Am I missing the point of Buddhism?
score:2
I created an account just to reply to you.
I've wondered a lot about this myself in fact. It seems like the obvious path, if one wants to be free. The question is: do we want to be free?
A quote by Ajahn Chah answers this succinctly: "When we talk about desires we know that everyone has them and wants them fulfilled, but nobody is willing to stop, nobody really wants to escape. Therefore our practice must be patiently refined down. Those who practice steadfastly, without deviation or slackness, and have a gentle and restrained manner, always persevering with constancy, those are the ones who will know. No matter what arises, they will remain firm and unshakable."
Now to my perspective. Your kamma (conditioning) has ripened in this lifetime such that you are more receptive to the path. This is a very big moment of choice for you, will you practice or will this time be squandered?
Secondly, upon questioning others people actions, it is good to realize that people are getting caught -- it is only the nature of samsara. It's akin to asking the question: Why don't people answer correctly all the time? Well if they knew the answer, they would! It is simply because the wisdom and mindfulness have not been developed for those individuals. May you walk your path and influence all living beings in the sangha that is the world.
As a word of advice, I would simply note when you see these thought come up as "judging judging". Do this noting non-judgemental and pay attention to how the mental state is. In my practice, I have found my judgement of others practice is rooted in bad intentions or some superiority. The teachings are incredibly simple, but yet not at the same time. As we practice, more and more will be unveiled. It's simple, but there is a deep profundity to the teachings and practice. Will you continue to realize them?
May you be safe. May you be happy. May you swiftly realize peace.
Upvote:-3
Yes. You are certainly missing the boat, the same as the dry intellectual geek Brad Warner.
Right understanding & right practise will make the mind much much more happier.
The Pali suttas say "jhana" is "a world of exclusively pleasant feelings" (MN 79). The Pali suttas say: "Nirvana is the supreme happiness" (Dhp 203) that "does not fluctuate" (MN 140).
But, in this video, for example, Brad says about Nirvana: "You cannot have these experiences of bliss everyday". In the video, Brad appears to compare Nirvana to the temporary fleeing pleasure of sex.
Enlightenment is not "the same old, same old". It appears Brad Warner has never left American libraries and suburbia. That appears why Brad Warner appears dry & crusty looking rather than has a radiant beautiful complexion. The Buddha said about his disciples:
SΔriputta, your faculties are so very clear, and your complexion is pure and bright.
Upvote:1
Buddhism is about ending all suffering. Stop worrying about what other people talk/do on the internet and practice the clear method the Buddha has taught on how to end suffering. In other words, work on eliminating your craving.
Upvote:4
Unless you are up there with the stream entrants, the deepest principles aren't self explanatory. One must want to experience them within Samsara to transcend Samsara.
Personally, I wouldn't follow Buddhism nessasarily, I'd follow the Buddha's core teaching that was repeated again and again from all angles of interpretation.
More post
- π Why we need Samadhi to attain enlightement?
- π Is there any buddhist explanation for deja vu?
- π Why has the "3rd precept" of the 5 precepts been interpreted as being so permissive?
- π Talking about Dharma - is it worthwhile?
- π What are the five kinds of seeds?
- π Anesthesia, being knocked out, unconsciousness...what does the Buddha have to say about it?
- π Did NΔgΔrjuna describe features of the Fourier transform?
- π Mastery of skills outside the Buddhist path and desire
- π Practice of my meditation
- π Who am I- according to Buddhism
- π Validating a position means attempting to discredit other positions?
- π Questions on the five Skandhas
- π What increases the Anisanasa of DΔna (the rewards of giving)?
- π Purpose of touching tongue to roof of mouth during meditation
- π How buddhists see/deal with Gaslighting?
- π Is UpekαΉ£Δ (equanimity) a feeling or simply numbness?
- π Attacking others with words such as they are weapons
- π Mindfulness of feelings and emotions
- π Difference between Buddhism and Aristotelian "middle-way"?
- π Translating "dukkha" as "reactivity"
- π Are there stories in the suttas of people experiencing the fruits of their karma in their lifetimes?
- π What does 'Ignorance' mean in Dependent Co-Arising?
- π What does Buddhism say about the existence of a self?
- π Transferring merit to someone living who isnt open minded to receiving it
- π Are there pictures/paintings of Nirvana?
- π Total number of beings in the entire space as we know is constant? Increases? Decreases?
- π πDid the Buddha cover colorblindness in his teachings?
- π Find Sutta: eat first before hearing the teaching
- π Popular culture portrayal of Buddha statues
- π Ledi Sayadaw's "Anatta Dipani" in English? (And Ledi/Saya Thet relationship)
Source: stackoverflow.com
Search Posts
Related post
- π Am I missing the point of Buddhism?
- π Are Vajrayana and Tibetan Buddhism the same thing?
- π What are the differences/similarities in the concept of faith as used in Buddhism and Christianity?
- π Can Buddhism be viewed as a threat to the capitalist way of life?
- π How to refute the idea that Buddhism might be actually "too extreme"?
- π What are the differences between "Nirvana" in Buddhism and "Moksha" in Hinduism?
- π Paradox of the ego - our desire to improve vs Buddhism
- π How compatible are (Theravada) Buddhism and the Western life?
- π The spiritual significance of the sand mandala in Tibetan Buddhism
- π Buddhism in the Middle East
- π How is the Concept of Consciousness in Psychology Related to the parallel Buddhism concepts?
- π From a Buddhist point of view, what are the benefits of supernormal powers?
- π What is the object of Faith in Buddhism
- π Was Buddhism a rebellion against the Aryans?
- π Can one follow Hinduism and Buddhism at the same time?
- π On what basis does the 'right' in Buddhism come from?
- π Is Theravada Buddhism the only modern representative of Hinayana Buddhism?
- π How does one practice Buddhism when experience is limited by the 6 senses?
- π Vajrayana Buddhism relies on a teacher-pupil relationship. What in tradition or the literature explains how to find the appropriate teacher?
- π JhΔna in the different branches of Buddhism
- π Does Pure Land Buddhism ever have a Buddha other than AmitΔbha as the object of devotion?
- π Buddhism ideals in the West before the 20th century
- π How does Buddhism refute the inherent existence of sub-atomic particles?
- π Buddhism and the middle path
- π What are the teachings in Buddhism for good social Social Health?
- π Iconography in Buddhism - from the Greeks? And why isn't the Buddha bald?
- π What was the reason behind the fall of Buddhism in India?
- π Is Buddhism the fastest growing religion in the West
- π Does Mahayana Buddhism discourage attaining enlightenment under the Gautama Buddha Sasana?
- π How does Buddhism explain the creation of everything (universe)