Search found 24 matches

by Avery
Tue Nov 29, 2011 6:02 am
Forum: Connections to Other Paths
Topic: "The Broken Buddha" by Ven.Dhammika and other scandals
Replies: 380
Views: 137037

Re: "The Broken Buddha" by Ven. S. Dhammika

I was totally engrossed in this book and I believe S. Dhammika has done a great thing by documenting the real state of Theravada Buddhism in the present day. Buddhism faces a crisis in Asia and the growing Western community is in danger of repeating the mistakes of the past. The only thing I think t...
by Avery
Tue Jul 19, 2011 6:15 am
Forum: Connections to Other Paths
Topic: Sangha proves that dhamma is not peaceful
Replies: 5
Views: 2060

Sangha proves that dhamma is not peaceful

This is mostly a philosophical argument, not a textual one, and I have a feeling it may have been covered at some point in Buddhism's 2500-year history, but I hope my little essay inspires some interesting thoughts. -- When Siddhartha Gautama became Shakyamuni Buddha he decided against peace. What d...
by Avery
Mon Mar 01, 2010 11:35 pm
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Vipassana in North American prisons - update
Replies: 7
Views: 2790

Re: Vipassana in North American prisons - update

I was surprised to learn recently that the Vipassana Project is only part of the meditation programs popping up around the country. I guess prison chaplains don't often make the news, but I met a Tibetan monk who teaches vipassana at his prison in rural Michigan. In such a closed environment, I thin...
by Avery
Sun Feb 14, 2010 9:33 pm
Forum: Lounge
Topic: North Korea...film at 11...
Replies: 2
Views: 863

Re: North Korea...film at 11...

This is also very interesting to watch...

http://www.vbs.tv/watch/the-vice-guide- ... ria-1-of-8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The journalism isn't very serious but it's certainly interesting to watch how people live in this part of the world.
by Avery
Sun Feb 14, 2010 9:31 pm
Forum: Lounge
Topic: Links to Spirituality Found in the Brain
Replies: 50
Views: 7511

Re: Links to Spirituality Found in the Brain

There are many Westerners who say that they tried Buddhism and "experienced enlightenment/satori" but it didn't work for them... maybe this is what's being talked about.

That's what happens when D.T. Suzuki says satori is a flash of insight :?
by Avery
Wed Feb 10, 2010 1:37 am
Forum: Study Group
Topic: Suggestions, Comments and Feedback for the Study Group
Replies: 80
Views: 152138

Re: Suggestions, Comments and Feedback for the Study Group

Hello, I am writing an essay on the Maha-sihanada Sutta, which is shocking to my positivist instincts, and I would like to hear what other people have to say about it. I hope we can discuss it sometime soon! http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.012.ntbb.html#n-15" onclick="window....
by Avery
Tue Feb 09, 2010 11:48 pm
Forum: Theravāda for Beginners
Topic: Useful Dhamma Talks on Youtube
Replies: 8
Views: 3581

Re: Useful Dhamma Talks on Youtube

I am putting together a theater of general Buddhist videos at http://avery.morrow.name/awake/buddhatube" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; Please keep an eye out for me for any excellent dhamma videos on YouTube. I will add the ones already listed here. :namaste: edit: Dhammatu...
by Avery
Fri Feb 05, 2010 8:31 am
Forum: Theravāda for Beginners
Topic: Theravada centers in the United States (maps?)
Replies: 10
Views: 3642

Re: Theravada centers in the United States (maps?)

Thanks for the links! That BuddhaNet one is good-- it should go in our FAQ :D
by Avery
Fri Feb 05, 2010 1:17 am
Forum: Theravāda for Beginners
Topic: Theravada centers in the United States (maps?)
Replies: 10
Views: 3642

Theravada centers in the United States (maps?)

Hi everyone! For me, group meditations are really essential to helping me continue my practice, and monastic communities are even better. Last winter I made a Google Map of Buddhist centers near Boston . I was surprised that there was no general list of Buddhist centers on Google Maps. Often this in...
by Avery
Fri Aug 14, 2009 4:52 am
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: The universe is without a refuge, without a Supreme God.
Replies: 304
Views: 51020

Re: The universe is without a refuge, without a Supreme God.

You should keep in mind that being respectful of other religious people, even when you know they're wrong, will prepare you for: 1. Being respectful of people who are wrong in other ways, and thus resolving conflicts with them. 2. Keeping your cool when people criticize your own beliefs. 3. Learning...
by Avery
Mon Aug 03, 2009 4:34 pm
Forum: Lounge
Topic: Peace Revolution 2010
Replies: 1
Views: 1242

Peace Revolution 2010

This is an interesting site started by (edit) Dhammakaya. If you are having trouble meditating, like me, I recommend it. They have MP3s by Thai bhikkus and a 60-day program to make meditation a habit. What's more, if you start their program this week you will qualify for a trip to Thailand next year...
by Avery
Mon Aug 03, 2009 4:26 pm
Forum: Shrine Room
Topic: your home altar/shrine
Replies: 198
Views: 188852

Re: your home altar/shrine

This is an ornamental Buddha my (Jewish) grandmother owned, I find it is a good object of meditation though. Keep it in a good place for meditating :smile:
by Avery
Mon Aug 03, 2009 12:37 pm
Forum: Lounge
Topic: Buddhism and Communism?
Replies: 36
Views: 10659

Re: Buddhism and Communism?

Like many other left wing utopias communism supposes that everyone maintains goodwill and compassion. As long as there is attachment in the material world, communism will be a failed ideology. Maybe the Communists in Thailand and Burma should have considered this when trying to stamp out Buddhism :t...
by Avery
Sun Aug 02, 2009 11:26 pm
Forum: Study Group
Topic: MN 118. Ānāpānasati Sutta
Replies: 5
Views: 2421

Re: MN 118. Ānāpānasati Sutta

I think it is interesting that this teaching is addressed to monks who are already in a thriving sangha. If they have attained such high states they must already know how to breathe and concentrate, but rather than addressing the novices the Buddha reminds all of them of these simple facts. Perhaps ...
by Avery
Wed May 06, 2009 7:38 pm
Forum: Connections to Other Paths
Topic: Is Mahayana perspective useful for Theravada practitioners?
Replies: 98
Views: 25654

Re: Is Mahayana perspective useful for Theravada practitioners?

Thanks for informing me. I am aware of the Agamas but I did not know Dogen was so familiar with them. My knowledge of Dogen is limited to Fukanzazengi and Instructions to the Cook-- you give me incentive to read more of his writings. :namaste: