graham
Senior Member
Posts: 96
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Doubts
Apr 5, 2013 2:53:02 GMT 1
Post by graham on Apr 5, 2013 2:53:02 GMT 1
Eventually you will find that your practice will continue to progress without certainty yet slowly gaining confidence in many ways. First, there is the consistency of the teachings. Then there is the experience related to you by people you trust. Then there is the inkling from you own experience. Frustrating but there is no other way. Thanks, Jeff. You being one of the people I trust regarding this stuff, I will very much take your word for it  I think "gaining confidence" is a good way to put it (as in your degrees of confidence post awhile back). |
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Doubts
Apr 6, 2013 19:56:13 GMT 1
Post by Rudy on Apr 6, 2013 19:56:13 GMT 1
"gaining confidence" That's a very interesting conclusion when you consider the title of this thead! |
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graham
Senior Member
Posts: 96
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Doubts
Apr 13, 2013 15:48:33 GMT 1
Post by graham on Apr 13, 2013 15:48:33 GMT 1
"gaining confidence" That's a very interesting conclusion when you consider the title of this thead! I think it's important to not make snap decisions about these things. Without seriously questioning things, I wonder how deeply many people really want to understand truth. It has never been about Buddhism for me, it's a desire to understand what is actually true in the universe versus what is not. |
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Doubts
Apr 13, 2013 18:53:43 GMT 1
Post by Rudy on Apr 13, 2013 18:53:43 GMT 1
It has never been about Buddhism for me, it's a desire to understand what is actually true in the universe versus what is not. But of course  The problem with the Buddhist approach though is that we all need to decide for ourselves what is true or not, and that the only thing that is 'absolute truth', is a kind of relativity. ;D |
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graham
Senior Member
Posts: 96
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Doubts
Apr 15, 2013 5:15:06 GMT 1
Post by graham on Apr 15, 2013 5:15:06 GMT 1
[ The problem with the Buddhist approach though is that we all need to decide for ourselves what is true or not, and that the only thing that is 'absolute truth', is a kind of relativity. ;D No more paradoxes. Obviously I'm confused enough |
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Doubts
Apr 15, 2013 14:53:03 GMT 1
Post by Rudy on Apr 15, 2013 14:53:03 GMT 1
OK, without paradox: Buddhism simply says that we ourselves decide what the purpose of our life is. If we think that fast cars or money or whatever are the only purpose of our life, at that moment it can well be true. And unfortunately, may people seem to live a life with only such very limited views on the purpose of their lives.  I cannot decide the purpose or your life, its a personal thing/attitude/decision. |
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graham
Senior Member
Posts: 96
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Doubts
Apr 15, 2013 16:36:28 GMT 1
Post by graham on Apr 15, 2013 16:36:28 GMT 1
Yes, Rudy. I understand.
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ed
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Doubts
Apr 15, 2013 19:25:26 GMT 1
Post by ed on Apr 15, 2013 19:25:26 GMT 1
I sometimes wonder if my idea that being stranded by myself on a tropical island, would be the "Buddhist bonanza", I assume it would be? (Assuming an endless supply of bananas, kelp, and fresh water.) Would I really say to myself, "Yiippeee! I finally get to just mediate all the live long day...and nothing will interfere! Yippeee!" I would like to think that I would do that; make the most of being a Mega-Meditation winner, if you will. But, I also doubt, as you said and others have expressed their doubts also. My doubt: stranded on a paradise island all to myself, I may just say, "Ohhhh nooooooo....", become depressed, and bored, and not meditate at all?
I sometimes try to transfer myself to the island when meditating; as a sort of "practice for the real thing"...so I'm ready! thanks for sharing.
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brian
Senior Member
Posts: 83
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Doubts
Apr 20, 2013 22:27:50 GMT 1
Post by brian on Apr 20, 2013 22:27:50 GMT 1
Ed wrote I sometimes wonder if my idea that being stranded by myself on a tropical island, would be the "Buddhist bonanza", I assume it would be? (Assuming an endless supply of bananas, kelp, and fresh water.) Would I really say to myself, "Yiippeee! I finally get to just mediate all the live long day...and nothing will interfere! Yippeee!" I would like to think that I would do that; make the most of being a Mega-Meditation winner, if you will. But, I also doubt, as you said and others have expressed their doubts also. My doubt: stranded on a paradise island all to myself, I may just say, "Ohhhh nooooooo....", become depressed, and bored, and not meditate at all? I sometimes try to transfer myself to the island when meditating; as a sort of "practice for the real thing"...so I'm ready! thanks for sharing. Interesting idea, but remember that no man is an island. Being stranded on an island would only bring mixed happiness. As time went by, loneliness and isolation would set in with even the most introverted person. I think meditation in solitude is a vital yet temporary stage on the Buddhist path. For a monk to spend his entire life locked away in a monastery meditating I think is a misuse of buddha's method. It is more an escapism from society rather than true enlightenment. I think being "detached" from selfish desires is a good thing but being "too detached and distant" from others is very unhealthy and miserly. For instance, solitary confinement has always been considered to be one of the most punishing forms of incarceration, so to think "a meditator" would enjoy so much "alone time" I think is a very shadowy delusion. I also think solitude is appreciated when time is equally spent with others. And time spent with others is appreciated more when there is some solitude. We need to remain interconnected and balanced. Enlightenment is Selflessness. So what point would there be in keeping to one's self? |
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graham
Senior Member
Posts: 96
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Doubts
Apr 22, 2013 16:08:44 GMT 1
Post by graham on Apr 22, 2013 16:08:44 GMT 1
Ed wrote I sometimes wonder if my idea that being stranded by myself on a tropical island, would be the "Buddhist bonanza", I assume it would be? (Assuming an endless supply of bananas, kelp, and fresh water.) Would I really say to myself, "Yiippeee! I finally get to just mediate all the live long day...and nothing will interfere! Yippeee!" I would like to think that I would do that; make the most of being a Mega-Meditation winner, if you will. But, I also doubt, as you said and others have expressed their doubts also. My doubt: stranded on a paradise island all to myself, I may just say, "Ohhhh nooooooo....", become depressed, and bored, and not meditate at all? I sometimes try to transfer myself to the island when meditating; as a sort of "practice for the real thing"...so I'm ready! thanks for sharing. Interesting idea, but remember that no man is an island. Being stranded on an island would only bring mixed happiness. As time went by, loneliness and isolation would set in with even the most introverted person. I think meditation in solitude is a vital yet temporary stage on the Buddhist path. For a monk to spend his entire life locked away in a monastery meditating I think is a misuse of buddha's method. It is more an escapism from society rather than true enlightenment. I think being "detached" from selfish desires is a good thing but being "too detached and distant" from others is very unhealthy and miserly. For instance, solitary confinement has always been considered to be one of the most punishing forms of incarceration, so to think "a meditator" would enjoy so much "alone time" I think is a very shadowy delusion. I also think solitude is appreciated when time is equally spent with others. And time spent with others is appreciated more when there is some solitude. We need to remain interconnected and balanced. Enlightenment is Selflessness. So what point would there be in keeping to one's self? Agreed 100% |
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graham
Senior Member
Posts: 96
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Doubts
Apr 25, 2013 15:50:54 GMT 1
Post by graham on Apr 25, 2013 15:50:54 GMT 1
This was a recent Rigpa glimpse of the day that was relevant to this topic.
April 22
Don’t be in too much of a hurry to solve all your doubts and problems. As the masters say: “Make haste slowly.” I always tell my students not to have unreasonable expectations, because it takes time for spiritual growth. It takes years to learn Japanese properly or to become a doctor. Can we really expect to have all the answers, let alone become enlightened, in a few weeks?
The spiritual journey is one of continuous learning and purification. When you know this, you become humble. There is a famous Tibetan saying: “Do not mistake understanding for realization, and do not mistake realization for liberation.” And Milarepa said: “Do not entertain hopes for realization, but practice all your life.”
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brian
Senior Member
Posts: 83
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Doubts
May 15, 2013 7:50:11 GMT 1
Post by brian on May 15, 2013 7:50:11 GMT 1
Doubt is healthy. Doubt is a sign of inquiry and curiousity. Doubt is a sign of further interest. Doubt is what questons the establishment. What if Ghandi never doubtd the British Empire? What if Buddha never doubted the Hindu caste system? What if we never doubted government? Let's not just be sheep like totalitarian dictators want us to be. Let' s not just roll over.
The greatest spiritual leaders always went against the stream. Don't be mindless followers of mindless dogma. We have the imperative to create revolutionary change. As BUDDHISTS we have the power to change the world. We see things more clearly than Muslims, Christians, or any other ridiculous religious followers. We are the future as Einstein stated. We are smarter and much more logical. This is the FLOW of future development and progress.............God is dead but Buddha is alive. ZEN into the totality of TAO. It hurts but who really cares?
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Doubts
May 16, 2013 17:00:40 GMT 1
Post by Rudy on May 16, 2013 17:00:40 GMT 1
A river is not permanent or inherently existent (nothing is by the way), but is still carries ships and fish. |
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