Waning Moon Conrad

Some of you know what you're talking about but some of you are definitely perpetuating some tired, second-hand and worthless misconceptions.

At least consider the following possibilities:

1/ Theravadan chauvinism might be based on faulty premisses.

2/ Enlightenment stated to encompass the seeing of samsara and nirvana as being the same - in Mahayana philosophy at least - may not be a static, detached, disengaged state or an extinguishment.

It might actually be a state of dynamic engagement.

3/ You probably wouldn't make assertions about rocks without knowing something about geology.

[ August 06, 2002: Message edited by: Waning Moon Conrad ]</p>

Toad Master

Buddhism originated in India which is Hindu which teaches reincarnation. Reincarnation involves the passing of a "self" from one life to another.

The problem with reincarnation for Buddhism is that in Buddhism there is no "self." Nevertheless, in Buddhism, upon death ones "thirst for existence" conditions the birth of new life. This conception is called "rebirth" to distinguish it from "reincarnation."

The Buddha was known for teaching to people at all levels of spiritual development and from all classes of society.

I highly recommend _What the Buddha Taught_ by Walpola Sri Rahula. It is one of the best introductions to Buddhism around. You can find it at Amazon.com

-Toad Master

Gutterboy

When approaching the subject of Buddhism, and especially the reasons why some sects appear to promote quasi-theism, one must keep in mind a teaching concept known as "skillful means", which is largely alien to Western religion.

In Buddhism, absolute truth, or the Buddha nature, can only be percieved directly. It cannot be conceptualized, put into words accurately, or understood intellectually. Therefore, all teachings, the sutras, shastras, discourses, dharma talks, and everything else are merely relative approximations. This being so, Buddhist teachings can be tailored to fit individual needs and beliefs. It just so happens that the stage of spiritual development we find most people at iss one where they need a savior/bodhisattva figure in which to place their faith. Once the person realizes the Buddha nature, the teachings or methods used to get him there are seen for what they are, means rather than ends.

The Pure Land method of Chan Buddhism is a prime example of this.

Believers are told by their Master that if they call upon the name of Buddha Amhitabha faithfully enough, they will surely be reborn in the "Pure Land", Amitabhas heaven. Now the Master knows full well there is absolutely no difference between Amitabha and he, or he and his subjects, neither is there any difference between them and their "paradise.: He also knows that belief in the rebirth of the ego is as fraudulent as the ego itself. So the pupil recites the words "Namo" on the inbreath and "Amitabha" on the outbreath, fully believing that for this faithful recitation he (his ego that is..) will be reborn in the western paradise. Until one day, when his mind is ripe, satori occours, the ego drops away, and he realizes directly his buddha nature.

The Pure Land teachings are then seen by the student for what they are: a method for transcending the need for Pure Land teachings.

If this sounds awfully like "ends justify the means" to you, you would be correct.

[ August 24, 2002: Message edited by: Gutterboy ]</p>