Search found 11 matches

by wtp
Tue Jul 17, 2012 3:46 am
Forum: Early Buddhism
Topic: The Satipatthana Sutta a forgery?
Replies: 197
Views: 74004

Re: The Satipatthana Sutta a forgery?

I also think it is a very interesting question as to whether literary and historical analysis can get us closer to the original teachings of the Buddha or not. And whether this is even important. Personally I think it is very important. While I do not think we can ever overcome all doubts about any ...
by wtp
Tue Jul 17, 2012 3:41 am
Forum: Early Buddhism
Topic: The Satipatthana Sutta a forgery?
Replies: 197
Views: 74004

Re: The Satipatthana Sutta a forgery?

The reason Ajahn Sujato concentrated on this sutta for this type of analysis is because it is particularly venerated, in Sri Lanka and Burma especially, and described by a range of authors as the main teaching of the Buddha. Therefore it carries considerable authority and influence. He also suggests...
by wtp
Wed Jan 26, 2011 10:48 pm
Forum: Connections to Other Paths
Topic: Why is there suffering in the first place?
Replies: 22
Views: 4834

Re: Why is there suffering in the first place?

As I understand it dukkha is the price of existence.
by wtp
Tue Apr 27, 2010 6:27 pm
Forum: Theravāda for Beginners
Topic: Marriage to non-Buddhists
Replies: 25
Views: 6131

Re: Marriage to non-Buddhists

On the other hand... You agreed to Catholic practice as part of your commitment to the marriage. Participation in Catholic ritual is part and parcel of the deal. I was bought up a Catholic, practice as a Buddhist (by which I mean observing precepts, meditating, sutta study, attending the local Buddh...
by wtp
Fri Feb 05, 2010 9:19 am
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: OK to disagree?
Replies: 37
Views: 7706

Re: OK to disagree?

The word "sexist" is itself sexist. It always implies discrimination against women by men, but women can equally well discriminate against men due to their sexist views. While technically correct this is an extremely naive interpretation of sexism. It ignores the inherent power structure ...
by wtp
Fri Jan 29, 2010 7:27 pm
Forum: Lounge
Topic: Ajahn Sumedho - On Gratitude
Replies: 5
Views: 2850

Re: Ajahn Sumedho - On Gratitude

With all due respect to a great monk, Ajahn Sumedho seems to be confusing gratitude with unquestioning submission, and confusing Thai cultural norms (as interpreted by one small group) with the Vinaya. It seems very clear from his statements that part of his spiritual path meant he had to give up hi...
by wtp
Sat Nov 28, 2009 7:55 am
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Bhikkuni's / Ajahn Brahm /Thai lineage?
Replies: 22
Views: 6195

Re: Bhikkuni's / Ajahn Brahm /Thai lineage?

Is lineage a Vinaya term or concept? I don't believe so. If not then the idea that a monk or nun is following a particular lineage because of who their preceptor was is probably invalid. Talking about schools of Theravada Buddhism makes more sense to me rather than lineage. I would like to think, fo...
by wtp
Fri Oct 09, 2009 6:24 pm
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Mindfulness and awareness
Replies: 16
Views: 4775

Re: Mindfulness and awareness

Like many Pali terms, "sati" has a variety of meanings in different contexts. It is based upon the root meaning or memory, or recollection, and is often used that way in the suttas; but it also has more specalised meanings in the Pali cannon when used in a doctrinal sense. In Ajahn Sujato'...
by wtp
Sat Oct 03, 2009 9:45 pm
Forum: Theravāda for Beginners
Topic: The Not-Self Strategy
Replies: 31
Views: 10014

Re: The Not-Self Strategy

When I read the discourses of the Buddha, whether they are translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu, Bhikkhu Bodhi, etc., I get the picture that the Buddha did not teach a doctrine of self at all.* One reason is that in MN 2 , both the views of "I have a self" and "I have no self" are c...
by wtp
Sat Oct 03, 2009 9:03 pm
Forum: Theravāda for Beginners
Topic: The Not-Self Strategy
Replies: 31
Views: 10014

Re: The Not-Self Strategy

Hi friends :) I just found this commentary from Thanissaro Bhikkhu on Not-Self that I've pasted below. Two things came to mind. Why was Lord Buddha willing to discuss not-self so clearly, but he didn't offer a reply when he was asked if there was no-self? Great topic. I haven't discussed this for y...
by wtp
Fri Oct 02, 2009 6:50 pm
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Pre-sectarian Buddhism and Theravada
Replies: 13
Views: 4566

Re: Pre-sectarian Buddhism and Theravada

While it is true there is a lot of uncertainty about the original teachings of the Buddha, I do not think anyone would rationally believe that there was not some re-interpretation of those teachings after the Buddha's death. And most would agree that a number of important Buddhist concepts were not ...