What do you think of this?

Jason_PDK

Hi everyone,

I recently came across this site: http://www.liberationunleashed.com
It seems very interesting. I have been reading their book with previous conversations from the forum.

I'm just curious as to what you think of it? Has anyone had any experience with it?
I will probably try it. What have I got to lose, eh?

Cinorjer

Well, that was an interesting few minutes wandering around their site and the various blogs. Seems to be a rather harmless group of people who've found kindred spirits on the internet. Might be asked to buy something, but self-help books and courses abound trying to make a few bucks so nothing unusual there. Rather simplistic message, but then so is every Guru out there. I'd say have fun exploring and who knows, you might learn something about yourself.

person

Looks to me like a money making new age group with a Buddhist theme. There are 'Pointers' that profess to be awakened and that they are the ones to be able to help you attain liberation for only the cost of retreat fees (I only found one retreat for $650, but I would assume most would be about the same).

They may be sincere in their efforts but having to rely on select authorities that one must pay to get their guidance feels fishy to me. I'd stick to authentic teachers and lineages.

person

After having roamed their forums a bit maybe money making isn't much of what they're about. Though the claims about the 'Pointers' having seen through the illusion of self and being able to help others see through the illusion by internet forum guiding to me seems doubtful. What do I know though maybe give it a try if it speaks to you, I'd recommend wading in slowly and not diving in headfirst though.

lobster

Sure I went through the free service they offer. Which I found entertaining enough. Probably asked too many question or maybe it was it something I said? Have not heard from them in a while, so can not move up a notch on the game play. I certainly recommend the process . . .
http://liberationunleashed.com/nation/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1837#p50847

Keep your wits, or witlessness in my case about you and all will be well. It can certainly get to the core of 'the self'

:om:

Invincible_summer

I think @lobster might have something to say!

Jason_PDK

The thing that made me a bit wary about it, was that these 'guides' seem to be claiming enlightenment, from the realisation of just one of Buddha's teachings. Admittedly though it is a very hard one to grasp, and one I tend to struggle with. So, I think I will give it a go. Mostly they seem like nice people who have good intentions at heart.

lobster

Mostly they seem like nice people who have good intentions at heart.

Exactly so. The process is useful, if you realise the essential empty core of the self - good. Then move on.

MaryAnne

Apparently, @lobster, you did not participate in the manner they 'expected'. You did not easily and eagerly follow the path they put before you by way of planned and plotted Questions to answer.
Frankly, they didn't honestly appreciate your answers much, did they?
(Cripes, they were projecting all over the place).

And yet they ask those entering The Gate to set aside assumptions, expectations, illusions, etc.... why? Because they want to replace them with their assumptions, expectations and illusions, and then pronounce you "Liberated" once you have performed to those expectations?

I immediately found the whole thing a bit too 'gimmicky' for my tastes....
But actually, by the time I finished reading the pages of exchanges with you, @lobster, I thought they were basically FOS.

Jason_PDK

MaryAnne said:

And yet they ask those entering The Gate to set aside assumptions, expectations, illusions, etc.... why? Because they want to replace them with their assumptions, expectations and illusions, and then pronounce you "Liberated" once you have performed to those expectations?

This also bothered me a little.

MaryAnne said:

I immediately found the whole thing a bit too 'gimmicky' for my tastes....
But actually, by the time I finished reading the pages of exchanges with you, @lobster, I thought they were basically FOS.

Having read @lobster 's thread, they seemed almost sarcastic in their responses towards the end and annoyed for their method being challenged. After all, did the Buddha not discourage blind faith? He expected us to challenge things.

The more I look, the more I think this mightn't be all they make it out to be.

lobster

Their method is perfectly valid as far as it goes.
If you want to experience the nature of emptiness of self, then go for it. Play along.

You have to appreciate you can involve yourself with a process or arising without being caught up in its 'importance'.

I am perfectly aware of my 'non self' nature. So I was more interested in awareness both mine and theirs . . .
I would still recommend this initial realisation and the process they use as useful.

FyreShaman

The way the conversation progressed and others joined in is similar to attending groups (maybe cults would be too strong) whose members are very sincere, single minded and want that Lobster's commitment, heart and soul (and maybe wallet). There is always just enough useful stuff in there to appear plausible.

MaryAnne

lobster said:

Their method is perfectly valid as far as it goes.
If you want to experience the nature of emptiness of self, then go for it. Play along.

You have to appreciate you can involve yourself with a process or arising without being caught up in its 'importance'.

I am perfectly aware of my 'non self' nature. So I was more interested in awareness both mine and theirs . . .
I would still recommend this initial realisation and the process they use as useful.

Do you honestly believe they can literally lead a true newbie into the realm of understanding "the nature of emptiness of self" simply by having them answer a planned series of pointed questions? Really?
Considering it take most people years of devoted study - or at least contemplation - of the principals of Buddhism, the precepts and 4NTs etc to get to that point (if they EVER get to that point), and how complex and intricate it can seem for most people... I find it highly unlikely they can do it through "question and answer" forums as they claim.

lobster

Do you honestly believe

Judging by the variety and nature of those successful, yes.
Really yes.
Unlikely as that may seem, that is what is happening.
As I say keep your wits about you, that is a general life tip incidentally . . .

taiyaki

I have a lot of friends who are LU guides.

Its a solid way to examine and inquire into the emptiness of self.

I went through the process a while ago.

Here is the link:

http://liberationunleashed.com/nation/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1365

The process is simple. One on one conversation and investigation into your experience.