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Today was difficult
Brian
Detroit, MI Moderator
Today was one of the most difficult days of my entire life. I have been confronted up close and personal with a great deal of adversity. I think I learned more about being a buddhist today than I have in the last three years combined.
It's too personal to go into, so please don't ask. Sorry
Anyways, as a topic of discussion: Do you think that the best learning comes from our personal experiences, or can you learn as deeply from teachers, books, or contemplation?
It's too personal to go into, so please don't ask. Sorry
Anyways, as a topic of discussion: Do you think that the best learning comes from our personal experiences, or can you learn as deeply from teachers, books, or contemplation?
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Comments
I hope that you are ok.
To answer you question though, personal experience. That is the only way to truly learn.
Perhaps this talk by Ajahn Brahmavamso will help:
http://www.bswa.org/modules/mydownloads/visit.php?cid=4&lid=152
Jason
ike how you had told me before..If you do not want to reveal it,then its ok.Just try not to get pulled down by this.Hope you will be ok.
To me,the best learning comes from personal experience.There is a limitation to what books,teachers or anyone around us can teach us.
Its our own experinces that help teach us important life lessons.
And you are right: our suffering can be our best teacher, but a hard one!
"Documentary proof, theoretical proof, and actual proof. Three standards set forth by Nichiren (1222-1282) for judging the validity of a given teaching. Documentary proof means that the doctrine of a particular Buddhist school is based upon or in accord with the sutras. Theoretical proof means that a doctrine is compatible with reason and logic. Actual proof means that the content of a doctrine is borne out by actual result when put into practice. Nichiren writes: "In judging the relative merit of Buddhist doctrines, I, Nichiren, believe that the best standards are those of reason and documentary proof. And even more valuable than reason and documentary proof is the proof of actual fact" (Soka Gakkai Dictionary of Buddhism: three proofs)
In regard to your phenomena of today, remember, all phenomena is empty, that is, you make it what it is. Each thing and it's opposite are flip sides of the same coin. In a like way, all phenomena can manifest either a positive or negative aspect. It is your state of mind, perception, that determines which is manifested. You know the old saying scat ain't nothing but fertilizer and lemons make the best lemonade. YOU CAN DO THIS!!:cheer:
In 'real life' I don't have anybody I can talk to about this. So thank you for being there. I know it's cryptic, and I still can't go into it, but just know that I love you all and I don't really feel worthy of all this attention. Just.... Thank you..
Palzang
I think a combination of all of those things is needed, in order to balance your understanding and experience...
In hindsight, I'll say that I really don't think there's any way I could have learned any of the wisdom I've gained from a book or teacher. I had to live that life in order to become who I am—and I think I'm a slightly better person for what I went through, at any rate.
I thought "Holy mess, not again, please, not again....surely.... How much can one guy take??"
Then I quickly saw the date.
Sigh of relief....
But as Brian says, nothing is irrelevant if it draws us further on constructively.
It has obviously done that.
Huge affection for you, Brian, always.