TheSongsofDistantEarth

One of the things lacking in the Buddhist discussions here is engaged Buddhism. There seems to be an over-emphasis on the philosophical aspects by the several who post here, without any real social or personal engagement. It seems like the striving is for Buddhahood on the meditation cushion, rather than looking hard at motives, selfishness, harm, and the suffering of others. It may be there, but it isn't talked much about here, instead the focus is endlessly on dependent origination/emptiness. It would be nice if the Buddhists on this forum gave their Buddhist life a personal and societal context for us to consider. It may well be there, but we don't see it in the posts.

All I know is, I went there expecting a certain vibe/experience and then when I got in there, it seemed like a traveling road show that people were in rapture of. I didn't feel it. Vajra, you undoubtedly would have loved it. I just felt claustrophobic in that small room and hadda get out of there. It felt like idolatry of these brightly lit, 24 carat gold buddha statuary that people were enraptured by, rather than a spiritual experience, but that's me, I guess.

A great opportunity to synchronize yourself to the sidereal movements of the solar system, folks! "Multiple astronomical events are lining up for a rare display of synchronization tonight as a total lunar eclipse overlaps with 2010's winter solstice. Depending on the location, late night December 20 or early morning December 21, the full moon will be darkened by Earth's shadow as our planet passes between it and the sun. December 21 is also the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, after which the days will begin to grow longer. Coupled with the lunar spectacle, it means we're in for an especially dark eve. According to The AP, North and Central America should both be able to view the entire eclipse, which is estimated to take about 3.5 hours. Total eclipse will begin at 11:41 p.m. PST on Monday, or 2:41 a.m. EST on Tuesday -- so obviously West Coasters will have a better chance to catch the magnificent sight without dragging around heavy eyelids and needing an extra dose of espresso the following morning. If you want to set an alarm to catch a brief glimpse of the amber moon, NASA recommends 3:17 a.m. EST for the optimal impression. According to AolNews.com, NASA reports that this is the first time an eclipse has coincided with a solstice since December 21, 1638, and the next one won't come around again until 2094. The extravaganza in the sky doesn't end there, however, as the Ursids meteor shower will also be taking place. CityStateTime.com reports that this particular annual show is rarely witnessed compared to its brighter counterparts, but stargazers will have an especially exceptional chance to view the display this year because of the eclipse's darkened sky."

Slept out in my backyard, woke and watched the eclipse, no cloud cover, had an outstanding meditation.

Yep, that's the one. It's nice to know it wasn't just me.

GIH is using smiley faces in a post? Wow, Santa must be watching who's naughty or nice, for sure...

Happiness as the purpose of life? Freedom from suffering? Not possible. Pursuit of happiness and/or elimination of suffering motivates every single action taken by any being? Think again. These are very superficial observations that seem to be true on the surface, but clearly are not.

But Mahasiddhas like Milarepa utilized tummo in their practice, and I don't find evidence of tantric sexual practice in his life.. You seem sure of your interpretations, but I am not at all sure you know what you're talking about. Can you provide some references for the things you are claiming?

Waded into the masses of humanity today, spent some time in retail hell with the unwashed masses of Christmas shoppers. I have about an hour of tolerance for being in Materialism Land and then I begin to get this sense of 'gotta get outa here' and wanting to go home. Interestingly, I went to a display of Buddha relics that is here this weekend, and couldn't handle to scene there, either. Lots of people with hands pressed in front of them with beatific smiles on their faces around some very golden small Buddhist things. To my surprise, I stayed about 3 minutes and couldn't wait to get out of there, which I did. I did not like it. I have spent time in numerous Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Nepal and loved that vibe, this one felt wrong to me. Oh, well. Before going home, went to a place near my home where I used to live and sat feeling the vibe of the mountains towering beautifully nearby and healed myself. Ahhh...

Yep..here we are...

Hi.

Ah, finally you admit you are deluded!!! . ha ha jus pullin' yer leg, son

Amen, Shaktimama!

I believe you're mistaken about that. Seeking siddhis will only get one so far. Attachment to that goal will keep one bound to ego. If you don't understand what ego is, perhaps more reading and exploring will give you a wider context for your quest.

I'm referring to the wanna be siddhi seekers. Plus, he's got the StarJumper Seal of Approval™

I beg to differ. I saw his monkey ass Holiness in India and was not impressed. But I'm sure the siddhi seekers love him. The kind of enlightenment I'm interested in has nothing to do with the faux experiences and powers you seek. I'm glad to see he worked his magic on you. How do explain all the controversy? "At his 60th birthday, Sathya Sai Baba foretold that he would not physically age. But now look! And compare the various older photos with those only of the last days". Such holy vibes coming from this bloke.

Sai Baba? Charlatan and molester of young boys? That Sai Baba?? Kinda proves my point about the siddhi crowd.

Forget it. This is a useless conversation. Good luck with your search for powers.

So what's to prevent your ego from being reinforced by your superpowers? Unless your ego is zero, enlightenment shall not be yours. One gets Siddhis as a byproduct, then leaves them behind. It is your ego that desires to be important, you seek enlightenment as a byproduct, do you not?

Nice rationalization. meet you in 10 years and compare notes, unless you strike me dead before then, Grasshopper. :

Really? I'm further along on the spiritual path than I thought. I desire power only over my thoughts, desires and emotions. Do you still lose your temper? Do you still desire things ( like "powers")? Powers are a trap for Westerners.

Are you guys really falling for this? You are desirous of Siddhi's?!

Welcome back, Sir Blasto!

Twinner, I think your revised 12 steps are really good and necessary, perhaps with time there may be further revisions. Rather than let this thread fade out, perhaps we can turn the discussion towards what the implications of adopting this view. Like the example I gave earlier of the taking on of the identity of an alcoholic. And might this interpretation draw some of those who are 'allergic' to the official 12 step dogma?

So it seems that being on the spiritual path often creates a sense of alienation from the predominant or popular culture. One can attempt to escape from it by living in a spiritual community, but that has it's drawbacks, plus there always remains a sense that one is vulnerable, that the spirituality can only exist fully in a rarified environment. Gurdjieff always advocated for being able to develop where one is in one's life, not to escape from it. Some good guru's also will 'kick you out' at some point to find your own way in the world. So, in my opinion the best way really, is to develop a sense of presence and mindfulness. Vipassana is one way, I also believe that other paths provide this presence as a by-product, or indirect method. My objection to those who only seek to develop special powers (e.g., to become like John Chang), they most likely will lack the development of the essence, and will reinforce the ego and the persona.