Brian K.:
Ok, so lately I've been thinking about how some people think AF is incompatible with traditional buddhist practices and how some people think they work well together when they're both practiced. So, trying to incorporate both, I was wondering how other people have found they can incorporate both effectively so they supplement each other and not detract from each other. I do a lot of noting throughout the day. Today I decided, fuck it, I'm just going to try and practice HAIETMOBA during the day. I found noting was a lot more effective for me, I zoned out more/had more random thoughts without noting. I came to appreciate just how useful and flexible noting really is. So, does anyone have any experience with using both these techniques (or any other vipassana technique) with success? I'd be interested in learning more of the details on what people have used to balance out how they distribute their attention on a moment-to-moment level and what little tricks they've come up with to utilize both techniques.
Also, if you think that these two methods are incompatible you don't need to comment. I am going to experiment with both either way. Just looking for success-stories and solutions here. Thanks.
I
experimented a lot. But have reached the conclusion that if one does not have a pliant and malleable mind, then you may well get yourself trapped in a confusing knot and end up triggering confusion and dismay in others as well. It's a controversial topic to discuss here these days, so you may run the big risk of having doubt inserted into your mixing practices which will not help at all as any doubt will hinder any practice taken on.
My opinion: Stick to one or the other. the actualist path or a particular buddhist flavoured path. If you have had a PCE, you can let it inform your buddhist practice or let it inform your actualist practice. But don't mix. You will most probably fabricate yourself more confusion and frustration as well as more views to get entangled in. Pick one route, and take it as far as it can go. One leg on one horse and the other leg on another horse could tear you a new arsehole. Pick one horse and ride it to its advertised result.
My 2 cents.