Search found 6 matches

by Mark1234
Mon May 28, 2012 10:08 pm
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Buddhism often seems like a farce
Replies: 24
Views: 3851

Re: Buddhism often seems like a farce

I would like to reply to some of the respondents on this forum who have written since yesterday. Firstly to Cittasanto who says I am 'generalizing.' Yes, of course I was generalizing, by intention. Where my generalizations justified? Yes. I think they were. I did talk about monks who set out to impr...
by Mark1234
Sun May 27, 2012 10:25 pm
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Buddhism often seems like a farce
Replies: 24
Views: 3851

Re: Buddhism often seems like a farce

Micknz66, There is no doubt that the system works in that there will always be people to support monks and monasteries. There is a wide variation in monks and in lay people I have encountered. I have seen and met some of the most senior and eminent monks as well as many junior ones as well. Monks ne...
by Mark1234
Sun May 27, 2012 9:33 pm
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Buddhism often seems like a farce
Replies: 24
Views: 3851

Re: Buddhism often seems like a farce

Bhikkhu Pelasa, I suppose I should thank you for your 'welcome'. I was merely sharing my you my experiences with this forum. I think your personal attacks were rather intemperate and uncalled for. I have no reason to suppose that the monks I was referring to are not 'good monks';they are. Even good ...
by Mark1234
Sun May 27, 2012 8:50 pm
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Buddhism often seems like a farce
Replies: 24
Views: 3851

Buddhism often seems like a farce

How is it that the philosophy/way/religion of non-attachement has become the crack-cocaine of clinging and grasping? For that is what it is. The culture that has grown up surrounding monasteries based on dana and Merit is just that. Buddhism created the original dependency society. When first joinin...
by Mark1234
Sun May 27, 2012 6:43 pm
Forum: Ordination and Monastic Life
Topic: Ajahn Sumedho ordains nuns?
Replies: 9
Views: 4829

Re: Ajahn Sumedho ordains nuns?

The whole issue of Bikkhuni ordination has been hugely divisive in the Ajahn Chah monasteries. LP Sumedo did not support it. Ajahn Bramavamso in Australia, who did ordain women againt LP Sumedo's advice, was ex-communicated. One monk who then wanted to visit Ajahn Bram was himself threatened with ex...
by Mark1234
Fri May 18, 2012 9:18 pm
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: Why Meditate?
Replies: 341
Views: 63744

Re: Why Meditate?

Hi, I am new to this forum and I have not read all the responses, only some - but I did get the general flavour of what was said. Why meditate? Meditation is an end in itself. It is not a means to an end. Meditation should not be thought of as an ego driven activity. It is not about striving and ach...