Search found 518 matches

by Shonin
Mon Oct 24, 2011 2:42 pm
Forum: Connections to Other Paths
Topic: McMindfulness meditation dangers
Replies: 113
Views: 15051

Re: McMindfulness meditation dangers

I have deep misgivings about mcmindfulness taught by those with little wisdom and appreciation of the Dhamma. But small doses of the Dhamma administered skilfully can have profoundly beneficial effects, I feel. Invite Shonin back here to participate in this thread, given that he is quite knowledgea...
by Shonin
Thu Nov 11, 2010 7:04 am
Forum: Wellness, Diet & Fitness
Topic: Having a panic attack
Replies: 5
Views: 2755

Re: Having a panic attack

Panic attacks are not uncommon. It doesn't mean you're dying (even if it feels like it). It will pass. Many years ago I was in a not-disimilar position. You will find a job - for now, aim a bit lower. Your anxiety and mental health issues will pass. You will develop confidence and robustness. Keep p...
by Shonin
Sun Oct 31, 2010 5:54 am
Forum: Lounge
Topic: This election: DON'T VOTE
Replies: 58
Views: 10944

Re: This election: DON'T VOTE

The one who judges stupidity rightly is the one best suited to define it. :lol: Can you stop answering facetiously please. If your point about 'stupid people shouldn't vote' has any validity you'll have to define 'stupid' in way that is meaningful. My point is that people have very different ideas ...
by Shonin
Sun Oct 31, 2010 5:01 am
Forum: Lounge
Topic: This election: DON'T VOTE
Replies: 58
Views: 10944

Re: This election: DON'T VOTE

Haha. And to answer my question? The one who judges stupidity rightly is the one best suited to define it. :lol: Can you stop answering facetiously please. If your point about 'stupid people shouldn't vote' has any validity you'll have to define 'stupid' in way that is meaningful. My point is that ...
by Shonin
Sun Oct 31, 2010 4:04 am
Forum: Lounge
Topic: This election: DON'T VOTE
Replies: 58
Views: 10944

Re: This election: DON'T VOTE

Not that I'm advocating statism or a return to monarchism. But I do think that in the 21st century, America will destroy itself through democracy if educational reforms are not put in place or there isn't something like a new age of enlightenment. I believe it was Thomas Jefferson, who advocated de...
by Shonin
Sun Oct 31, 2010 3:31 am
Forum: Lounge
Topic: This election: DON'T VOTE
Replies: 58
Views: 10944

Re: This election: DON'T VOTE

If voting could actually change things it would be illegal. In many countries it effectively is. Our ancestors and predecessors fought hard for a democratic system. And even if elections (or even candidates) not turn out to our liking, generally democracies are more stable and have better human rig...
by Shonin
Sun Oct 31, 2010 3:24 am
Forum: Lounge
Topic: This election: DON'T VOTE
Replies: 58
Views: 10944

Re: This election: DON'T VOTE

Having a high IQ means knowing the difference between low IQ and stupidity. These things don't need to be explained. Pointing them out isn't clever. So who gets to define who is classified as 'stupid'? For most people I suspect this simply means anyone with ideas that seriously contradict theirs. A...
by Shonin
Sat Oct 30, 2010 7:44 pm
Forum: Lounge
Topic: This election: DON'T VOTE
Replies: 58
Views: 10944

Re: This election: DON'T VOTE

If voting could actually change things it would be illegal. In many countries it effectively is. Our ancestors and predecessors fought hard for a democratic system. And even if elections (or even candidates) not turn out to our liking, generally democracies are more stable and have better human rig...
by Shonin
Sat Oct 30, 2010 2:10 pm
Forum: Lounge
Topic: This election: DON'T VOTE
Replies: 58
Views: 10944

Re: This election: DON'T VOTE

Individual wrote:Stupid people shouldn't vote.
So are you suggesting that stupid people shouldn't vote or that the thoughtful, intelligent readers here shouldn't vote?
by Shonin
Sat Oct 30, 2010 12:04 pm
Forum: Lounge
Topic: What kind of music relaxes you?
Replies: 36
Views: 6682

Re: What kind of music relaxes you?

I see. Thank you.
by Shonin
Sat Oct 30, 2010 11:36 am
Forum: Lounge
Topic: What kind of music relaxes you?
Replies: 36
Views: 6682

Re: What kind of music relaxes you?

Slightly off-topic I know, but I was wondering - If moderate alcohol consumption for the purpose of relaxation is a no-no in Theravada (as was recently expressed here by a number of people), then why does no-one bat an eyelid at music consumption for relaxation?
by Shonin
Sat Oct 30, 2010 11:34 am
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Theravada's Equivalent of Zen's Kensho?
Replies: 27
Views: 7015

Re: Theravada's Equivalent of Zen's Kensho?

OK, thanks for the correction.

In modern usage, where a distinction between Kensho and Satori is made it is that Satori is more profound than Kensho. However, either word can be used for insights deep and shallow.
by Shonin
Sat Oct 30, 2010 9:11 am
Forum: Lounge
Topic: This election: DON'T VOTE
Replies: 58
Views: 10944

Re: This election: DON'T VOTE

Democracy is the worst form of government until you consider the alternatives. We are fortunate to live in democracies. We have a responsibility to support democracy.
by Shonin
Sat Oct 30, 2010 9:10 am
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Theravada's Equivalent of Zen's Kensho?
Replies: 27
Views: 7015

Re: Theravada's Equivalent of Zen's Kensho?

How kensho and satori are understood in the west varies. The Three Pillars of Zen isn't usually considered an authoritative text. I think his descriptions of Rinzai retreats are more or less accurate but from memory, Kapleau tends to present Kensho as if it was the final goal of Zen as opposed to a ...
by Shonin
Fri Oct 29, 2010 7:21 pm
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Theravada's Equivalent of Zen's Kensho?
Replies: 27
Views: 7015

Re: Theravada's Equivalent of Zen's Kensho?

Is there an equivalent of Zen's Kensho experience in Theravada? Closest I can imagine would be the sotapatti-phalla citta...? That's a pretty good guess, Viscid. However, I think that the Zennies would tend to imply that kensho/satori is a bit deeper than how first path realization is characterized...