Nothing seems conclusive - what i think is sensible is subjective and lacks objectivity, i assure you.Dmytro wrote:Pali is now presented as not a language of the Buddha - but have you seen a single sensible and conclusive evidence of that?
Obviously someone does care.Dmytro wrote:Nobody really cares that there wasn't a 'Noble Truth' in the Buddha's teaching
No - there are huge gaps in my knowledge.Dmytro wrote:Or do you know, for example, that according to the Commentaries (Dhammasangani-Atthakatha 200, etc.) jhana in Anapanasati is a subtype of air kasina practice?
I can be fooled - but i thought they were studied and when compared to the suttas, if they are in disagreement, then they were questioned - but only when they disagree with the suttas. The appeal of Theravada to this westerner is hardly 'independent original thought'.Dmytro wrote:Nobody in the West really cares about the Pali Commentaries. They are instead often bashed without reading, to free the space for the 'independent original thought'.
I have been so bombarded by so many differing descriptions from simple to detailed - jhana has been defined so distinctly different by different teachers and nimitta - sheesh - when i heard of the jhana headaches - sorry - i just had to laugh.Dmytro wrote:The Western 'mindfulness of breathing' is mostly just a fuzzy method of 'stress reduction'. Just keep attention focused below the nose, and the rest will sometimes happen all by itself. No need to know more details.
Could you point to a good list of the essentials?Dmytro wrote:The few Western people I know who get far along the Path are studying at least the essential Pali terms.
Thank you, Dmytro
Metta