mikenz66 wrote:
I don't disagree with anything you say there. There is useful stuff in all (sensible) religions. And of course they all have the basic things like sila and metta as part of their paths.
But after that, in my understanding, they diverge enough that one has to make choices of which one to practise at this particular time, though one can of course get "inspiration" from others. As I've said before, suggesting that those of us that have this understanding are intolerant can come across as a little condescending. The message seems to be: "If only you had my understanding you wouldn't see any contradiction between these paths."
Metta
Mike
Hi Mike. I apologize if it came across that way. I was aware when starting this thread that I was using a quote from Bikkhu Bodhi that you yourself has shared numerous times. So I wasnt meaning to sound critical of you.. It was comments made by Tilt and clw_uk, in other threads, that I was concerned with, initially. They have responded here, and we may simply differ in our views... also I think i understand a bit better where they are coming from.
I'm also at a kind of crossroads now, in terms of my practice. I need to decide to either go deeper or pull back, or both. To be honest I havent felt very comfortable
at times, communicating with Buddhists online like this, these past few years. I'm realizing that I cant dedicate myself 100%, as others have. Am I a Unitarian, a Jew, an Advaitan, Zen Buddhist, a bit of each, none of the above?
I dunno. In the car yesterday the term "half Buddhist" popped into my head. Like my sons who are half American, half Japanese, thats how I feel. I may need to go elsewhere... return maybe to communicating more with nonBuddhists, as I've been doing these last weeks back home in NY.
Still, when I stopped by Barnes and Noble yesterday the New Age shelves made me laugh, I found no Advaitan books of interest, didnt even go past the Unitarian area, and instead ended up purchasing 7 books on Buddhism... The dharma is where the wisdom lies, for me. I dont see any answers for myself in any other religion...
And yet when it comes to
people, not
religion, I am drawn to all who are searching for answers with an open mind and open heart...
Also, while i lack a real life sangha, i do feel i have dharma brothers and sisters i can communicate with well. Maybe i should refrain from talking in open forums like this. When I've talked with Ben, Retro, Drolma, heartbeat7, Ven. Appicchato and some others
privately, its always been very helpful.
I'm starting to realize that communicating with people you don't really know, in public forums, may not always be a good idea.
Again, this is my
challenge, my issues and situation, i need to figure out....
No offense meant to you or others, at all.