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Buddhist writings irritatingly ambiguous
I've read some writings on buddhism and while i can relate to some of the ideas and concepts discussed, much of what I've read seems either very ambiguous or esoteric.
While I appreciate that concepts are not always easy to understand and certain things might need to be experienced to be fully understood - not just experienced with the head, I can't help thinking there's either a lot of BS thrown in at times or writers simply lack the will or the ability to communicate effectively.
For me, my limited but somewhat involved look at buddhism is a bit like looking for the end that's hidden in a ball of string but not finding it. Now people might say keep looking, but what if there is no end to find? I'm not talking about there being no meaning to life - but no completeness in buddhist theory. Writings on buddhism seem to be and jump all over the place. I don't get that.
What is up here?
While I appreciate that concepts are not always easy to understand and certain things might need to be experienced to be fully understood - not just experienced with the head, I can't help thinking there's either a lot of BS thrown in at times or writers simply lack the will or the ability to communicate effectively.
For me, my limited but somewhat involved look at buddhism is a bit like looking for the end that's hidden in a ball of string but not finding it. Now people might say keep looking, but what if there is no end to find? I'm not talking about there being no meaning to life - but no completeness in buddhist theory. Writings on buddhism seem to be and jump all over the place. I don't get that.
What is up here?
0
Comments
First of all, perhaps you should tell us what writings on Buddhism you have been reading and we can discuss further from there.
With Metta,
Guy
The issue for me isn't specific books and what they do or don't do, but why I can't seem to find a good summary of what it actually is that buddhism believes or IS. Add to that the dogma that has accumulated over time and the different braches of buddhism - some of which believe the most ridiculous of things, it seems a bit of a maze.
Pehaps someone can direct me to some writing that is clear and honest and accessible and to the point.
http://www.what-buddha-taught.net/Books3/Bhikkhu_Buddhadasa_The_Danger_of_I.htm
http://www.what-buddha-taught.net/Books/Ajahn_Chah_A_Gift_of_Dhamma.htm
http://www.what-buddha-taught.net/Books/Ajahn_Chah_A_Taste_of_Freedom.htm#mind
That will vary from Buddhist to Buddhist. In my opinion the above links are a good summary of the core teachings of the Buddha which have evolved into various forms of Buddhism.
My advice for such an ailment would be to forget all that stuff and just read the Buddhist texts with an aim firstly to answering to yourself why the four noble truths are true and why they are noble...
namaste
There are many forms of Buddhism which are all seemingly different on the surface with different practices and even different interpretations. Without knowing what you are refering to, this could be where you are getting confused.
Some schools of buddhism contain esoteric practices (like Shingon and Tibetan), where-as some schools don't (like Theravaden) and some schools can seem quite austere (like Zen).
The "core" of Buddhism IMO, can be found in the biography of the historical Buddha (Shakyamuni aka Gautama), the Four Noble Truths, the 8 Fold Path, and for laypeople (ie not monks and nuns) the Five prescepts. This can be found in all forms of Buddhism.
Here is a good basic guide to Buddhism.
Nios.
Find a teacher, learn how to do the practice (the meditation, the mindfulness, the other practices). It doesn't really matter which school of teachings you follow, for all lead to the same end.
As for what you learn, do the practice you are taught and observe without judgment. The Buddha gave us instructions for practice, but also how to approach the practice: accept nothing that you have not experienced for yourself.
I suspect that you, too, will find that the practice proves the teachings.
I am, myself, a very analytical and concrete person by nature. I am often frustrated by ambiguous writings or speaking. They sometimes make me feel like I'm the only one in the room who doesn't understand 'the joke', so to speak. *chuckle*
For me, I have found it extremely helpful to focus on the structure offered by Buddhism's fundamentals. Four Noble Truths, Eight Fold Path, Five Precepts. These are straightforward and tangible; something to focus my attention and help me connect with Buddhism's message. As I study these core ideas, they give me a foundation from which to observe the more subjective and abiguous feedback I hear or read.
I hope that helps, even a little.
To me: Different schools teach in different ways, it's like going to an island. You can take a cruise ship, a raft or something inbetween. They might look pretty different but there all going to the same place.
Buddhism is a path (The boat) it doesn't really talk about the Island.
For me, Buddhism hasn't really answered any of my questions, but with practice I've had far fewer I want an answer to.
Thank you. Always nice seeing my website quoted.
Good introductory texts in clear concise language are hard to find. There are multiple difficulties: (a) some of the doctrines and concepts are hard to understand, some cannot be understood by the intellect at all. It takes years of practice and reading to develop understanding; (b) authors use too much technical jargon, especially Pali and Sanskrit terms. While this is acceptable for intermediate students and necessary for advanced students, it is off-turning for beginners; (c) the cultural diversity and the multitude of Buddhist schools makes it difficult for the beginner to recognise the core teachings clearly; (d) authors do not always choose language careful enough and are not always able to put themselves into the shoes of someone who is new to Buddhism. This may cause confusion or tiring, or both.
You could -after having read a few introductory texts- go on to study anthologies of the Pali canon and of the important Mahayana sutras. That is probably the best way to familiarise oneself with the original teachings.
Cheers, Thomas
It did help that I already had a practice of silence, which is, after all, where Gotama started.
Thomas, I wasn't aware the creator of this site was on this forum. Just wanted to let you know the site is really impressive and one I've been spending a lot of time reading. I even sent the link to a friend a few days ago. Thanks!