I can only speak for my own experience.Sam Vara wrote: ↑Fri Dec 02, 2022 1:24 pmNo, you can access the Dhamma elsewhere. Unless, of course, you think that Vipassana centres are the sole repositories of the Dhamma. Which would mean that the Dhamma died out until about 1970, when it mysteriously regenerated again.thepea wrote: ↑Fri Dec 02, 2022 1:13 pmThe point is you cannot refuse without sacrificing the dhamma.Sam Vara wrote: ↑Fri Dec 02, 2022 12:03 pm
I can't find it. I've just gone through the application process, and I can't see a mention.
So it's not extortion, then, is it? Even if you think that snot is your "property", they've never acquired it from you, or from me. Compare that to real Mafia-style extortion, which makes you an offer you can't refuse. If you can politely decline Al Capone's offer to protect your business, he's not an extortionist but a private contractor.
If that's so, then you are clearly not ready to receive. Some obstructive kamma, perhaps.It’s not as severe as the mafia example you offered but my point is the dhamma must be offered for free for ALL who are ready to receive
I did not find dhamma at the theravada monastic centre.
I found it at the Vipassana centre. I never claim or judge other centres or monastic traditions. In my case the monastics lacked the proper accommodations to teach dhamma to students this was confirmed by the Abbott. We often had conversations on how to hold a more successful retreat. We were even going to do camping in tents in rear of monestary but space and washing accommodations were lacking and we never were able to make it happen.
They had some wonderful monks come to teach but continuity of practice was an issue.