang on.... Still trying myself, ackcherly.... I'm glad that it's helping and bringing you gladness... *thumbsup* wan duz uanz best..... Tee hee.... Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts