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Re: Being fed up with all things spiritual
There's a mountain of information out there. Much of it contradictory. Without a skeptical mind, one is likely to be blown this way and that, taking on whatever one has been most recently exposed to.
More than that though a thorough and true understanding of most topics requires multiple points of view. Its like my avatar picture, "how something appears is always a matter of perspective."
I've been around enough spiritual teachings and at times have heard highly respected and realized teachers say obviously mistaken things to the point where I test the information I'm taking in, as a goldsmith would.
person
Re: Being fed up with all things spiritual
And there's the trap!
Re: Tech Question
Have you looked at the Notification Preferences at the top righthand corner of the drop down menu when you click on Notifications...
There are boxes one can tick for "Notify me when people comment on discussions I've participated in." if it is ticked untick it..
Otherwise you can just ignore by not clicking on any of the discussions/topics you have no interest in...
Shoshin1
Re: Being fed up with all things spiritual
Having an open heart is not simply blind acceptance of what is written. The correct approach is synthesis between what you feel to be true, and the truth of what is written.
Jeroen
Are the Buddha's Teachings Credible, Reliable, and Plausible ?
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" ...
Shoshin1
Re: Eight Worldly Preoccupations
These are often presented as 4 pairs: 1 & 2, 3 & 4 and so on.
Taken that way, they are opposites. The first is happiness and suffering. Happiness and suffering are opposites. It's the "opposites" that are most important. Preoccupation with happiness is an obstacle, as is one with suffering. Both are conditioned and ever-changing. Illusion. By being preoccupied with both, like seeking to avoid suffering and finding happiness, you introduce duality. A preoccupation with one is a preoccupation with the_ other_.
Re: Being fed up with all things spiritual
@Jeroen said:
keeping your opinion intact.
That's the problem. Your opinion.
My guru told me that true devotion was an open heart. In Buddhist parlance, this is the same as open mind. Clinging to an opinion, keeping it intact, as you say, is not having an open heart. This will present difficulties, making attainment of the path all the more difficult.
Re: Just for fun: the random, useless announcements thread!
Yes that's true, there are corrupt politicians in all political parties....but from my personal observation of political parties in Aotearoa, at least left wing governments do make an effort to improve the quality of life for the less fortunate...
Shoshin1
Re: Being fed up with all things spiritual
@Jeroen said:
I’ve decided to take a break from spirituality — reading, writing, meditation, practice, discussing, Buddhism, guru’s, nonduality, everything. Until further notice.
I have slowly been dipping a toe back in the water. I’ve noticed what I react strongly against is directives — that one should do this or that. I’ve in the past been reasonably quick to agree with things, but now I feel as if that has loaded certain facets of my mind with too much ‘stuff’.
Spiritual books often have an element of showing you what you should do, if only by telling you how great it would be if you could do… in these kinds of cases I am going to go slower, taking more time to read books and preserve my own standpoint while I read.
But I think reading the words of the enlightened, and listening to them, is where I will start.
Jeroen