Thanks!

I'm always getting my traditions mixed up!

At least I put it in the free-for-all section.

tiltbillings wrote:The question is: Is there really a need for such vows, given that the Buddha taught such a need or such vows?

Hi Tiltbillings,

... sssshhhhhhhheeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwww ... [sound of question flying over head]

I'm curious about the Bodhisattva vows and what they might mean to serious practitioners who make these vows. People who've taken the precepts, refuge, or just recite them regularly. I've had a recent experience that leads me to believe that many "serious" practitioners may not actually ta...

Well, yes of course, Sangha is essential. And from Sangha we find teachers, without which we are not going to be able to learn key methods, get ourselves going properly. Like learning to drive a car, or tune and play a guitar. We need guidance, an advanced practitioner observing, guiding, right by ...

If something like causality never changes then won't there always be causes & results? And if there are always causes & results then ... wait ... I've just gone cross-eyed.

davcuts wrote:Why are people breaking away from e-Sangha?

For some of us the question is: why did e-Sangha break away from me

Right or wrong we must walk on.

Congratulations!

Be my guest, Dazzlebling.

jcsuperstar wrote:it [religion] defines who i am on a deeper level, both rational and irrational.

Existential reasoning would be philosophical. Irrational, in a religious sense, would be trans-rational.

Nice one, Retro!

I took this shot at the LA Japanese Gardens last summer. Looks like a different kind.

Manapa wrote:Hi Piper

piper wrote:Philosophy operates within the realm of discernment or wisdom, and religion involves transcendence. The NEFP contains both aspects.

What is NEFP?

Oops... I meant the Noble Eightfold Path.

Philosophy operates within the realm of discernment or wisdom, and religion involves transcendence. The NEFP contains both aspects.

Hi Christopher::: What of Buddhism in our world today (rituals, beliefs, clothing, social norms, etc) is a cultural add-on and what aspects are essentials of the dhamma? The essentials of the dhamma surely developed within a culture. I don't know if it makes any sense to interpret culture being adde...