Upvote:1
This is a simple tip for your mind. The real Buddhism is the religion which have mentioned by the Lord Buddha. Its the only way which shows the path to nirvana. If you want to study, feel and follow the Buddhism, then I prefer you to follow the real Buddhism which mentioned by the Lord Buddha. The real path(real Buddhism) will never let anyone to a harmful way. You may feel, if you able to find a little time to study the real Buddhism. Friend, I think, the "Zen sickness" that you have mentioned is a trend in modern culture.
Upvote:3
i can say that Buddha was mindful of every word he said making sure they are beneficial to all beings. However, there might be some thing that seems to be harmful in short term but actually good in long run. For example, during Buddha's time, 500 monks committed suicide after contemplating unpleasantness of body and 5 skandha. (Buddha often talked about the drawbacks of all things that create sensual pleasures). Those monks took it over the top and felt disgusted by their conditions so they took the wrong way out. Later, someone asked Buddha if he didn't see that coming, Buddha said those monks would have taken their lives anyway from past karma. at least they got some true knowledge in dhamma while they were still here which would benefit them in the future. So in short, practicing Buddhism according to Buddha (8 folds path) is not harmful.
Upvote:3
But I wondered can any buddhist theory or practice can ever be harmful to a human?
Many people pratice certain techniques as Buddhist pratice. When you come across a pratice that someone says is a Buddhist pratice you should try to ascertain:
If any of the above are not met you cannot blame the pratice.
Also if you pratice Insight meditation then nothing can go wrong. More particularly you should contemplate on the arising and passing of sensations pertaining to:
One case of Zen Sickness (Zen Sickness by zen master Hakuin) mentions about excessive striving. In Buddhism you effort should be balanced. Excessive striving can lead to craving, restlessness and doubt: