Best Of
How very disappointing...
Call me late to the party, but I recently discovered, reading the Wiki entry for him, that Lama Surya Sas was been accused of sexual impropriety, in 2019. He disputes 'some' of the allegations. Which must surely, logically mean that he agrees with others....?!
Sogyal Rinpoche was also at the centre of a scandal involving his abuse of students and followers.
Sogyal Rinpoche's impropriety did not - for me - detract to any significant degree from the masterpiece he wrote, "The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying" because it was an impersonal, educational insightful book. He never really spoke about himself, or referred to himself, except briefly and to explain his beginnings... I'm really far more disappointed with Lama Surya Das, because his 'Awakening' Trilogy is somewhat biographical, and replete with personal anecdotes. He mentions so many teachers and Gurus, who had a profound effect on his development, and relates different phases of his education - some of them of intense and deep practice - culminating in his being established as an elevated and respected Lama.
These men are not isolated cases, sadly. There are many accounts of Buddhist Monks from all traditions, being accused - and being found guilty - of extremely serious misdemeanours.
Some of these people were celibate as part of their tradition dictates. Others were perhaps free to marry and have families... So... why? Terrible abuse of power and position.
I'm just bitterly disappointed.
I recently began re-reading Surya Das' Awakening books. Then checked his current status on Wiki. I feel a little embittered now, and am finding it difficult to separate the words from the man...
federica
Re: Talking outside the echo chamber
There I was in another echo chamber WHEN:
- I realised that I was listening to an echo, in a bubble of my own creation.
- Only hearing and listening to my Self.
- "Is there anybody there?"
Just imagine if I listened to others echoing and could burst their bubbles and talk to them. I have a theory that this might be possible. 
I knew there was a plan
https://www.newscientist.com/article/2113246-how-can-facebook-and-its-users-burst-the-filter-bubble/
lobster
Re: Talking outside the echo chamber
I’ve noticed that selling advertising on FB seems to be an effort to categorise people’s echo chambers and give them those ads that are likely to bring a reaction. It is a mechanism, paid of course, outside the echo chamber.
Jeroen
Re: Artificial Intelligence: Roshi bot answers my "Dogen question" about the "immaterial"
Hmm not sure if roshi bot is so reliable… here is an updated link to the chatbot
https://nozeninthewest.com/roshibot/
Jeroen
The most irritating person on social media, particularly on Reddit
If you've ever browsed Reddit, especially the Zen thread, you may have come across Ewk... a very peculiar user.
He is quite a challenge for any Buddhist navigating the internet.
Re: Funny Stuff
A man goes to a doctor and says, “I think I’m dead.” The doctor, puzzled, asks, “Do dead people bleed?” The man says, “No, of course not.” The doctor pricks his finger, and blood flows out. The man looks at it, astonished, and shouts, “My God, I was wrong — dead people DO bleed!”
Jeroen
Re: Important Stuff
I want to have what @marcitko is having...
Everything there is positive, real. As we may know, some of our expectations are imaginary. Advanced aspirations are not practical. For example:
- Today I want to prove logically, that the Mythical US, supposedly somewhere between Mexico and Canada, does not exist. Like Wakanda and its ridiculous 'Empress Trump' it is a figment of superstitious minds...
- I intend to report a missing tree. (Must not mention that I believe it was being used by the Jolly Green Giant as a toothpick)
- My morning meditation and chanting has improved others
- My mind has matured and like the moon, is mainly made of cheese. Possibly Gouda.
Have a great day everyone
"Keep it Real" ~ Baron Cohen aka Ali Gi, Borat
lobster
