Am I doing it wrong?

[PaulC]

You understand my point. It is frustrating to see a process of unbecoming turned into a process of becoming.

It IS profoundly ironic.

*smiles*

[Individual]

One of my most favorite passages from the Tipitaka.

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka ... .than.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

"I won't hover over you like a potter over damp, unbaked clay goods. Scolding again & again, I will speak. Urging you on again & again, I will speak. Whatever is of essential worth will remain."

The Buddha is saying here: I won't attempt to shape your ego for the sake of mine, but will always give useful advice, as a friend.

[PaulC]

The sutta isn't included in my 3-volume Nyanamoli MN ... So many thanks for drawing my attention to it, Individual.

I wondered about the choice of "scold". Piya Tan translates it as "admonish" which seems a little less harsh (in the context of this discussion, also).

http://earlypalisutta.googlepages.com/1 ... 22piya.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Guy]

IMHO, its about your defilements, nobody else's. It's a path but no one is starting from the same point. It goes on far beyond the five precepts and yet who would benefit more from Buddhism than someone who struggles to maintain even five precepts? Everyone is welcome as everyone is defiled. Keep plugging away. The only way to do it wrong is to give up. To not review one's blemishes.

http://www.yellowrobe.com/pali-canon/su ... ishes.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

adosa

I agree, well said.

[Individual]

IMHO, its about your defilements, nobody else's. It's a path but no one is starting from the same point. It goes on far beyond the five precepts and yet who would benefit more from Buddhism than someone who struggles to maintain even five precepts? Everyone is welcome as everyone is defiled. Keep plugging away. The only way to do it wrong is to give up. To not review one's blemishes.

http://www.yellowrobe.com/pali-canon/su ... ishes.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

adosa

I agree, well said.

I'd say "problems" instead of "defilements". A defilement is something you step into, like a pile of mud. A problem is a something more abstract you have to deal with.

[kc2dpt]

Am I doing it wrong?

Seeing the title of the thread, I thought you were going to ask about your own practice. But it turns out you just want to slag other people's practice. So, yes, I'd say you are doing it wrong.

[Ben]

Hi Individual

just try to relax and be your(non)self!

Seriously...
Maintain your precepts, your meditation, dana and some parityatti and let nature take its course.
And you'll do just fine!
Metta

Ben