Search found 11 matches

by Jesse Smith
Mon Dec 17, 2012 6:49 am
Forum: Lounge
Topic: Newtown Shootings
Replies: 132
Views: 23275

Re: Newtown Shootings

What has happened to us as a nation? I simply cannot come to grips with this. Are there answers? To be angry in the aftermath may be natural, but it does not seem to address the actual horrible problem. What can we do, now, to stop this? We can have a meaningful conversation about the gun laws that...
by Jesse Smith
Thu Feb 05, 2009 3:17 am
Forum: Study Group
Topic: MN Session 3 - MN 47. Vimaṃsaka Sutta
Replies: 12
Views: 6575

Re: MN Session 3 - MN 47. Vimaṃsaka Sutta

This issue was brought up in Bhikku Bodhi's lecture, but not satisfactorily addressed.
What is the difference between defiled states and mixed states? It would seem any mixed state would include a defiled state, making it defiled by default.
by Jesse Smith
Tue Feb 03, 2009 2:01 pm
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: The teachings of Bhikkhu Buddhadasa
Replies: 186
Views: 28252

Re: The teachings of Bhikkhu Buddhadasa

I've heard the name, but never carried out further investigation. I found a link to a three-part bio on UTube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgw97YTOriw" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Many may already be familiar, but for those who aren't, this may be a start.
by Jesse Smith
Mon Feb 02, 2009 11:23 am
Forum: Ordination and Monastic Life
Topic: Monk for a Month?
Replies: 56
Views: 24055

Re: Monk for a Month?

One can check with the Tipitaka and Vinaya and see whether promotions like this were done in the Buddha's time. If they were then it is great, if on the other hand ordaining as a Bhikkhu was a serious undertaking then it might be different. Are these promotions offering the heartwood, or selling pi...
by Jesse Smith
Sun Feb 01, 2009 7:19 am
Forum: Ordination and Monastic Life
Topic: Monk for a Month?
Replies: 56
Views: 24055

Re: Monk for a Month?

With no disrespect intended to the Thai tradition, I see so many problems with this. It seems to minimize the basis for take up the robes, leaving home, sincere renunciation, commitment to a homeless life, etc. One weak comparison I could think of is those charity events where someone spends a night...
by Jesse Smith
Thu Jan 29, 2009 4:49 pm
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: How necessary is Abhidhamma study?
Replies: 33
Views: 13683

Re: How necessary is Abhidhamma study?

I've kind of avoided exposing myself to Aghidhamma teachings. I can see how I would take what I read and plant it as a preconceived notion in my head. Then, during meditation, I might find myself looking for signs or indications of these preconceived notions, reading into what was going on, instead ...
by Jesse Smith
Thu Jan 29, 2009 3:33 pm
Forum: Study Group
Topic: MN Session 2 - MN 60. Apannaka Sutta
Replies: 8
Views: 4661

Re: MN Session 2 - MN 60. Apannaka Sutta

There is SO much in this sutta. It contains many repeated phrases, and these repeated phrases may only differ by one word, and these difference among these difference words may seem to be inconsequential. If you aren't reading very closely, it's easy to find yourself skipping over the repeated phras...
by Jesse Smith
Wed Jan 28, 2009 4:53 pm
Forum: Introductions
Topic: Howdy
Replies: 15
Views: 5330

Re: Howdy

Hi back at ya Drolma! It's good to see you here. :hug: Thanks for the book recommendation dumb bonbu! I need all the help I can get. I have been wanting to look into Theravada for some time, but felt it was too complicated. It's good to know I'm not the only newbie to Theravada. Welcome davcuts, I'...
by Jesse Smith
Tue Jan 27, 2009 7:07 pm
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Responsibilities at work
Replies: 10
Views: 4321

Re: Responsibilities at work

I work for Wal-mart. :rofl: My mind sways between seeing this condition as overflowing with opportunities to practice Dhamma, and viewing it as an insurmountable challenge, kind of like a person initiating his efforts in celibacy by taking up residence in the Playboy mansion. Directly related to my ...
by Jesse Smith
Mon Jan 26, 2009 7:58 pm
Forum: Study Group
Topic: MN Session 1 - MN 26. Ariyapariyesanā Sutta
Replies: 26
Views: 13724

very beginning of Sutta

Here's are a few phrases from the very beginning of the sutta. Any insight on their significance would be appreciated. 1. Ananda refers to Rammaka's hermitage as "pleasing" and "delightful". He then says it would be good if the Buddha went there "out of sympathy". Does ...
by Jesse Smith
Mon Jan 26, 2009 7:15 pm
Forum: Introductions
Topic: Hello
Replies: 6
Views: 3093

Hello

I'd like to thank Joop for the reference. It's my intent to strike a proper balance between my participation in the forum, and off-line practice. I look forward to gaining knowledge here, gaining motivation here, practicing, attaining wisdom, and using that wisdom to realize where I can help others ...