Search found 16462 matches

by tiltbillings
Tue Nov 30, 2021 10:05 pm
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Why is Ñānavīra considered controversial?
Replies: 107
Views: 6217

Re: Why is Ñānavīra considered controversial?

I think it peculiar to completely ignore the commentaries. What is somewhat amusing is that in translating the suttas the translators often use the commentaries as a guide, which means that what we see of the suttas are filtered through a commentarial lens. Nasty little things those commentaries be...
by tiltbillings
Tue Nov 30, 2021 9:59 pm
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Why is Ñānavīra considered controversial?
Replies: 107
Views: 6217

Re: Why is Ñānavīra considered controversial?

I think it peculiar to completely ignore the commentaries. What is somewhat amusing is that in translating the suttas the translators often use the commentaries as a guide, which means that what we see of the suttas are filtered through a commentarial lens. Nasty little things those commentaries be...
by tiltbillings
Tue Jan 01, 2019 7:10 am
Forum: Pāli
Topic: Is learning pali really helpful?
Replies: 20
Views: 4718

Re: Is learning pali really helpful?

Hello, I've been toying with the idea of learning pali, but according to an earlier exchange of this forum, it seems that even people well-versed in pali do not always agree on the meaning of certain terms. So I'm wondering what kind of advantage learning pali gives us, if at the end of the day we ...
by tiltbillings
Tue Oct 17, 2017 10:53 pm
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: Sunlun Sayadaw method
Replies: 115
Views: 66596

Re: Sunlun Sayadaw method

I said last week that I would give this method a bit of a trial, see how I got on with it, and then report back for anyone who was interested. So here goes! . . . I would like to thank Javi for raising this topic, Tilt for his support, and others for whatever open-mindedness they showed. You are we...
by tiltbillings
Sun Oct 15, 2017 5:20 pm
Forum: Samatha Bhāvana
Topic: Sound object for concentration meditation
Replies: 14
Views: 7059

Re: Sound object for concentration meditation

Mr Man wrote: Sun Oct 15, 2017 5:08 pm There is this - The Sound of Silence by Ajahn Amaro

http://www.lionsroar.com/the-sound-of-silence/
I had forgotten about this book. Good call.
by tiltbillings
Sun Oct 15, 2017 8:32 am
Forum: Samatha Bhāvana
Topic: Sound object for concentration meditation
Replies: 14
Views: 7059

Re: Sound object for concentration meditation

Kantaka sutta, lists impediments to concentration such as sound paṭhamassa jhānassa saddo kaṇṭako It certainly can be an impediment, especially if one is trying to cultivate jhana; however, if one's concentration and mindfulness are strong, if one is an experienced practitioner, probably not so muc...
by tiltbillings
Sun Oct 15, 2017 8:28 am
Forum: Samatha Bhāvana
Topic: Sound object for concentration meditation
Replies: 14
Views: 7059

Re: Sound object for concentration meditation

Thanks. What I really want to know perhaps is its legitimacy as a meditation object according to past teachers and traditions. You will get those who likely will say "no," for there is no textual support for it, but if you can pay attention to, be mindful of, a more or less constant sound...
by tiltbillings
Sun Oct 15, 2017 7:56 am
Forum: Samatha Bhāvana
Topic: Sound object for concentration meditation
Replies: 14
Views: 7059

Re: Sound object for concentration meditation

You may find something addressing your interest here, Sound as a medititaion focus: https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&q=sound+as+a+meditation+focus&oq=sound+as+a+meditation+focus&gs_l=psy-ab.3..33i160k1.3729.22334.0.22693.41.38.3.0.0.0.147.4630.0j38.38.0....0...1.1.64.psy-ab..0.41....
by tiltbillings
Fri Oct 13, 2017 4:38 pm
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: Sunlun Sayadaw method
Replies: 115
Views: 66596

Re: Sunlun Sayadaw method

However, what I do see as a problem is when someone sees their perspective as the only one, the only proper way and everyone else is wrong. Me too. Any expansion that is not in the suttas is thus seen as a corruption. There is an ultra vigilance to expunge anything that is not directly spelled out ...
by tiltbillings
Fri Oct 13, 2017 2:58 am
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: Sunlun Sayadaw method
Replies: 115
Views: 66596

Re: Sunlun Sayadaw method

This is also a very tiring thing for others, because if one wants to discuss certain meditation techniques, but then one is unable to do so because of the constant claims of "not-buddhist", "not sutta" one is liable to just shut up or go elsewhere. You can do whatever you want, ...
by tiltbillings
Thu Oct 12, 2017 6:21 pm
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: Sunlun Sayadaw method
Replies: 115
Views: 66596

Re: Sunlun Sayadaw method

. . . Well said. I think that we can trace the issue here to the minimalistic presentations in the suttas and how different personalities seek to practice and adapt themselves to this. I see the two main approaches as: 1: The minimalistic statements are enough on their own, and one should just do w...
by tiltbillings
Thu Oct 12, 2017 3:39 am
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: Sunlun Sayadaw method
Replies: 115
Views: 66596

Re: Sunlun Sayadaw method

My comments were very literal, and there was no "suggestion" beyond what was stated... namely, that if you and others wish to discuss modern techniques in an environment where it's inappropriate for them to being challenged in terms of conformity with Pali scriptures, then let me know and...
by tiltbillings
Thu Oct 12, 2017 3:10 am
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: Sunlun Sayadaw method
Replies: 115
Views: 66596

Re: Sunlun Sayadaw method

Yes, I find the same type of disinclination to practice can arise at any time. I know what I have been advised to do by my teachers; it has worked for me many times before; and I know how it fits in with the suttas. But on occasion, when getting on to the cushion, the mind just doesn't want to know...
by tiltbillings
Thu Oct 12, 2017 2:28 am
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: Sunlun Sayadaw method
Replies: 115
Views: 66596

Re: Sunlun Sayadaw method

Greetings Tilt, Over the years here I have seen Burmese Vipassana styles of practice criticized variously much along the same lines as the Sunlun practice is being criticized in this thread, as not being in line with the suttas and commentaries. Yes, and whilst this remains a "General Theravād...