Dhamma Wheel

About halfway through Sapiens on audiobook. Just got to the part where he is eviscerating monotheism—ouch! Some of his philosophizing about human nature misses the mark, but the majority has good insights that are difficult to argue with. He does best when he bases his ideas on concrete facts rather...

I rarely agree with Malcolm from the other DW, but what he answered to your same question posted there is exactly right: stick with the newspapers of record.

I'd categorize this as "vocal dub" from the excellent William Orbit. Youtube SQ does not do this song, or indeed any song, justice.

Strange Cargo - She Cries Your Name

On the other hand, if he is just trying to make bank, well, people will catch on. Some people will, but new folks will continue to be enchanted by him and similar hucksters. Gullibility is endemic amongst us humans and increases when we're desperate. There will always be people making money off this.

Wonder what he's selling...

Oh look, $35 for a list of books!
And just $249 for his video course to change your life!

https://actualized.org/store

And wait, there's more! Well, not yet but doubtless he'll come up with something new to sell to poor saps.

Bhikkhu Pesala wrote:...

Rather than being "syncretic," I am only trying to be fair and honest regarding both the Buddha's teachings and his disciples living today, regardless of their school or sect There's no need to put that word in quotes because it is clearly exactly what you are doing. Sure, there are simil...

I just wish that we please seek to describe the teachings of each other's paths fairly and accurately in a sub-forum entitled "Connections to Other Paths." You don't seem to understand that what is considered a "fair and accurate" description of a Buddhist paths varies depending...

I've stayed there, but I forgot exactly where it is. My favorite is the one closest to the main complex, the duplex I think, because those hills are really something. I recall hearing of someone, I think Bhante Gunaratana, commenting that the monks at Abhayagiri are so fit. When you climb up that mo...

How many people here have been to a Buddhist monastery and have paid attention to the way they do things? In my experience, it's pretty amazing what's accomplished. From what I see, the system isn't quite "solid". They don't try to define it so much as apply good principles. Of course it'...

One could reverse these questions as well, e.g. (modifying what you posted earlier): "If, as a Theravada Buddhist, I already followed the Eight-Fold Path, what would be the point of following Mahayana Buddhism instead? I am trying to figure out what, specifically, would lead a lay person to cho...

I agree that one should learn to be strong in one's own understanding of Dhamma, first by establishing that foundational knowledge. The best way to do this is to read the suttas. A lot of suttas, especially those in the 4 main Nikayas. IMO, you really have to let the mind chew on the teachings for a...

Just finished listening to this. I can't recommend it highly enough. I don't think it's a stretch at all to call it a Dhamma book if listened to with wise attention because most of it is an excellent and visceral reflection on aging, sickness, and death and how it affects the lives of those going th...

I've used a chair soon after I first started meditating because I initially did some damage to my knee from overzealous cross-legged sitting. That damage has also prevented me from using a kneeling seiza-type bench, which sounds like what you're using. A normal chair works, but I've gotten used to t...

Those who did not register (like me!) need not fear. From the link that Mike gave:

The last day to register was April 20. In late July/early August, we will publicly post all the content from this lecture series.

Thanks you two.

The first of those books has been on my reading list for a while. Are they well worth reading, Bhante?

Hi Yong Fa, They are good about replying to emails. I suggest you get in communication before going. Last time I was there, someone who didn't contact them ahead of time came interested in ordaining but didn't have any luck. They may also have a waiting list. Best wishes on your journey to ordinatio...

My man! Thanks for sharing this.

Good on BV for mentioning SN 47.10. I'll add SN 46.53: "Now, monks, on any occasion when the mind is sluggish, that is the wrong time to develop calm as a factor for awakening, concentration as a factor for awakening, equanimity as a factor for awakening. Why is that? The sluggish mind is hard ...