Okay , I read what Richard said about Buddhism and he just doesn't understand much, he says he does, but he doesn't. Which is fine, I am just seeking truth, and :
Why do I get invovled with these discussions about actualism , etc? Well, why does Richard vent out a bunch of ill conceived thoughts about Buddhism, why does he invite responses? This is simple cause and effect, if he did not write about how wrong something is, and base it upon misunderstandings, in my opinion, then why wouldn't someone be able to discuss the subjects that Actualism brings up? It is not adefense, or a defense mechanism, those are instinctive reactions, these are logical discussions about statements being made on the Actual Freedom website about Buddha and the teachings.
Because, being a seeker of the truth, that requires investigation, and when investigation exposes something as non-truthful it should be either taken back or corrected. There are differences in opinions and facts, which has been clarified on the Actualist website, yet there is the spouting of misunderstandings and opinions being presented as facts, and in a logical sounding manner. But, just because something sounds logical does not mean it is logical, especially when investigated. So, I guess, because I still have clinging, clinging to what is right and truth, it burns my butt that someone can just say a bunch of stuff as the truth when it is obviously not the case, to me anyway.
For example:
Richard:
The actualist method is a far cry from the Buddhist carefully cultivated ‘mindfulness’ ... the practice of ‘mindfulness’ is a further withdrawal from this actual world than what ‘normal’ people currently experience in the illusionary ‘reality’ of their ‘real world’. All Buddhists (just like Mr. Gotama the Sakyan) do not want to be here – now – as this flesh and blood form, walking and talking and eating and drinking and urinating and defecating and being the universes’ experience of its own infinitude as a reflective and sensate human being.
"All Buddhist do not want to be here" Huh? Why would someone say that? Where would they formulate an opinion as such, and why present the opinion as a fact? Did he even understand the Satipatthana Sutta as a novice? It is said he did, I think, but it seems not.
Mindfulness is a further withdrawal from the actual world? What? , that is foolish, (in my opinion)
Richard:
Mr. Gotama the Sakyan should not have dawdled, tarried ... because there has been untold suffering since then that has been all unnecessary. Wars, rapes, murders, tortures, corruption ... the list is endless. If he had gone all the way there would probably be peace on earth by now. That was two and a half thousand years ago, remember. Plenty of time for everyone to become free.
So, he is playing the blame game? On the Buddha? This is just nonsense talk, in my opinion.
Anyway, the reason for discussing this is to show another way of looking at Actual Freedom, it seems that ot is spreading some pretty far out un-justifiable opinions, and passing them off as facts. To me this is wrong speech, and as shown has repercussions, everyone can be held accountable for their speech and actions, myself included.
So, to be proactive, I am not a supporter of dogmatism, and know the practice of rites and rituals for what they are, but am a supporter of Investigation into reality, no matter where it leads. It is what it is.
So, please, please, do not take any of this personally, that is not the intention, but the intention is to examine statements that are held out for public view and to see how well it holds up to reality, not blaming anyone, just flaggin'
Perhaps one can just focus on the methods and drop the propaganda, but for me , it goes hand in hand.
So, I must reflect upon my own consciousness, Is it dogmatic? Is it untruthful? Am I hardheaded or open-minded? If I disagree with something is it okay to express this? Why is this sometimes seen as an attack rather than as a discussion? This is a discussion board, right? More rhetorical questions....
Psi Phi
The buddhist link on AF
http://www.actualfreedom.com.au/library/topics/buddhism.htm