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'New Kadampa Tradition' (NKT) issues & concerns
I've tried to have an open mind... I really have... I still like the books, and the GP talks. But something about this path & the elitism, cliquishness and sanctimony of it continues to rub me the wrong way. I'm not worried about it & know that i have other choices of several buddhist traditions. But I don't want to throw the baby out with the bath-water here and i do have a tender spot for Tibetan Buddhism (mostly because of Pema Chodron's teachings...)
I did look up NKT and read all the stuff about the issues surrounding it during my first week of being introduced to it, so I've known about all the controversy, such as their not accepting the Dalai Lama because of what they see as his totalitarian ways. That did trouble me, because i came here hoping for unity & harmony and found yet another "us & them" scenario that claimed one path is superior to others. Truth be told, I felt sort of sick about it at the time and had to really think about it. But decided to be open and just learn. Plus I had enough problems already than to tackle this one too (see my first post about my upcoming divorce), and needed to be wise and focus on the more universal dharma teachings, and set aside the rest for now, including all the politics, which has also turned me off when done in other religions.
I like some of the NKT materials as they seem logical, solid and wise, but i do prefer reading & listening to Pema, Tara Brach, Mark Epstein & other teachers I feel more inspired by. In addition to being logical and wise, they incorporate & mix into their classes and talks other wisdom, including words of non-buddhist poets, writers and even teachers from other traditions.
I would still love to hear other Buddhists' thoughts on the subject, as it is very interesting to me and worth exploring. I guess i can view this as part of my karma.
Thanks, Emily
I did look up NKT and read all the stuff about the issues surrounding it during my first week of being introduced to it, so I've known about all the controversy, such as their not accepting the Dalai Lama because of what they see as his totalitarian ways. That did trouble me, because i came here hoping for unity & harmony and found yet another "us & them" scenario that claimed one path is superior to others. Truth be told, I felt sort of sick about it at the time and had to really think about it. But decided to be open and just learn. Plus I had enough problems already than to tackle this one too (see my first post about my upcoming divorce), and needed to be wise and focus on the more universal dharma teachings, and set aside the rest for now, including all the politics, which has also turned me off when done in other religions.
I like some of the NKT materials as they seem logical, solid and wise, but i do prefer reading & listening to Pema, Tara Brach, Mark Epstein & other teachers I feel more inspired by. In addition to being logical and wise, they incorporate & mix into their classes and talks other wisdom, including words of non-buddhist poets, writers and even teachers from other traditions.
I would still love to hear other Buddhists' thoughts on the subject, as it is very interesting to me and worth exploring. I guess i can view this as part of my karma.
Thanks, Emily
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Comments
whatever teachings you receive or orgs you join, their application to 'your life' is the only important matter
all the best
I did some searching on here and noticed a bunch of other threads on this topic, including some heated debates.
Yikes, so sorry to bring the "horse" back from the dead!
I'm so new to NKT that there's been no investment. Ok... about $40 so far, but it was worth it.