But their historical validity does not prove that what he says is true. It merely proves that he said it. His "historical existence" does nothing to justify what he said. How then do you plan to prove that his teachings culminate in what he said they did? ;-) Edit: fixed some spelling mist...

My friend,

Bad intention, is bad karma.

Not bad thoughts.

Ok, well said. Your issue here is that your faith in the Buddha's teachings, stems from their historical facticity, and not their validity. In other words, if someone said to you: go here, make merit, do good, be virtuous and enjoy the fruits thereof. But you found out that the person was not "...

Why is this bothering you?

I'm not avoiding thinking about anything. For me, when I read the suttas I understand the depth of the Buddha's insight, I understand how these words could have been spoken by a single genius, couple this with the fact that most people believe that the Pali Canon was indeed spoken by the historical ...

Ok but, assuming that you're not an Arahat, or Samyaksam Buddha, or Bodhisattva, how can you establish that these states exist? Without a historical record, and some guarantee of: "yes these attainments are possible", what exactly leads you to believe that it is possible to attainment samy...

Another issue that I find with the MCTBers or Pragmatic Dharma yogis, is that they place too much emphasis on extra-canonical material. But not just that, they misinterpret extra-canonical material, GREATLY. For example the notion that the path causes depression, mental illness, self-obsession or wh...

porpoise wrote:

taintless wrote:Well this is really interesting, as far as I see there are two issues:

1) The possibility that we and/or I have misunderstood what the state of an Arahat is.

And the possibility that we have misunderstood what dukkha is?

That is also probable. IMO.

Well this is really interesting, as far as I see there are two issues: 1) The possibility that we and/or I have misunderstood what the state of an Arahat is. AND 2) Whether or not these criticisms can really be levied against the Hardcore Dharma movement adherents. Number 2 is possible for me becaus...

Perhaps you're right then. Interesting. But then it is difficult to explain this vagga: 37. 1. 1. (1) Nibbànaü Ý Extinction 1. At one time venerable Sàriputta was living in the hamlet Nàlagà. 2. Then the wandering ascetic Jambukhàdana approached venerable Sàriputta, exchanged friendly greetings and ...

Right, but right now we're not speculating about the mental well-being of Arahats or the Buddha.

How exactly does this relate to the discussion?

Interesting, I never considered that perspective before. Nevertheless my point is primarily that: If their path renders no visible, beneficial results or fruits that are IMMEDIATELY visible. Then there really is no point to practicing their path. If their path merely eliminates the POSSIBILITY of &q...

By fun do you mean like: Partying, using recreational drugs, hooking up, chatting, trolling, playing computer games, listening to music etc. If so, yes. It is possible Of course, most of the above actions would not be recommended by most forum users here, but I recommend experimenting, to at least k...

Pretty much every answer here is good. The way to Awakening is the Noble Eightfold Path. In modern terms: 1) Correct perspective. 2) Correct intention. 3) Clean up your speech. 4) Clean up your actions. 5) Clean up your livelihood. 6) Exert effort to both maintain good qualities and give rise to new...

TBH,

I do not feel that such a naive decision to become a monk would benefit anyone.

I would rather you stay in the so called "society" you currently live in and try to live skillfully. This will already provide numerable and enough opportunities to practice mindfulness and skill.

Peace.