Taboos, Expectations

Taboos, Expectations Florian 2/1/08 9:48 AM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Daniel M. Ingram 2/1/08 7:56 PM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Florian 2/1/08 11:24 PM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Daniel M. Ingram 2/2/08 7:40 AM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Florian 2/3/08 7:07 AM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Daniel M. Ingram 2/3/08 7:11 AM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Daniel M. Ingram 2/3/08 7:13 AM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Florian 2/3/08 10:50 AM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Nathan I S 2/4/08 9:01 AM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Wet Paint 2/4/08 5:33 PM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Daniel M. Ingram 2/5/08 1:33 PM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Daniel M. Ingram 2/5/08 2:27 PM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Wet Paint 2/5/08 2:40 PM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Wet Paint 2/25/08 7:42 AM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Daniel M. Ingram 2/25/08 8:12 PM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Wet Paint 2/26/08 7:18 AM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Wet Paint 2/26/08 5:45 PM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Wet Paint 4/3/08 10:41 AM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Wet Paint 4/3/08 3:19 PM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Phantom of the Opera 4/5/08 2:28 AM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Nathan I S 4/5/08 6:17 AM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Daniel M. Ingram 4/5/08 2:15 PM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Wet Paint 4/5/08 5:08 PM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Wet Paint 4/5/08 9:30 PM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Daniel M. Ingram 4/6/08 12:21 AM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Wet Paint 4/6/08 1:27 AM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Wet Paint 4/6/08 9:10 AM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Al B 6/26/08 12:10 PM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Al B 6/26/08 12:17 PM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Daniel M. Ingram 6/26/08 9:27 PM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Al B 6/26/08 10:05 PM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Wet Paint 4/17/09 12:58 AM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Florian 4/17/09 2:02 AM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Wet Paint 4/17/09 3:09 AM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Daniel M. Ingram 4/17/09 3:12 AM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Wet Paint 4/17/09 3:27 AM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Wet Paint 4/17/09 4:29 AM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Wet Paint 4/17/09 7:06 AM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Wet Paint 4/17/09 7:31 AM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Wet Paint 4/17/09 7:33 AM
RE: Taboos, Expectations Wet Paint 4/17/09 7:43 AM
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Florian, modified 16 Years ago at 2/1/08 9:48 AM
Created 16 Years ago at 2/1/08 9:48 AM

Taboos, Expectations

Posts: 1028 Join Date: 4/28/09 Recent Posts
Forum: The Big Issues

I find it hard to debate these points when agreeing so fully. I'll just list some examples:

"But Ajahn Chah smoked cigarettes" - I've always wondered why people would think awakening could me measured in units of "cigarettes per day".

"When you say you are awakened, you are in real trouble, because nobody wants you to be" - one of Ajahn Chahs students.

Nanavira Thera writing up his stream-entry experience in pali and hiding it in a letter "to be opened in the event of my death".

Finding out about Nanavira was quite an eye-opener for me, and encouraged me to keep looking for more.

Cheers,
Florian
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Daniel M Ingram, modified 16 Years ago at 2/1/08 7:56 PM
Created 16 Years ago at 2/1/08 7:56 PM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
Yep, the projections, confused expectations and very surprising reactions come fast and thick if one talks about these things in most circles, which is preposterous, if you ask me, as clearly this is not the tradition the Buddha wanted, who himself was very direct about things, as were many of his students and plenty since him. There are more with insight out there than let on, and if you snoop around you will find many overt and subtle hints and indications. The Dharma Overground is here to try to provide something useful for those trying to help normalize and shine much needed clarity, balance and light on issues that have been in the dark for way too long: let us know what you might like to see here to help with this process, and we'll see what we can do. Glad to have you here. -Daniel
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Florian, modified 16 Years ago at 2/1/08 11:24 PM
Created 16 Years ago at 2/1/08 11:24 PM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

Posts: 1028 Join Date: 4/28/09 Recent Posts
Suggestions:

1. Some FAQ wiki pages on specific chapters of good Dhamma books? You encourage people to go and do the work, so questions inevitably come up.

2. Cross-Reference wiki pages for the maps, linking into all the other traditions there are. I get the impression that you put a lot of research effort into writing up the maps, and it would be interesting (from a more academic angle) to explire this.

3. Some pages with individual experiences - this is somewhat voyeuristic, and will lead to a lot of projection, so we should discuss this further. My main interest here is that I thought I recognized some of the imagery you used in a podcast on Buddhist Geeks.

Cheers,
Florian
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Daniel M Ingram, modified 16 Years ago at 2/2/08 7:40 AM
Created 16 Years ago at 2/2/08 7:40 AM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
Good, practical requests. The quick place for my take on things would be my website: www.interactivebuddha.com, though there are lots of others: it has book lists, some experiences, my book, and lots of other links and the like. This site is just getting up and running, and shortly will have the infrastructure to contain all of those sorts of things. I'll ask some other members of the DU and DO to chime in and see what they say.
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Florian, modified 16 Years ago at 2/3/08 7:07 AM
Created 16 Years ago at 2/3/08 7:07 AM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

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Yes, your site has a lot of that already, and I can't thank you enough for that, by the way. If DO would expand on that, become more international (I'm in Europe), add translations into other languages, it would be useful to a wider range of people.
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Daniel M Ingram, modified 16 Years ago at 2/3/08 7:11 AM
Created 16 Years ago at 2/3/08 7:11 AM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

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It is interesting to note that much of what you are interested in is happening at the Dharma Underground: a Grand Map Project, an Experiences page, a Techniques section, reviews of Teachers, reviews of Retreat Centers and the like. That said, the problem is that much of the work there involves people who are not necessarily out of the closet about what they know and can do, and may of those pages contain content which basically would out their authors, some of whom don't want to be out, which is why it is able to happen there in a way that it doesn't happen elsewhere. What specifically is your deeper interest in these things? Tell us a bit about yourself. I noticed your profile is a bit slender.
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Daniel M Ingram, modified 16 Years ago at 2/3/08 7:13 AM
Created 16 Years ago at 2/3/08 7:13 AM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

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True about the languages and international aspect. Hopefully this will grow with time. One of our members is in Croatia. Invite those you know to join in and we'll see what happens.
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Florian, modified 16 Years ago at 2/3/08 10:50 AM
Created 16 Years ago at 2/3/08 10:50 AM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

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Profile's fixed, now.
Nathan I S, modified 16 Years ago at 2/4/08 9:01 AM
Created 16 Years ago at 2/4/08 9:01 AM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

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It is interesting--my teacher has on a few occasions mentioned "enlightenment" and "awakening", but doesn't discuss them much besides saying that as long as there's a sense of ego the breath will be "control[led]". I think (and that's the only evidence) that he focuses on technique to avoid any theoretical discussions that might bring up disbelief--and that's frustrating in and of itself, since shared theory is how we talk about things.
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Wet Paint, modified 16 Years ago at 2/4/08 5:33 PM
Created 16 Years ago at 2/4/08 5:33 PM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

Posts: 22924 Join Date: 8/6/09 Recent Posts
Author: mysteryofexistence

Hi, I am exited to join dharma overground to see what I can receive and contribute.

I am pretty much of a novice to these topics. Can anyone give me a pointer to background articles/info?

I guess the points on the front page does not quite match my own experience, which is that there is plenty of easily accessible info out there on maps and practices at different levels, described in very direct and clear language, with few if any taboos. And also the traditional guidelines for finding teachers, which seems to work well. (Someone trained and authorized in a tradition, kindhearted, psychologically healthy in a conventional sense, and so on.)

My experience is mostly with Genpo Roshi and the Big Mind process, Adyashanti, Byron Katie, and a local teacher, Joel Morwood (www.centerforsacredsciences.org).
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Daniel M Ingram, modified 16 Years ago at 2/5/08 1:33 PM
Created 16 Years ago at 2/5/08 1:33 PM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

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I appreciate your counterpoint, and the mention of more non-dual, immediate traditions and emphases. One way to look at this may be as follows: the traditions that a good number of the Dharma Underground practitioners come from significantly more developmental traditions, those that emphasize stages, states, various attainments, and the like. These can have a very different feel from more "immediate" traditions, such as Dzogchen, some of the Vedantists, many Zen sects, and others, that don't tend to emphasize maps, goals, hard criteria for attainments, concentration states, stages of enlightenment, and that sort of thing.
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Daniel M Ingram, modified 16 Years ago at 2/5/08 2:27 PM
Created 16 Years ago at 2/5/08 2:27 PM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

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Also, much of the progressive, goal-oriented world suffers from a number of cultural maladies, including but not limited to: terribly misleading or simply missing maps of meditation, an emphasis on psychology rather than more fundamental insights, a pervasive culture of secrecy about attainments of teachers, a strong strain among followers who believe that enlightenment and the like is either impossible or believe it to involve absurd ideals of human perfection and/or limitation. In the face of all that, some place like this is useful. It must be admitted that by having almost no maps, no firm criteria for attainments, no emphasis on the progressive aspects of the path, certain more non-dual traditions do dodge some of these issues. That said, when the maps and open culture around attainments functions at its best, it fills in a lot of gaps and explains a lot that those traditions without those features often miss.
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Wet Paint, modified 16 Years ago at 2/5/08 2:40 PM
Created 16 Years ago at 2/5/08 2:40 PM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

Posts: 22924 Join Date: 8/6/09 Recent Posts
Author: mysteryofexistence

Hi Daniel, and thank you for your generous, thoughtful and helpful replies. It helps me see it more in perspective. I also have to say I looked for the "delete" button after posting what I did, as I could see it coming from a quite fixed view and some blind arrogance as well... (I got to explore it here: http://www.absentofi.org/2008/02/inquiry-they-shouldnt-present-it-as-so-difficult)

Although I am mostly familiar with the more immediate path, I am also very interested in the maps you refer to, so hope to learn more about it here.
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Wet Paint, modified 16 Years ago at 2/25/08 7:42 AM
Created 16 Years ago at 2/25/08 7:42 AM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

Posts: 22924 Join Date: 8/6/09 Recent Posts
Author: woman_alone

Hi Daniel,

Can I ask, what's the concern with being out? Is it as simple as too much unwanted attention? I believe that part of the mythologizing of the process gives people the excuse for not really striving to attain. I came to love the messages in Theravada because it emphatically stated attainment was possible. It wasn't until I encountered this group that I realized that it was possible even outside the permanent walls of a Wat/monastery. And if "lay" practitioners have attained, I can see that it would pose an enormous threat to those who do not want it to be attainable. It might as well be tattoo of the word failure on their practices and perception. But for all that, I believet that such a project could do so much for those, like me, who strive towards this goal with passion and diligence, but with flickering conviction as though in the dark, for lack of knowing how a 'lay' person could achieve this thing.

I see in your experiences the opportunity to light a candle in my practice, and I imagine there are many like me who would feel the same. This is why I want to know, what is it about being out that prevents people from sharing such a positive result with the world? (And may you all be thanked for sharing in whatever way you comfortably can.)

Thanks.
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Daniel M Ingram, modified 16 Years ago at 2/25/08 8:12 PM
Created 16 Years ago at 2/25/08 8:12 PM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

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Good questions and thoughts. I am of like mind that people being open and simply stating that the techniques work and worked for them is empowering and helpful, at least I found it so when I was coming up in this stuff.

The question of why one would not be "out" about attainments is very complex, and it very much depends on the audience and context. For instance, many groups believe it is not possible, such as many of the staff at some major retreat centers I know, and thus to claim attainments automatically makes you a liar at best and a psychopath at worst. Having been more out than most, I can tell you the projections, bad reaction, anger, jealousy, confusion, doubt, fear, territoriality, and the like fly thick and fast despite honest attempts to keep things practical and down to earth.

Furthermore, many of those who are not "out" have real-world situations in which you just can't go around saying, "I am a highly enlightened meditation master with psychic powers who can..." because it just wouldn't make any sense in that context. For instance, I work as a physician in the deep south. I could say all I wanted, and people would just laugh, think I was making a joke, not have any idea what I was talking about, and so it really is a non-issue. However, for those who work in that middle area, professionals around people who might have some idea distorted idea what they were talking about, it can cause real chaos. Imagine being a PhD hard scientist and claiming realization in a setting where your boss might hear it: potentially cause for questioning sanity at best and dismissal at worst. Or go to most Buddhist groups and claim realization and watch the insane, radically idealistic traditional models get applied with all the compassion of a pack of hyenas. Until more realistic models are promoted more widely, being "out" can be a real problem at times, despite the benefits.
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Wet Paint, modified 16 Years ago at 2/26/08 7:18 AM
Created 16 Years ago at 2/26/08 7:18 AM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

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Author: eevld

These are extremely important points that Daniel is making and that are raised by this very question. It is something that is not often even thought about too much until one is actually put into this position - either by 'choice' or by circumstances - and gets to learn first hand about the backlash that can be involved. In some cases, the actual tradition does not have the context or the language on the whole - at least in terms of the broad population of followers - to even process what in the world enlightenment or attainment means. One can easily slip under the radar in such circumstances. For example, I was raised in a Christian tradition and utilized modes in particular of practices related to certain aspects of that faith - in particular Catholic contemplative methods - during my time as a seeker. It was difficult - if not almost impossible - to find anyone to relate to in these matters at the time, which was sort of a setback. But I was also left alone and unhindered once all was said and done since matters of awakening are not on the agenda for the vast majority of that particular population. There is another matter in this, and it is whether one is even moved to discuss attainment in the first place. For example, when I do speak of these things, it usually is not within the context of a tradition, though I am able to talk within the range of my understanding utilizing the traditions I studied and practiced - depending upon the background of whomever I'm talking to. But I have to say that it is truly not a choice I am making - the move to discuss simply comes up. Given the very real, notable, and daunting nature of the potential consequences doing so can put one in which Daniel mentions, it is amazing to the logical mind each time the mouth opens or the fingers type. It has nothing, on this end, to do with a preference - it is just happening. I can easily see how the REVERSE would also be true for those who are NOT moved to talk at all.
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Wet Paint, modified 16 Years ago at 2/26/08 5:45 PM
Created 16 Years ago at 2/26/08 5:45 PM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

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Author: woman_alone

Thanks to both of you for the explanations. I had never even thought of the accusation of insanity, or the loss of credibility that could go with such an accusation. I was aware that people might react with fear/anger/aggression/adoration/etc, none of which seemed such a powerful blocker (annoying, though, to be sure). But, yes, the idea of a loss of credibility could be very devastating. Then the question becomes one of why come out at all?

I just want to say for all of you who are participating in this process of sharing your understanding of attainment, whatever your reason for doing so, it's helpful to me. Before encountering such a group of individuals, the idea of attainment was one that I believed possible, but in an academic sort of way. Like I "should" be able to do it, even if I'm not a nun. But there's a difference between believing and knowing. For me it brought a whole new level of dedication to the practice. And for that I'm grateful. So thanks.
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Wet Paint, modified 15 Years ago at 4/3/08 10:41 AM
Created 15 Years ago at 4/3/08 10:41 AM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

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Author: SongMt

This is the most refreshing perspective I have heard. I have been a first hand eyewitness to seeing someone (my teacher) come out about some of his attainments, very down to earth about them, and some of the resulting reactions from his students. The projections that ensued were outrageous, Daniel does not exaggerate. The initial worship was there. When my teacher tried to readjust and educate the students, the negative backlash was astounding. They had a huge pile of assumptions that went with his practical approach to the esoteric. It is amazing at how constricted we now feel because of that.

I hope this is the beginning of a movement where more focus on the practical method is stressed over the dogma and mass perceptive propaganda.

Hope it didnt sound bitter, i am truly excited about this site, and the perspective it is growing.
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Wet Paint, modified 15 Years ago at 4/3/08 3:19 PM
Created 15 Years ago at 4/3/08 3:19 PM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

Posts: 22924 Join Date: 8/6/09 Recent Posts
Author: sonamdolma

In 25 years in Tibetan Buddhist sanghas, no one - ever once - mentioned anything about their own personal practice, let alone attainments. My model for enlightenment was Milarepa flying. We took bhodisattva vows and believed that everyone would - eventually - become enlightened…but in a future incarnation.

Since I started listening to Buddhist Geeks and realized there might be some validity to homegrown teachers, I’ve realized I was sitting in the wrong pew. And, as my outlook softened, the spiritual path got wider and I was able to give up a lot of my mistaken models. Recently my best friend of over 50 years told me that she was enlightened. I snorted in disbelief until I realized she was undoubtedly speaking the truth. In my old model I would have wanted her to walk on water; with a more realistic outlook, I see her as totally compassionate, completely egoless and with boundless energy.

Thanks Vince and Daniel. It’s amazing what descriptions and instructions in English can do to speed up attainments. Today, three weeks after starting, I moved into #10, Equanimity.
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Phantom of the Opera, modified 15 Years ago at 4/5/08 2:28 AM
Created 15 Years ago at 4/5/08 2:28 AM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

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Disclaimer: I am mostly ignorant on the subject, both experientially and theoretically, so I am probably overly simplisitc, or just plain wrong: please read me with "buckets" of salt and feel free to trash me!

It seems to me that the map issue (leaving esoteric and devotional schools aside) is an expression of two different conceptions of enlightenment, arahatship vs. boddhisattvaship.

Bodhisattvaship: it is not suprising that there are no (public) maps to a goal so high that it is very rarely reached; the bodhisattva ecosystem is too scarce.
In Magellan's time, rutters were both dearly kept secrets and very sketchy.

On the other side we've got "mechanistic" technics that produced thousands of arahants, hence a rich ecosystem of enlightened individuals that enables detailed mapping.



A question to Daniel: how would you compare your view on arahatship with Mahadeva's?
Nathan I S, modified 15 Years ago at 4/5/08 6:17 AM
Created 15 Years ago at 4/5/08 6:17 AM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

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I don't know anything about bodhisattvas, except that they're supposed to postpone parnibbana until every single being is awakened, and that a lot of the traditional ones have some awesome psychic powers. Could someone point me to an introductory source on them?
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Daniel M Ingram, modified 15 Years ago at 4/5/08 2:15 PM
Created 15 Years ago at 4/5/08 2:15 PM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

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As to Bodhisattva maps, they exist in abundance. Consider the 5 path model of the Tibetans, in which the 3rd path is becoming a Bodhisattva of the 1st Bhumi, and the 4th path is the next 6-9+ Bhumis (depending on the textual source you use, though 10 total Bhumis is typically the standard), etc. I refer you to Dharma Paths by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoch, and, of course, wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhumi_%28Buddhism%29

As to it being rare, to not equate Stream Entry with being a Bodhisattva of the 1st Bhumi is to commit an error.

Further, there are currently many very advanced Tibetan Buddhist practitioners who have advanced far into the Bhumi territory: that's why they get to wear the funny hats.

Further, as Zen Masters inherently are Mahayana, and thus, when enlightened are by definition Bodhisattvas, and there are plenty of enlightened Zen students and teachers, thus there are plenty of Bodhisattvas, if unmapped in that tradition, as is there particular style.

The notion that there are parallel tracks of enlightenment is one I categorically reject and love to fight hard against, and thus, from my point of view, the 5 Paths, 4 Paths, 10 Bhumis, and all other models of enlightenment are all describing the same territory, albeit sometimes with wildly different emphases and degrees of metaphorical and dogmatic augmentation.

Also, the notion that modern "mechanistic" techniques are producing thousands of arahats is probably somewhat overstating the numbers, though clearly data are sparse.
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Wet Paint, modified 15 Years ago at 4/5/08 5:08 PM
Created 15 Years ago at 4/5/08 5:08 PM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

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Author: sonamdolma

Most Vajrayana Budddhist practitioners take bohdisatva vows. And generally they are taken with other masters performing an empowerment. Sonam Dolman was the bodhisattva name given me by Tai Situ R., who is destined to be the next Buddha. I've also taken these vows with the Dalai Lama, Garchen R and my teacher Thrangu R. As well, the vows are repeated by the entire sangha during normal sessions of practice and during daily practices at home - often three times a day. There are a few more bodhisattvas around than would be obvious to practitioners who are not involved in Tibetan Buddhism.

I must see what Wikepedia says - their explanation of acupuncture is totally ludicrous so they are not that reliable.

Ann
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Wet Paint, modified 15 Years ago at 4/5/08 9:30 PM
Created 15 Years ago at 4/5/08 9:30 PM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

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Author: Yverc

Do you write anything about there being no parallel tracks in your book? It would be very interesting to know exactly what you mean by this.
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Daniel M Ingram, modified 15 Years ago at 4/6/08 12:21 AM
Created 15 Years ago at 4/6/08 12:21 AM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

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Yes, see the Models of the Stages of Enlightenment, where I briefly mention the 10 Bhumis and 5 Paths.

Exactly what I mean is that all the models of enlightenment are descriptions of the same territory, again with different levels of accuracy, applicability, metaphor, dogma, elaboration, hyperbole, and fantasy.

Specifically, stream entry=bodhisattva first bhumi=3rd path in the Tibetan 5 Path system.
Beyond that, correlations get tricky.
I can see arguments for correlating 3rd path with the 6th or 8th Bhumi, though I can also see arguments for correlating early arahatship with the 6th, 8th or 10th Bhumi, depending on how one slices things. The Bhumi model has some completely fantastic elements to it that really hinder its practical use.

I do not feel that any of the very traditional models really hold up to solid reality testing in all their particulars, with each straying inevitably into the realm of myth and propaganda. Even modern Tibetan masters complain of this, though why none have the spine to really formally reform the ancient dogma is beyond me.
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Wet Paint, modified 15 Years ago at 4/6/08 1:27 AM
Created 15 Years ago at 4/6/08 1:27 AM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

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Author: SongMt

I was also taught Daniel's perspective on the paths to enlightenment. The precious human vessel is what we are all working with, the variances are much smaller than what is truly going on internally in the process of enlightenment. it speaks to me much of something like the grand unification theory of physics.......that is, if the process were exactly efficient and precise, that our path was accurately guiding us to enlightenment, it would be much the same for us all. Of course, then we run into individual perspective and means. So who knows?
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Wet Paint, modified 15 Years ago at 4/6/08 9:10 AM
Created 15 Years ago at 4/6/08 9:10 AM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

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Author: Tracy.

Hey Ann,
I'm curious, how open are the people in your community about attainments? How do Tibetan practitioners talk about these things? How do you know who's a boddhisattva?
Al B, modified 15 Years ago at 6/26/08 12:10 PM
Created 15 Years ago at 6/26/08 12:10 PM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

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Or because their parents were lamas or because they have been recognized (for any reason) as a tulku and put through shedra.

I haven't found the funny hats to be indicative of much more than organizational authority and sometimes scholastic training.
Al B, modified 15 Years ago at 6/26/08 12:17 PM
Created 15 Years ago at 6/26/08 12:17 PM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

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Tibetan Buddhist practitioners DO NOT talk about attainments. That's how they deal with this. They especially do not talk about it between each other (lamas may do so, for all that I know).

You know who the Boddhisattva is by his funny hat. :-)
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Daniel M Ingram, modified 15 Years ago at 6/26/08 9:27 PM
Created 15 Years ago at 6/26/08 9:27 PM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

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True. I agree there is nepotism, politics, and the like at play. That said, the whole system is not corrupt, and there are real, realized teachers in the various Tibetan traditions with real wisdom to share. I also agree, there may be a lack of straightforward conversations around these things, and this is grossly unfortunate, but nearly universal, so is not a problem unique to the Tibetans. Thus, I agree, just because they have funny hats doesn't mean they are bodhisattvas, but certainly some of the funny hat wearers are, and if you want to meet them, just try asking direct questions about who really knows the practices and their fruits well and you may be surprised when people know how to steer you to the right people.
Al B, modified 15 Years ago at 6/26/08 10:05 PM
Created 15 Years ago at 6/26/08 10:05 PM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

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I don't disagree with that at all. People just need to realize that it isn't every teacher and that those who roll through town doing the "rockstar" tour of the United States may or may not be one of those realized teachers (they may simply be looking for donations to rebuild a monastery or a school or another project instead).
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Wet Paint, modified 14 Years ago at 4/17/09 12:58 AM
Created 14 Years ago at 4/17/09 12:58 AM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

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Author: Vinapa

Hi Florian and everyone,

About cigarettes. How much are they "show-stoppers"? I mean ho much do they restrict the comprehension, interfere with the practice? As I am an addicted smoker =(

Thanx!
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Florian, modified 14 Years ago at 4/17/09 2:02 AM
Created 14 Years ago at 4/17/09 2:02 AM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

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Hi Vinapa,

Welcome to the Dharma Overground!

I think you must have missed the irony I put into that post. I don't think cigarettes are show-stoppers at all. This thread originated in response to the following page:

http://dharmaoverground.wetpaint.com/page/The+Big+Issues

There's an interesting thread on a subject related to your question about cigarettes, here:

http://dharmaoverground.wetpaint.com/thread/2295206/Alcohol+and+practise.?

Cheers,
Florian
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Wet Paint, modified 14 Years ago at 4/17/09 3:09 AM
Created 14 Years ago at 4/17/09 3:09 AM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

Posts: 22924 Join Date: 8/6/09 Recent Posts
Author: Vinapa

Florian,

In fact, I've noticed the ironical context, but, on the other hand, it's difficult to me to figure out how can one start avoid delusions being such a impious smoker, at first =)

Thank you for you links - they helped to relax, as this each time happens =)
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Daniel M Ingram, modified 14 Years ago at 4/17/09 3:12 AM
Created 14 Years ago at 4/17/09 3:12 AM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
Dear Vinapa,

Hey, good question about smoking. I know a number of very enlightened people who smoked or smoke, and thus it does not directly prevent the development of insight into the fundamental nature of things. Preposterously addictive: yes, cause cancer: yes, cause lung disease: yes, cause heart attacks: yes, cause peripheral vascular disease: yes, cause all sorts of other problems: yes, prevent investigation of the Three Characteristics or whatever you wish to call the fundamental aspects of reality: no.

There are some good technologies for quitting if you are looking, as taking care of your body is a healthy part of spiritual practice and just makes good sense.

Helpful?

Daniel
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Wet Paint, modified 14 Years ago at 4/17/09 3:27 AM
Created 14 Years ago at 4/17/09 3:27 AM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

Posts: 22924 Join Date: 8/6/09 Recent Posts
Author: Vinapa

Daniel,

Glad to meet you here =)

Do you find it just unbelievable? Those capitalistic sharks do everything to destroy my body, but they leave my soul to be rescued =\ Some thin coat of that notorious protestant morality? I've heard Hitler said that tabacco was redskins' response to the firewater. Well, it was nazi German as the first state to introduce a national stop-smoking program. It's demonstrative, I guess.

Just thoughts =)

Thanx!
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Wet Paint, modified 14 Years ago at 4/17/09 4:29 AM
Created 14 Years ago at 4/17/09 4:29 AM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

Posts: 22924 Join Date: 8/6/09 Recent Posts
Author: msj123

As I became more attentive, especially focusing on my breath, I began to notice how much of an impact smoking had on me. After a smoke, I could literally watch my muscular tensions build. I could see the impact it had on my breath, my lungs, and my whole body. So I said, "How can I solve the great matter of life and death if I'm a slave to a harmful chemical?"

So I quit.
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Wet Paint, modified 14 Years ago at 4/17/09 7:06 AM
Created 14 Years ago at 4/17/09 7:06 AM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

Posts: 22924 Join Date: 8/6/09 Recent Posts
Author: Vinapa

Each time a fire a cigarette a think well i know really that the thing restricts and prohibits. So, yeah, being a slave, just how is it possible for me to break through. Just looking at it as at a mere facultative satellite, representing my own non-worked-out juvenile neuroses, am I able to preserve my identity? Just resort to it when I'm not ready to comprehend the level which thinks that me is ready while i'm thinking i'm not ready to comprehend. Just like to eat before to sleep without too much attention to what actually happens. To forget? ahhh.. I do know all that stuff, I just cannot, too much for my traumas. Bless you =)
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Wet Paint, modified 14 Years ago at 4/17/09 7:31 AM
Created 14 Years ago at 4/17/09 7:31 AM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

Posts: 22924 Join Date: 8/6/09 Recent Posts
Author: Vinapa

Daniel,

Not sure that it's a sober suggestion, but as for me, I would change the header image of the site. Hey, stop being new-age devils! Being a nobility it just confuse, really =( ban me if i am wrong..

also, in regard to that inter-cultural stuff.. well, just if you're interested - here in Russia we spell "i" (which is "ya" in russian - the last letter in our alphabet, apropos) in caps, and we spell "You" ("vy") in capitals...

All the best to you, Daniel, since you're brave enough to face yourself. Unlike me =(

Since the positive should prevail, here's a smile =)
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Wet Paint, modified 14 Years ago at 4/17/09 7:33 AM
Created 14 Years ago at 4/17/09 7:33 AM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

Posts: 22924 Join Date: 8/6/09 Recent Posts
Author: Vinapa

I feel guilt each time =(

Should I become Christ?
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Wet Paint, modified 14 Years ago at 4/17/09 7:43 AM
Created 14 Years ago at 4/17/09 7:43 AM

RE: Taboos, Expectations

Posts: 22924 Join Date: 8/6/09 Recent Posts
Author: msj123

You can't eat a whole pie in a single bite. One bite at a time, only when you're ready.

Matt

PS: I also watched the guilt!

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