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Mysticism

NidishNidish
edited September 2010 in Buddhism Basics
Hey guys.......
I recently have gotten a doubt... What do Buddhists really think about Mysticism, Horoscopes, predictions, etc? Do the support Occult:eek: studies?:confused:

Comments

  • NidishNidish
    edited September 2010
    Nidish wrote: »
    Hey guys.......
    I recently have gotten a doubt... What do Buddhists really think about Mysticism, Horoscopes, predictions, etc? Do the support Occult:eek: studies?:confused:
    *they
  • fivebellsfivebells Veteran
    edited September 2010
    Different Buddhists think different things about that kind of New Age stuff. It is almost completely orthogonal to Buddhist practice. Why do you ask?
  • FoibleFullFoibleFull Canada Veteran
    edited September 2010
    fivebells wrote: »
    Different Buddhists think different things about that kind of New Age stuff. It is almost completely orthogonal to Buddhist practice. Why do you ask?


    FB, I dictionaried "orthogonal" and couldn't come up with any definition that was not related to geometry, and couldn't wrap my head around it. Therefore, not understanding your point, and wishing to understand your point, could you please try putting it another way? Thanks.
  • fivebellsfivebells Veteran
    edited September 2010
    I meant the first and (a little bit) the second definitions given here. Unrelated, independent.
  • NidishNidish
    edited September 2010
    @Fivebells,
    I ask because, I have a faint memory of having read that Buddhists do not and Should not involve in occult practices... Incidentally, I am also interested in it... I dunno whether I should follow it or not.....
    @FoibleFull,
    I guess it should imply that orthogonal means something that's not related to subject... Am I right Fivebells?
  • fivebellsfivebells Veteran
    edited September 2010
    Yes, that's right, Nidish. Well done.

    Well, lots of Buddhists do get involved in occult practices (I don't; I think they're silly.) Are you asking because you intend to practice meditation?
  • thickpaperthickpaper Veteran
    edited September 2010
    Nidish wrote: »
    Hey guys.......
    I recently have gotten a doubt... What do Buddhists really think about Mysticism, Horoscopes, predictions, etc? Do the support Occult:eek: studies?:confused:


    My view is that the Buddha was very much against mysticism and that the middle path is the path between mysticism and nihlism. But this is not the orthodox view we have in Buddhism today.

    Happy to talk more on this,

    Namaste
  • SimonthepilgrimSimonthepilgrim Veteran
    edited September 2010
    Buddhism is neither for nor against mysticism or magic. There are more or less mystical branches and there are traditions that include practice which could be deemed 'magical'. It is quite useful to read Alexandra David-Neel's 1929 book Magic and Mystery in Tibet - she is not a 'believer' so her account is all the more valuable as a picture of early 20th century Tibet.

    Mysticism is not any sort of New Age activity, although some New Agers use the notion, and fits very well with much of Buddhism.

    As for magic, you will have to make up your own mind, after investigation and personal experience or lack thereof.
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