Search found 21 matches

by mountain
Sat Feb 14, 2009 11:02 pm
Forum: Connections to Other Paths
Topic: The Danger of Rebirth
Replies: 588
Views: 87263

Re: The Danger of Rebirth

Dear clw, I am not concerned where this discussion will end. However I am most concerned about what teaching will be best for you as a wayfarer. With the mention of Nagarjuna a door was opened. May I humbly suggest that your latencies would be best served in that school of Tantrayana known as Sahaja...
by mountain
Fri Feb 13, 2009 4:11 am
Forum: Connections to Other Paths
Topic: The Danger of Rebirth
Replies: 588
Views: 87263

Re: The Danger of Rebirth

Dear Clw,
"Discrimination, thought and recollection
Are the net of Mara.
Imperturbability and non-differentiation
Are the seal of Dharma.

Nagarjuna's comm. on the Mahaprajnaparamitta Sutra.
by mountain
Fri Feb 13, 2009 1:03 am
Forum: Lounge
Topic: Levels of Compassion?
Replies: 15
Views: 4320

Re: Levels of Compassion?

Friend, I take karuna to be linked with prajna. Each one supports the other. I would like people to extend compassion towards me when mistakes I make show I am influenced by the three poisons and so would extend the same to others. On a very personal note I have always had distaste for social confor...
by mountain
Thu Feb 12, 2009 8:04 pm
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: where did the mahayana come from
Replies: 37
Views: 16714

Re: where did the mahayana come from

All religions must evolve if they are to become universal. I would see Mahayana as that vehicle which suits some cultures and not others. The history of Buddhism often does not carry such sharp deliniations as many would wish.If we do believe in skillful teaching then it must be dynamic rather than ...
by mountain
Wed Feb 11, 2009 8:07 pm
Forum: Connections to Other Paths
Topic: The Danger of Rebirth
Replies: 588
Views: 87263

Re: The Danger of Rebirth

I think it is helpful to understand that Shakyamuni came into a world where there were many systems that had at their core transmigation. For his teaching to survive independently it was nesscessary to distance it from the the pre-buddhistic brahmanical body of teachings. These teachings are called ...
by mountain
Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:25 am
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: kwan yin in thereavada pratice
Replies: 25
Views: 10706

Re: kwan yin in thereavada pratice

One final thought. Have you read "Bodhisattva of Compassion" by John Blofeld? It is an excellent place to start. Do you feel an attraction to her? There should be some material more pertinent to your question in The Journal of East Asian Buddhism.
John
by mountain
Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:09 am
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: kwan yin in thereavada pratice
Replies: 25
Views: 10706

Re: kwan yin in thereavada pratice

Kuan Shih Yin Pusa is the female form of Avalokithesvara. I used to live in Miami,Fl and many chinese as well as vietnamese there were devotees. Also in Sri Lanka I met some Theravadans who also were devotees. I think its cross cultural. To give some balance I did meet one Theravada monk who called ...
by mountain
Wed Feb 11, 2009 8:41 am
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Is this Mahayana virtue dedication in line with Theravada?
Replies: 13
Views: 4182

Re: Is this Mahayana virtue dedication in line with Theravada?

Well its not so easy to put in a few words. Early on I met both Theravada and Mahayana monks. Serendipity perhaps. The sound of Om Mani Padme Hum always felt pleasing.
John
by mountain
Wed Feb 11, 2009 8:21 am
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Is this Mahayana virtue dedication in line with Theravada?
Replies: 13
Views: 4182

Re: Is this Mahayana virtue dedication in line with Theravada?

Gabe,
Perhaps you have a Theravada practice and a Mahayana heart. Thats wonderful to have such ideas. I am a devotee of Kuan Yin. At the end of each meditation session I recite the six sylable mantra and dedicate the merit to all sentient beings.
John
by mountain
Wed Feb 11, 2009 2:24 am
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: What can we do for the dying? (Urgent answers appreciated)
Replies: 6
Views: 2450

Re: What can we do for the dying? (Urgent answers appreciated)

Tex, Will you be able to be there during his passing. If so hold his hand and be as calm as you can be. I have attended on many dying people and I think for most people it is very fearful. So they need our support. our calmness and our strength. Would you consider if the family permits the recitatio...
by mountain
Wed Feb 11, 2009 12:02 am
Forum: Connections to Other Paths
Topic: Simile of the Raft
Replies: 6
Views: 2844

Re: Simile of the Raft

Friend clw,
Not this,not that.
John
by mountain
Tue Feb 10, 2009 5:15 pm
Forum: Connections to Other Paths
Topic: Arahants Tears
Replies: 48
Views: 12404

Re: Arahants Tears

Jechbi,
I agree that the question relates to our attitudes towards tears and crying. I feel honored when others share their tears. For myself tears are a wonderful solvent that dissolve knots in the heart. I am not sure if an arahant would cry or not.
by mountain
Tue Feb 10, 2009 2:56 pm
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: What do you sit on?
Replies: 13
Views: 6360

Re: What do you sit on?

BBB, Have you tried the buckwheat hull filled zafu. Some friends whose tailbone gave them problems during long sits found the alternative more comfortable than the kapok filled. A particularly nasty encounter with ideopathic neuropathy ended my sitting on the floor. John
by mountain
Mon Feb 09, 2009 7:48 pm
Forum: Sīla
Topic: Alcohol
Replies: 27
Views: 10476

Re: Alcohol

Its important to practice the panca-sila with fidelity. This supports and protects us and our practice.In the particular case of the use of alcohol its also includes the dangers inherant in alcohol based activities. I have often thought of booze as concentrated Mara in a bottle. John
by mountain
Mon Feb 09, 2009 7:35 pm
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: How many hours a week do you meditate?
Replies: 45
Views: 14502

Re: How many hours a week do you meditate?

4x1hr seven days a week. Not remarkable for a retired pre-old fogey. It also helps to rise at 4am and practice celibacy. I deeply respect those who have a family and serious responsibilities for whom finding time for meditation is not easy. John