doc benway
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Everything posted by doc benway
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Thanks CT! I also came across this: http://www.lotsawahouse.org Some good stuff from Mipham Rinpoche and many others.
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In some ways I think we tend to spend too much time worrying about what the Buddha may or may not have done and too little time working with the glaring opportunities in our own lives.
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I agree with you completely on the point about books and teachers. That said, I'm getting a great deal out of this book - especially chapter 6 in which Mipham (and Anyen) Rinpoche addresses the question: When abiding in the unborn, ultimate nature, is conceptual grasping present or not? It seems like a nearly trivial question but Mipham's discussion is full of practical advice for developing certainty in our practice. Then again, as you alluded to, what works for one does not always work for another... If you ever do decide to look at it, let me know what you think. I'll warn everyone that the introduction and first few chapters are a bit dry and rigorously theoretical but well worth the effort, IMO.
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How can you tell if you are getting the real deal / indoor teachings?
doc benway replied to BaguaKicksAss's topic in Daoist Discussion
Good questions... And a follow up question - what does it matter, other than to our ego? I've had several good and a few great martial arts teachers. I was able to find answers to your questions through my own experience with my current teacher. I've trained with him for about 12 years and began teaching for him after about 3. As I grew as a student and instructor myself, I began to see the overall picture of his teaching method. I saw that he first taught me the art itself - basics, form, posture, breathing, applications,etc..., The second stage, that began as we got into the intermediate and advanced stages was that he taught me how to learn. That was critically important. In doing that, he gave me the tools I need to self correct and continue to grow. The next stage was teaching me how to teach, which could not have happened without stage 2 - learning how to learn. And at some point he told me that I had to fly on my own and to stop bothering him with questions... So looking back, I'm quite certain that there are things that he reserves for his successor. I also know that he does not teach everything to every student but rather thoughtfully selects what he thinks students will benefit from the most and what is most suitable to their strengths and aptitude. And here I am referring to the advanced methods and "pith" type instructions that are only useful to those that are in a position, and have demonstrated the aptitude, to take advantage of them. And at the end of the day, I'll turn it around and ask the person who is concerned with whether or not their teacher is holding back - have you thoroughly understood and mastered everything you have been shown to date? Because if not, the things that are being withheld only matter to the ego... -
Interestingly, in Journey to Certainty, Anyen Rinpoche interprets Mipham Rinpoche as considering the shengtong view as incapable of negating the four extremes. That is considered the primary failing of the shengtong view. At least that is how I'm reading it. Lots of good resources for studying Madhyamaka, as you've pointed out, and there seems to be enough similarity between Bönpo and Buddhist Prasangika Madhyamaka teachings that I'm comfortable with either at this point in my study. Finding a geshe or lama with enough free time to engage in a personal correspondence that would guide me in learning would be a true blessing. The ones I've encountered have been quite busy although one never knows... If the necessary causes and conditions come together I'll be on it like red and gold on a monk's robe!
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So true - in my work and relationships I do try to be mindful of this. It can be challenging at times. His Holiness, the Dalai Lama: “Now there are many, many people in the world, but relatively few with whom we interact, and even fewer who cause us problems. So when you come across such a chance for practicing patience and tolerance, you should treat it with gratitude. It is rare. Just as having unexpectedly found a treasure in your own house, you should be happy and grateful toward your enemy for providing you that precious opportunity. Because if you are ever to be successful in your practice of patience and tolerance, which are critical factors in counteracting negative emotions, it is due to your own efforts and also the opportunity provided by your enemy.” Not sure I would have described this experience and opportunity as "rare" but that is probably due to my inexperience and relative lack of progress on the path...
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It's funny how my reading often dovetails with online discussion. I just came across this quote from Journey to Certainty by Anyen Rinpoche (a discussion of Mipham's Beacon of Certainty). The context is that Anyen Rinpoche is discussing Mipham Rinpoche's advice related to our meditative practice: "Our effort is most usefully focused on mindfulness training, because it is mindfulness that enables us to recognize and abide in the uncontrived view of Dzogchen." So while mindfulness is clearly not the Dzogchen view or the "nonconceptual nonmeditation [that] is the nature of suchness," to quote Karma Lingpa Rinpoche, it does seem to have a very important role in our meditative practice, especially for beginners, like myself, who are unable to rest with stability for long periods of time in a nonconceptual nongrasping nonmeditation. Edit: PS - I highly recommend Anyen Rinpoche's book referenced above to anyone interested in the Dzogchen view and practice. Does anyone have a recommendation for a good translation of MIpham's Beacon of Certainty? I'm aware of John Pettit's translation but don't know if there are others.
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What's more important than Buddhism being full of contradictions is that people are lacking in compassion.
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No matter where your new-found Jewish heritage takes you, trying to be you is probably your best bet either way. Enjoy the ride!
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When I went to the Louvre, I wasn't expecting much but the Mona Lisa was surprisingly captivating in person.
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It sounds trite but all we can do is to be the change we would like to see. I see more tolerance and compassion in my children than I had at that age. I see many young people engaged in worked for change. In my own life, as I attempt to embody qualities like compassion and understanding, I see people around me reacting differently. All these things are encouraging.
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I stumbled across a very nice and brief discussion that touches on some of the topics we've been discussing here. It is from Jean-Luc Achard and is in the English section on his Dzogchen forum: http://forumdzogchen.forumactif.com/t472-intro-question
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Hey, watch what you say about kids! Adults are much worse than children…. It takes decades to develop that level of ignorance, greed, and callousness. Kids are much closer to Buddhahood - open, generous, and genuine.
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Why should I have a teacher? Or follow anyone's advice here at all?
doc benway replied to Ryan94's topic in Daoist Discussion
You know, you're right. I just stumbled on another of Ryan94's posts and it's not that crazy… -
Why should I have a teacher? Or follow anyone's advice here at all?
doc benway replied to Ryan94's topic in Daoist Discussion
My money's on sunlover, I think that was it's name… Also one of many though I can't recall any of the other masques. -
I do enjoy Rumi, although these two examples wouldn't make my top 10… Different strokes, y'know.
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True religion is no better than shit. Fake religion is much, much worse…
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No need for any hazing. If you are genuinely interested in hearing what others have to say, that is a rare gift. Most of us listen simply because we must until the opportunity presents itself for us to reply. The label Buddhist tends to point to those following the way of the Buddha in terms of the four noble truths and dependent origination. Lots of variety beyond that but that seems fairly fundamental. The label Daoist, IMO, points to those who follows the path of wu wei and the three treasures. My Daoist teacher, who is from Taiwan, has a different perspective. In his opinion, a Daoist is someone who actively practices the methods of Daoist cultivation. He does not consider someone to be a Daoist simply because they perform rituals, read Daoist texts, and attempt to understand or follow the associated philosophy. Not saying I agree or disagree but I thought I'd share this with you for your research.
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Unfortunately, I'm not aware of many spiritual texts originally written in English… I will agree with you about the labels though, practice and direct experience are where it's at for me.
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I tend to look at the Supreme Being as a verb rather than a noun…
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Why should I have a teacher? Or follow anyone's advice here at all?
doc benway replied to Ryan94's topic in Daoist Discussion
My response is that you shouldn't as you seem to already have it figured out. We tend to see what we are looking for… I see a few genuine and lovely participants, many hurting and confused folks lost in the morass created by thought, and a few angry and bitter people who seem to be trying to ease their own pain and confusion by passing it on to others. Daoism, not to mention other spiritual paths in general, are more about opening to reality through careful observation and accommodation rather than narrowing our experience through the story created by our ideas and biases. Carrying judgement in your heart based on your assumptions and expectations of others is probably not the most expedient or skillful way of embracing wu wei and the three treasures. It may be helpful to understand your expectations of what the goals of Daoists are before concluding that they have never been reached. I agree that the teacher cannot tell you what Dao is but can help you to better understand what it is not and, if you are fortunate enough to find the right teacher, help you refine your search or your methods. Good luck…. it sounds like you need some. -
Buddhist monks expanding their practice a little ;)
doc benway replied to BaguaKicksAss's topic in General Discussion
Maybe next time they'll create the mandala first, then dance it to oblivion and prove the NY guys wrong! -
Words rarely capture the truth of being, Poetry may be recognized by it's subtle savor. _/\_
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A good teacher can point to the nature with very clear and familiar language. Semantics mostly figures into it when we try to 'understand' the nature with thought and words... The nature is only seems unfamiliar until it is experienced, then you realize that it's always been with you and it feels like coming home after being away for a very long time.
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That could have come right out of a Krishnamurti talk…
