Lets try to keep any criticism we have to the ideas or approach and avoid critiquing Jundo as a person. We really don't know all that much about him.
Have I ever truly meditated?
There are probably as many definitions of meditation as there are practitioners.
Some questioning of whether you are truly meditating or not, tends to be a less deluded space to practice within than just assuming that your meditation is true.
The real difficulty however in attaining a satisfactory answer to this question is more tied up in our attachments to a sense of self than it is about whether our meditation technique is true or not.
If the human condition is seen as a dream state of our ego or identity's storyline,
meditation is simply our attempted disassembly of the constructs of that dream.
To the degree that one approaches meditation as something to be acquired & possessed, is the same degree to which one's slumbering continues over any real awakenings.
To the degree that one approaches meditation as a renunciation of one's attachments, is the same degree to which the question answers itself.
All meditation practitioners who honestly persevere will eventually have awakenings of differing strengths and longevity. The most common prelude to such things though seem to arise when the practitioner no longer seeks out such experiences.
Take some comfort in a meditative truth that is seldom told.
When comparing awakenings.....
Small awakenings arise from small delusions
Big awakenings arise from big delusions.
.
@Jundo said:
100% of the proceeds will go to Buddhist and other charities, nothing to me. I would never sell Dharma.
I don't care about the money from the book. You're still trying to sell it. You're selling Dharma. You just aren't keeping the money. My guru earns his living from his books. What he doesn't keep are the annual offerings made by his centers and the national organization. He sends the checks back. I don't care if you keep the money or not, Jundo. I care about seeing things for what they are, and you sir, are, for whatever reason, trying to sell a book.
Good luck :-)
@IdleChater said:
Strange - I don't really think we have failed in our mission. I don't even know what sort of mission I/we are supposed to be on. I don't recall being asked to accept one.And it sounds like Jundo is just trying to sell his book.
Nice one, Jundo.
100% of the proceeds will go to Buddhist and other charities, nothing to me. I would never sell Dharma.
The mission is in the Vow is to save all sentient beings, though numberless, from Dukkha as well as, for us engaged folks in this modern world, war and violence, hunger and poverty, and the like.
Gassho, Jundo
Just remember your life is a priceless treasure. Gratitude and Anger are choices. Gratitude brings blessings. Anger brings darkness.
Carry your blessings beyond the meditation moment.
honor yourself
Honor others
Honor life
and don't forget to smile.
Peace to all
Well I was on jury duty for two and half weeks and at the beginning of the trial the judge provided the 3 key points to look out for when assessing the evidence and testimonies given by the complainant and the defendant ...
Credibility, reliability, and plausibility the key considerations in weighing the evidence presented by both the complainant and the defendant.
We (the jurors) had to evaluate the trustworthiness, consistency, and reasonableness of the evidence and testimony to determine the facts of the case and reach a fair and just decision.
At times it was tough going, working our way through all the evidence, the mind would chop and change between guilty, not guilty and unsure ...
After two and half days of brain gymnastic deliberation ...we finally came to a unanimous agreement...
Which got me thinking...
Credibility, reliability, and plausibility also applies when approaching the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path...
Credible: In the context of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, credibility refers to the believability or trustworthiness of these teachings. Are they based on sound reasoning, empirical evidence, or authoritative sources within the Buddhist tradition? The credibility of these teachings may be assessed based on their consistency with other Buddhist scriptures, the teachings of respected Buddhist teachers, and their ability to address the existential concerns and experiences of practitioners.
Reliable: Reliability pertains to the consistency and dependability of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path in producing desired outcomes or transformations in individuals who practice them. Can these teachings be relied upon to lead to the cessation of suffering and the attainment of enlightenment, as promised in Buddhist doctrine? The reliability of these teachings may be evaluated through personal experience, as well as the experiences of other practitioners over time.
Plausible: Plausibility refers to the degree to which the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path are reasonable and sensible within the context of Buddhist philosophy and psychology. Do these teachings resonate with human nature and the observable phenomena of suffering and its causes? Are they coherent and compatible with other aspects of Buddhist doctrine, such as the law of karma and the nature of reality? The plausibility of these teachings may be assessed through logical analysis, philosophical inquiry, and introspective reflection.
I guess, one would have to see for themselves "Ehipassiko" ...
Perhaps examples of the "Four Immeasurables" in daily life.
Equanimity: You have a car which you use and like very much. You have a strong aversion to it getting damaged or destroyed. Yet, though you take meticulous care of that car, it gets totaled. Attachment means you get very upset that your car is destroyed.
Equanimity means you realize that, though you enjoyed your car, it is replacable and you are not upset at the destruction of your car but concerned for anyone who may have been hurt in the incident which resulted in the lose of your car.
Love Self explanatory In terms of day to day, you wish for your family, your neighbors, your reatives and friends to be safe, healthey, happy, and bring happiness to others.
Compassion This meas all people. Even the ones who cause you suffering or disrespect you or your family or friends. Fir instance, Devadata opposed and tried to kill the Buddha(Sakyamuni). Yet in his compassion, he did not hate Devadata. He instead declared him to be a friend, even stating Devadata would ond day become a Buddha.
Joy Even those who give you trouble, whom oppose you, a self-declared enemy.
In reguards to our fellow human beings, (men, women, them they...) A 19th century Japanese statesman stated it well: "Hate the action, not the person".
In closing, we are all imperfect. As we strive to realize the Four Immeasurables, we may stumble, we may fall from time to time. That is not failure, so long as we get right back up, dust ourselves off, take a deep breath, and continue our journey upon this path we have chosen.
Peace to all