I find it to be a good and bad thing.
On one hand, I think it's great that it has gotten so many people interested in meditation and everything and this can lead them to possibly being introduced to the dharma. It also has legitimate health and mental benefits, and I think it's a good thing...
I wouldn't say so. The problem is that Pop Mindfulness often isn't even mindfulness, but a distilled, taken out of context and overly simplified version that only concentrates on the present moment. Rather than being something you use to train your mind, question your aims and decisions, and use...
The New Yorker released a wonderful article on the history of commercializing mindfulness and other Eastern spiritual traditions in the west. The other day I was asked by @LuisDantas what I thought about secularing and reducing Buddhism to its most base form. In my reply I said that while...
Would you say Buddhism is dying? It most certainly is in Japan. As the southern Asian nations grow more wealthy and less poor, it will start to fade out there as well.
I have actually been there! However, I can't go often because I live alllll the way in Northside Houston and this is all the way in Southside Houston. It's at least a 45-50 minute drive. I will try to go next week for services and report back.
I am unfortunately in Houston. I searched for Dharma Ddum in Houston and there's a number I can call but there doesn't seem to be an actual center as far as I know. I am going to call and see what I can do. Thank you for the well wishes! As for the path for Dharm Drum being hard? That's a good...
Don't get me wrong, I'm not sectarian or even trying to be. I have been Vajarayana temples, Ch'an Temples, and Diamond Way centers. I'm open-minded just not sure on what tradition fits what I want. Thanks to your thoughts and insight I have an idea. Any idea where the best place to start on...
I agree with everything you said. For reference, I am talking about Soto Zen and I was ignorant to not acknowledge the difference. My mistake, friend.
I will check hose alternatives before checking out Theravada.
I just read this posting elsewhere and it has made me decide that Zen is not for me. I forgot about Zen's origins in this situation.
"Therevada Buddhism is the oldest lineage from the Buddha. The teachings were memorized during his lifetime and immediately after his passing away they recited...
I'm not expecting everyone to do it with it. I do, however, expect a sangha to at least have an OPTION for it. I have searched through the multiple Buddhist sanghas in Houston and not found a single one saying they do this type of work for their community. All of their other activities are in...
I have emailed all the local Houston sangha's listed on World Buddhist Directory. We will see how it goes. :(
What negatives? What are you referring to here?
What I am experiencing is not pride. Ignorance is one of the main hindrances in Buddhism. In Buddhism, it is ignorance that is the root of all evil. When I call them ignorant or fools, I am not insulting them, as you may assume, because I too sometimes act ignorant and foolish. Now, I'm not...
Secularism by itself is fine. I myself am secular. What we are describing is not secularism, however. But a lot of western Buddhists think it is enough if they just meditate, when the majority of Buddhism is meditation combined with a core ethical base that you practice on. They have stripped...
In any case, compassion is important because it's always important to never lose sight of the fact that all people and beings ultimately are just living their lives as well. I find that it challenges me to become a better person who considers others viewpoints. I can understand your view. It's...