Is there a school in Buddhism that fits this view?

Exploring Theravāda's connections to other paths - what can we learn from other traditions, religions and philosophies?
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mikenz66
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Re: Is there a school in Buddhism that fits this view?

Post by mikenz66 »

"Monks, these two slander the Tathagata. Which two? He who explains what was not said or spoken by the Tathagata as said or spoken by the Tathagata. And he who explains what was said or spoken by the Tathagata as not said or spoken by the Tathagata. These are two who slander the Tathagata."
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka ... .than.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
"Monks, these two slander the Tathagata. Which two? He who explains a discourse whose meaning needs to be inferred as one whose meaning has already been fully drawn out. And he who explains a discourse whose meaning has already been fully drawn out as one whose meaning needs to be inferred. These are two who slander the Tathagata."
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka ... .than.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
:anjali:
Mike
daverupa
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Re: Is there a school in Buddhism that fits this view?

Post by daverupa »

mikenz66 wrote: :anjali:
Mike
Still quite different from the line in question...
  • "And how is it, bhikkhus, that by protecting oneself one protects others? By the pursuit, development, and cultivation of the four establishments of mindfulness. It is in such a way that by protecting oneself one protects others.

    "And how is it, bhikkhus, that by protecting others one protects oneself? By patience, harmlessness, goodwill, and sympathy. It is in such a way that by protecting others one protects oneself.

- Sedaka Sutta [SN 47.19]
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m0rl0ck
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Re: Is there a school in Buddhism that fits this view?

Post by m0rl0ck »

Ñāṇa wrote:
edwhys211 wrote:Although from what I have learned, many Buddhists are agnostic about it, or just view it as symbolism, if I am correct.
The views of those people don't represent the tenets of any Buddhist school. Generally, what modern authors and followers of so-called "Secular Buddhism" etc., are advocating is an appropriation of some aspects of the Buddhadhamma mixed with modern versions of Cārvāka materialist views and epistemology that are flatly rejected by all Buddhist schools.
From what i can figure out that is the case. It seems to me that they repaint western materialism in nice buddhist colors and call it buddhism. It would be fine if they actually called it what it was, buddhist materialism, but they seem to either be unable to make the distinction, think the distinction doesnt matter, or just to want the mystique of buddhism and dont care whether its inaccurate or not.
“The truth knocks on the door and you say, "Go away, I'm looking for the truth," and so it goes away. Puzzling.” ― Robert M. Pirsig
daverupa
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Re: Is there a school in Buddhism that fits this view?

Post by daverupa »

m0rl0ck wrote:
Ñāṇa wrote:
edwhys211 wrote:Although from what I have learned, many Buddhists are agnostic about it, or just view it as symbolism, if I am correct.
The views of those people don't represent the tenets of any Buddhist school. Generally, what modern authors and followers of so-called "Secular Buddhism" etc., are advocating is an appropriation of some aspects of the Buddhadhamma mixed with modern versions of Cārvāka materialist views and epistemology that are flatly rejected by all Buddhist schools.
From what i can figure out that is the case. It seems to me that they repaint western materialism in nice buddhist colors and call it buddhism. It would be fine if they actually called it what it was, buddhist materialism, but they seem to either be unable to make the distinction, think the distinction doesnt matter, or just to want the mystique of buddhism and dont care whether its inaccurate or not.
By and large, I think I agree. Nevertheless, let us all be wary of committing a bad reasons fallacy; the Nikayas bear a critical analysis.
  • "And how is it, bhikkhus, that by protecting oneself one protects others? By the pursuit, development, and cultivation of the four establishments of mindfulness. It is in such a way that by protecting oneself one protects others.

    "And how is it, bhikkhus, that by protecting others one protects oneself? By patience, harmlessness, goodwill, and sympathy. It is in such a way that by protecting others one protects oneself.

- Sedaka Sutta [SN 47.19]
alan
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Re: Is there a school in Buddhism that fits this view?

Post by alan »

There are the Suttas, your understanding of them, and your practice. Your view should be based on these principles.
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Aloka
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Re: Is there a school in Buddhism that fits this view?

Post by Aloka »

m0rl0ck wrote:
Ñāṇa wrote:
edwhys211 wrote:Although from what I have learned, many Buddhists are agnostic about it, or just view it as symbolism, if I am correct.
The views of those people don't represent the tenets of any Buddhist school. Generally, what modern authors and followers of so-called "Secular Buddhism" etc., are advocating is an appropriation of some aspects of the Buddhadhamma mixed with modern versions of Cārvāka materialist views and epistemology that are flatly rejected by all Buddhist schools.
From what i can figure out that is the case. It seems to me that they repaint western materialism in nice buddhist colors and call it buddhism. It would be fine if they actually called it what it was, buddhist materialism, but they seem to either be unable to make the distinction, think the distinction doesnt matter, or just to want the mystique of buddhism and dont care whether its inaccurate or not.
Would someone be kind enough to name some of these people, please? Apart from I presume Steven Batchelor, I'm not at all sure who you are refering to.
dude
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Re: Is there a school in Buddhism that fits this view?

Post by dude »

daverupa wrote:
dude wrote:...The Nirvana Sutra...
Care to find where this might be, with respect to any portions which can be found in the Nikayas? Probably somewhere in DN 16, but wow it's not ringing a bell...
The English translation on the Access to Insight web page is a highly abridged version, so it's no surprise that a quick review by me failed to find the exact words I referred to. Other published versions are many times longer, and I have reason to doubt that any of the ones I've seen so far are comprehensive.
However, this passage relates to what I was saying :
"If they are neither traceable in the Discourses nor verifiable by the Discipline, one must conclude thus: 'Certainly, this is not the Blessed One's utterance; this has been misunderstood by that bhikkhu — or by that community, or by those elders, or by that elder.' In that way, bhikkhus, you should reject it. But if the sentences concerned are traceable in the Discourses and verifiable by the Discipline, then one must conclude thus: 'Certainly, this is the Blessed One's utterance; this has been well understood by that bhikkhu — or by that community, or by those elders, or by that elder.'"
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mikenz66
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Re: Is there a school in Buddhism that fits this view?

Post by mikenz66 »

Aloka wrote:
m0rl0ck wrote: From what i can figure out that is the case. It seems to me that they repaint western materialism in nice buddhist colors and call it buddhism. It would be fine if they actually called it what it was, buddhist materialism, but they seem to either be unable to make the distinction, think the distinction doesnt matter, or just to want the mystique of buddhism and dont care whether its inaccurate or not.
Would someone be kind enough to name some of these people, please? Apart from I presume Steven Batchelor, I'm not at all sure who you are refering to.
http://secularbuddhism.org/about/guiding-principles/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

:anjali:
Mike
dude
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Re: Is there a school in Buddhism that fits this view?

Post by dude »

Is that a Mahayana Sutra ? I haven't read anything yet about the Buddha recommending punishments for people in the Nikayas.

Have you never, in your reading of the Nikayas, come across examples of punishment similar to that set forth for Channa in the Buddha's final exhortation?
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Aloka
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Re: Is there a school in Buddhism that fits this view?

Post by Aloka »

dude wrote:"Is that a Mahayana Sutra ? I haven't read anything yet about the Buddha recommending punishments for people in the Nikayas".

Have you never, in your reading of the Nikayas, come across examples of punishment similar to that set forth for Channa in the Buddha's final exhortation?
That's not what I'd call 'punishment', it was an example of skilful means, because Channa became an arahant after the Buddha's death. Nor do I understand how it applies to the 'Secular Buddhists' refered to earlier. Does it mean they might become arahants too as a result of the reproaches, punishments and driving away that you mentioned ?
"Cv.XI reports events after the Parinibbana, telling of how news of the brahma-penalty shocked Channa to his senses. As a result, he changed his ways and eventually became an arahant"
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka ... .than.html
Javi
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Re: Is there a school in Buddhism that fits this view?

Post by Javi »

I don't see what the big deal is, pure land Buddhists worship Buddha and other Bodhisattvas as gods and don't believe enlightenment is possible in this life, a pretty big deviation from the original teachings. There is a lot of room for different interpretations of the teachings I think, and so called 'Secular Buddhists' aren't that different from others, they just reject or remain skeptical/agnostic about supernatural claims. Buddhism has always evolved to fit the culture and times, this is only natural. However I understand that there will always be those who reject this, fearing change. To those people I would remind them that there will always be traditional communities alongside new ones so they need not worry about it too much, no one is forcing you to be a part of it. Also let's remember the parable of the arrow, as long as they take the medicine, who cares what they believe metaphysically? I for one find it amazing that others are looking to the dhamma to learn, even if they just take one thing from it, which in the west is usually meditation. The dhamma is for all, not just those who are prepared to put faith in all of it at once.
You don't approve that they call themselves Buddhists? That's fine, I won't call myself a Buddhist then, neither did the Buddha, those are just labels. I will work to learn as much as I can from the dhamma, that's what matters. I don't understand why that bothers some people so much but ok. :anjali:
Vayadhammā saṅkhārā appamādena sampādethā — All things decay and disappoint, it is through vigilance that you succeed — Mahāparinibbāna Sutta

Self-taught poverty is a help toward philosophy, for the things which philosophy attempts to teach by reasoning, poverty forces us to practice. — Diogenes of Sinope

I have seen all things that are done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a chase after wind — Ecclesiastes 1.14
daverupa
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Re: Is there a school in Buddhism that fits this view?

Post by daverupa »

Javi wrote:as long as they take the medicine, who cares what they believe metaphysically?
Well, here's the thing...
Snp 4.5 wrote:So a monk shouldn't be dependent on what's seen, heard, or sensed, or on precepts & practices; nor should he conjure a view in the world in connection with knowledge...
MN 74 wrote:There are fewer than few in the world who say, 'It would still be the same, it would still be the same,' and they both abandon that view and do not cling to another view.
Applicable to all groups, secular or not. Just about every abhidhamma runs afoul here, too, it seems to me - scholastic Buddhism is on shaky ground from the start, East and West alike. Secular Buddhism has its axes to grind, same as the Mahayana corpus and the Theravada.

:shrug:
  • "And how is it, bhikkhus, that by protecting oneself one protects others? By the pursuit, development, and cultivation of the four establishments of mindfulness. It is in such a way that by protecting oneself one protects others.

    "And how is it, bhikkhus, that by protecting others one protects oneself? By patience, harmlessness, goodwill, and sympathy. It is in such a way that by protecting others one protects oneself.

- Sedaka Sutta [SN 47.19]
beeblebrox
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Re: Is there a school in Buddhism that fits this view?

Post by beeblebrox »

MN 74 wrote:There are fewer than few in the world who say, 'It would still be the same, it would still be the same,' and they both abandon that view and do not cling to another view.
To read that out of context I think is to do the sutta quite an injustice... I think that the sutta is worthwhile to read in its entirety, and to contemplate on.

:anjali:
Last edited by beeblebrox on Sat Dec 08, 2012 7:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.
daverupa
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Re: Is there a school in Buddhism that fits this view?

Post by daverupa »

beeblebrox wrote:
MN 74 wrote:There are fewer than few in the world who say, 'It would still be the same, it would still be the same,' and they both abandon that view and do not cling to another view.
To read that out of context I think is to do the sutta quite an injustice... I think that the sutta is worthwhile to read in its entirety (and to contemplate).

:anjali:
Agreed!
Where there is a clash, there is dispute. Where there is a dispute, quarreling. Where there is quarreling, annoyance. Where there is annoyance, frustration.' Envisioning for himself clash, dispute, quarreling, annoyance, frustration, he both abandons that view and does not cling to another view. Thus there is the abandoning of these views; thus there is the relinquishing of these views.
  • "And how is it, bhikkhus, that by protecting oneself one protects others? By the pursuit, development, and cultivation of the four establishments of mindfulness. It is in such a way that by protecting oneself one protects others.

    "And how is it, bhikkhus, that by protecting others one protects oneself? By patience, harmlessness, goodwill, and sympathy. It is in such a way that by protecting others one protects oneself.

- Sedaka Sutta [SN 47.19]
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