He is a Korean Sön master so that is pretty much the same as a Japanese Zen master but the Koreans are even more stoic and reserved, Hopefully I can get the conversation to work🙏
@@ultimatemeaning You should check out Edward Burger's documentaries like "One Mind" (about a monastery) or "The Mountain Path" (about hermits in the Chinese mountains). They are both focused on Chan (chinese for "zen"; originators of the practice) monks. I consider myself a Chan Buddhist and would love to hear your thoughts on, what are for me, such profound insights into the lives of monastics.
@dg1178 I will do you one better. The documentary "on white clouds ". Chinese mountain hermits. I'll take your advice and watch these films you have recommended peace
Vivi CAD Avatar.🎼 Hope you know, I'll try and learn something new from you. The book of Wonder reviewer. What will the golden threads, look like from the other side!. Contrasting the bad. Conflagration to music. So the next generation can read the signed better.
@@themowgli123 have you heard of the Sai Baba of Shirdi? He hardly spoke leave alone preaching But people would come to him like ants to sugar. And when they would return to their homes they see him there.
I chuckle thinking of the look on the youth pastors face when he tried to get me worked up and scared about "end times." I reminded him that the week before he promised that if we had accepted Jesus we were saved; why fuss about something we were already saved from? He stayed with the church but he became a much more thoughtful man.
There was something that always made me suspicious about youth pastors because they seemed to be saying when you get to heaven God will give you everything you want (like lots of girlfriends) and I wonder if this attitude contributed to the culture of sexual abuse in mainstream Christianity?
@@ultimatemeaningwow you're incredibly ignorant. You have conflated Christianity with Islam. And apparently you're turning a blind eye to the dark side of Buddhism... The hell, that Buddhists describe is pretty freaking scary
@@lusiv i once listened in on a youth sermon trying to dissuade greed (funnily enough) by saying "you don't need a mansion, you'll have a far bigger house in Heaven". it's certainly not lots of girlfriends, but the implied promise of heaven is usually sold as materialistic in christian youth ministry. what i never understood is why youth ministry has to exist. if a teen has less interest in their parent's faith, that shouldn't be a sign that they should focus on pandering to that demographic. it comes off to me like they're trying to advertise and sell faith rather than garner genuine interest in spirituality.
I too got kicked out of my Sunday school class. All the other kids were unhappy because I got to sit in the corner and eat my biscuits and drink my juice before anyone else, and I was unhappy because I couldn't ask the teacher about the nature of God. I think truths are many, but all truths agree at some point. I think there is truth in what Jesus preached, but those truths have been ignored or twisted by the very people he warned against. But that's just my opinion, and I mean no disrespect to anyone
Greetings from Dharmashala! Your videos make understanding Buddhism very easy and succinct. Because of watching your videos, I have decided to take a plunge into spirituality by attending a Buddhist course here! Keep up the great work!!
this is a very good reminder, thank you. The way i describe that feeling of nonbeing is " the nonjudgemental observer" Its a calm feeling, but also a very powerful feeling. A feeling of complete accomplishment, and at the same time a feeling like i can do anything and that i want to do all the things i love to do, yet as i said, its also of complete accomplishment, so it feels like ive already accomplished everything that i want to accomplish. Thats the best i got at the moment, perhaps ill find a better way to articulate it another time. I think that it is not knowable whether or not linguistics can ever fully describe the experience, although maybe it is knowable, i don't know whether or not it is. its a very good thing that I've left mental triggers in my mind for moments which are very stressful for me It took a long time to realize i needed to do that, then a long time to figure out how to do it, and then to do it But last year i finally accidentally managed to pull it off and now it keeps coming back, although every time i need to choose to enter that state, its almost analogous to a popup when you download something, you know the thing that asks you if it shouldn't show the message again, tho i like the option to make the choice, especially when it's hard to want to be rid of pain. But then making the choice under such a circumstance strengthens my ability to go into that state. have a lovely day Im new to the channel, this was the second video ive seen, and its terrific
I spent most of my life living in what I called “the world of concrete”. I was in the military and eventually became diagnosed with bipolar after 7 years of service. Fast forward a couple years and I had an incident that caused me to really take inventory of myself. I had given up religion a long time ago as I was a Baptist and came to hate the church. But I realized I was dead spiritually. I took great interest in the dharma after I realized my deficiency and how it was actually affecting me. If you can’t believe in anything or feel connections, you’ll feel disconnected and hollow. Ultimately I have found a place in my life now where I can still have my spirituality without the rigid control of an authority. We are human and it is always worthwhile discovering what that means.
I was in the military for twenty. My experience shows that the government's vaxxines clearly damage people's health. . I had to also get out of the churches, even though many have very beautiful people in them. They don't understand the book they read, not that it is easily read. A book speaking in metaphor and symbol is not to be understood literally. Good luck in your spiritual quest.
Ajahn Chah has said something like: it's good to know your teachers are imperfect because then you won't be fooled into thinking that what you're searching for is anywhere other than inside of yourself. Take their teachings but trust yourself. Don't imitate others.
I like your explanation of no-self, it's good and lucid. Unfortunately in many Buddhist/Meditation practices the no-self or no-ego philosophy is just used to erase the self or ego and not just as a mental exercise to realise that our self is just not fixed. This erasure of self/ego leads many times to disassociation, abuse from the teachers, narcissistic tendencies, niilism and lack of compassion.
As a practicing Theravadin I have to agree. Every path sourced from the Buddhadhamma holds some of the answers. But we do have to dig deep, dig eagerly into ourselves using the tools made available to us. Realization must come from within!
love your videos man, I've been studying/practicing Buddhism for roughly a year now, and I live nowhere close to a monastery or temple, so these videos are fantastic!
I'm looking forward to hearing your experiences in Korea and how the talk with the Zen master goes! As many Westerners, my intro into buddhism has largely been from a Zen perspective, which still affects and colors my views. I find it very fruitful to hear similar things from slightly, or largely, different perspectives, so I think this interview has a good potential of bringing up productive discourse! I wish you and your father safe travels.
We generally use the term Zen in the West for Chinese chan, Korean seon and Japanese zen, and they are all pretty similar. Interesting to hear the Korean take on it 🙏🙏🙏
Ah! Life and it's wonders. Beliefs, ologies and isms. All written on the blackboard of life, rubbed out, re written, erased and rewritten again. You take us behind this blackboard and show us, it is as it is. Wonderful. Thankyou ❤❤❤❤❤
This wonderful content! I had no idea so many of my views and beliefs aligned with Buddhism. I intend to research this more and watch lots of your superb content! Keep up the great work!
I've watched a few of your videos now and decided to subscribe! I wouldn't consider myself Buddhist, but from what I've heard and experienced, I enjoy the teachings. I'm curious to learn more and hopefully better myself!
Safe Travels brother, and thank you for sharing this, it is most definitely needed at this time. I look forward to the travel log and interview. All the best.
This was an amazing video! I wasn’t expecting you to touch on gender, but I really appreciate that you did. I almost completely agree with your perspective. I spent years struggling to fit myself into traditional "male" roles and never felt truly comfortable. After a lot of reflection-and years of denial-I eventually came out as gender fluid (or at least that’s the closest label that feels right for my soul). Letting go of those rigid concepts has really enriched my life. I’m more observant of the differences between male and female bodies now, but I don’t hold any bias about how people identify. That said, I do wonder sometimes if people are being true to themselves or just following what seems like a trend in their social circles. Sorry for the rant! This stuff means a lot to me and really fascinates me.
No need to appologise friend, what the Buddha taught is that we need not make distinctions in terms of gender, class, race, etc., ..., but rather in terms of mind training 💛💚💙💜🤎🖤
I think about this topic a lot. This was an informative take. I have always liked Buddhism because unlike other religions it gives you the actual method for finding the truth. In my own life, it is really astounding how many tenets of Buddhism have helped me see reality and alleviate suffering. Reading what Jesus said after studying Buddhism, the teachings made so much sense. Buddhism has done the best job by far in upholding non abusive institutions. There is always room for improvement, but thus is the nature of humans. If we were all perfectly enlightened beings we wouldn't need the teachings. 🙂
@@ultimatemeaningno human institution is immune: even if we could live forever, that does not change the fact that we are ourselves. Our impermanence and fear of it leads us to adopt permanent, unchanging beliefs.
Thank you for being so straight forward. I am looking forward to your future video interviewing the Zen master in Korea and any other videos about Korean Buddhism. I am a beginning meditator and would like to find out more about what to expect in my journey forward as I continue meditating and trying to incorporate Buddhism into my life.
Finished the video. I'm telling you man, it would make for an absolutely exquisite series. I'll read the dialogue options to you, i'll donate to the foundation, i'll write you an essay on why its worth your time. I'm not ready to abandon the cycle of samsara yet, i've got too many stupid projects and a burgeoning addiction to cigarettes, but i think we could really help each other out
@ultimatemeaning It's not getting better currently that's for sure. But I'm reorienting my stressors, so. If you've got advice to get over, I'll take it. Best I've gotten so far is to take welbutrin, the nicotine substitutes haven't worked well for me.
@ultimatemeaning The cigarette addiction has not been improving, but I'd like to say things have been otherwise. I'll take whatever advice you've got to cut or quit the ciggies, nicotine substitutes aren't really helping and the only other solution I've gotten is getting a prescription for welbutrin from my doctor.
9:24 I personally think the man we call Jesus was a very awakened being much like Shakyamuni was. However his original teachings got very corrupted by big institutions and people in power.
Yes! I have this belief as well. I strongly feel that when you discover there something else that’s deeper you have the human impulse to share it and define it and often that’s where we run the risk of muddying it up and this is why for how ever long there has been thought we have people trying to explain consciousness and why things happen or don’t happen
It's good to bring cookies and banana bread to the other punks who are still on the streets and living under bridges, and I think next time I'll ask them if they would like to meditate together. ♥
The police disbanded the bridge camp. :'( I played twisted sister's "We're not gonna take it" on the piano at the local college after getting simultaneous 666 and 555 on the official music video and a remix respectively, and then met a nice, tough older woman named Tammy who was on the streets kitty corner from where the bridge camp used to be. She loves twisted sister and the banana bread, and her purple-loving, spiritually narcissistic boyfriend has aum and eye of horus tattooes. I gave him a backpack and words of advice and love and am trying to show them both the way. ☯ May we grow and liberate our souls together. ☸ May all abused and tortured bodies heal and may such healing bring loving awareness. 🧷🙏 . . . :'/ ✊
May you be held in compassion. May you find peace and equanimity. May your suffering be lessened. I really admire your work! You have a beautiful soul. I love the idea of a non-profit community! I am sharing on all my social media! Namaste.
Allan Watts had a good quote that keeps me sane in these times. "Buddha for the mind, Jesus for the heart." The cult behavior and tribe mentality is truly getting out of hand. Couple that with fear mongering to enlist more bodies it's clear there's an ulterior motive. To my understanding if the end times are upon us then so what and so be it. Everything in nature is cyclical. Cataclysms come and go, but Mother Earth endures. I tire of black and white or picking some radicalized side. I prefer the grey. I prefer to use my grey matter and my heart.
Thank you. My practice is eclectic. Raised Christian here, in America, too. One of my dearly beloved, greatest friends - he is a Stoic. We find the best interactions when we can learn from one another’s disciplines. Shoutout to you, brother. @thrdai
Great video, it actually really resonated with my lived experience. Especially the whole asking questions as youth about the dogmatic beliefs we are taught to adhere to blindly. I always had a challenge with that, especially when told "that is the great mystery" or "because that is what *this person* or *this book* states." When in practice it completely goes against what the person or book said to do. That's why I find the Buddha's wisdom and the dharma, profound and the path to actual liberation (in whatever of the many paths of Buddhist tradition one chooses to embark on). I can say without a doubt that, learning to control (somewhat) my own mind and putting compassion into practice has really released a lot of the negative emotions and attachments I had. There are still many more, but at least I have the tools do so and whether I choose to do so or not completely rests on me and this lifetime. May the benefits of this video and work be used for the benefit all sentient beings in the quest to be released from suffering 🙏📿
Critical thinking is so important on the path friend. More related to that story can be found here in a previous video series: ruclips.net/video/a3SmlJ7OSrc/видео.htmlsi=mwrxEZ_ZUvxQ7VZ4 ruclips.net/video/IJbMzMNnNB8/видео.htmlsi=-2ernuMI40dI-51e
As a fellow buddhist enjoyer I do think its kinda cult like the part where they say that life is suffering and you must end the cycle of rebirth. That has put an immense pressure on me at one point to really think that maybe the only action that will save me from infinite suffering is to fully commit to buddhism and become a monk or something
This is a common misperception of Buddhism. Becoming a monk is RARE! Not everyone, including the vast majority of practicing buddhists, will never take vows of a monk or nun. "Renunciation", as I've been taught, means just not attached to outcomes or identify one's self worth with materialism or outside circumstances. It does not mean to give up your stuff or your house or car... just know those aren't the path to true happiness (profound, lasting happiness of the buddhas and bodhisattvas- not the temporary pleasures of samsara). I am a musician. I have many expensive pieces of music gear, I don't have to give them away to know they are not true, lasting happiness- they can break, I can get bored of some, etc. Interpersonal relationships are also not lasting happiness as people can leave, relationships can disintegrate or explode. You do not need to give up your worldly life to practice dharma. Also, "life is suffering" is a mistranslation. "Dukkha" is better translated to "dissatisfaction" or "life (within samsaric existence) is (ultimately) dissatisfying", though "suffering" can be mundane- we can "suffer" in the dissatisfaction of a long line at the store.
Fellow musician who fell into the cult of Buddhism. Follow your own path. Whether it be renunciation of working a job at Starbucks. Your path will awaken. Self compassion is my greatest challenge and I accept it.
Yeah absolutely. The Buddha 100% did what he describes at the beginning. The 4 noble truths are essentially the same steps that a salesman uses to get you to buy something. Convince someone that they have a problem and you have the fix. I’m not saying I disagree with Buddhism but it’s really not fair to criticize other religions for this when Buddhism is literally “renounce everything you feel is important or be reborn eternally in suffering”
It isn't necessarily the case that become a monk will end your suffering, it could very well increase it. Its not about the cloths you wear or how you identify, but it is about your natural outlook on existence ♥♥♥
@@roxyamusedyeah honestly ive come to view suffering in a different way when ive thouggt about it longer. Just suffering as a word feels too dramatic when in actually life isnt that much "suffering" its just sometimes feels a lil itchy like not getting exactly what u want etc. And when you tune in to those feelings u realise it doesnt really feel all that bad the so called "suffering" and is quite tolerable. The major suffering thats happening in the world and that I'll experience by re incarnation by a 100% chance is whats really bothering me and making me question all this shit if its worth it to live ur life and thats making me have this pressure. But honestly cant blame them because it is a thing you should consider I guess that its a possibility reincarnation is real and that you can somehow quit it
As a Christian, I first encountered Buddhism, as taught by it's own luminaries not through the cautionary teachings of my own faith's instructors, through Thich Nhat Hanh. And in truth I used him more as a sleep aid, then a philosophical instruction. Please understand this isn't to say he was boring or inadequate only that he exuded a great sense of peace and I struggle with being able to sleep. (I say writing this at 4 o'clock in the morning, in a YT comment section) There are elements of your religious tradition, that I disagree with, but much of what I have learned has helped me re-contextualize and more deeply understand things in my own faith on a much deeper level, things most American churches shy away from lest they seem too 'eastern' a practice I've come to loathe more the older I get. Teaching and understanding more is always good. Keep doing that brother.
Serious question. Would IDENTIFYING as a Buddhist be a hinderance in Buddhist practice itself? I ask Christians why they must identify with a religion as well as a sect and doctrine to practice Jesus's commandments of which there are only 2, sounds petty simple to me. Any thought anyone?
Buddha didn't want people to identify as Buddhists or worship his image. The term we use is "Insider" not so often "Buddhist" and that means someone who focuses less on the external aspects 💛💚💙💜🤎🖤
@ultimatemeaning That makes sense. I understand that buddhism provides religious frameworks and services to many cultures, from Mongolia to south east asia. What struck me most about buddhism is that it's literally instructional in the most nuts and bolts way possible. The English commentaries on the abhidharma and it's possible correspondence with psychology blows me away and is incredibly helpful in my own formal meditation practice. It is hard sometimes for westerners to separate the religious and metaphysical framework it provides for many cultures from the bare bones instructional core of Buddhism. Ty for responding I appreciate your no bullshit attitude
Maybe I am more aligned to the Buddhist logic, though I still struggle with the stoicism and mastering your emotions things, but question the logic of my teachings and the other religions you mentioned as a few points.
Ultimately emotions are not the problem, but this presentation is meant to deal with the obstacles that those who have extremely strong negative emotions experience when trying to make progress on the path ♥♥♥
Hello Lama this was a great video! It seems now your channel is becoming bigger quite quickly! Great work...but of course as long as we have kleshas we have the potential for losing the way, even if it’s oriented towards a selfless good cause. May you remain pure with your growing power and presence. You are a good person and such a joy! Thank you 🙏 🙏 🙏
Wonderful. I do hope the message from the Buddha reaches as your explanations are very good to follow and comprehend. May these endeavours help us succeed upon the spiritual path.
The algorithm will love you if you do as directed by the youtube (insider tips) people. The buddhist message has survived a long time so far. Greetings to you Buddha to be! Every being will reach understanding, at some time.
Thank you for your videos I've been feeling kinda stuck in my practice these couple of weeks and i find your videos have brought me some more understanding and encouragement to keep going((:
My first real exposure to Buddhism was Thich Nhat Hanh. I learned about his concept of Engaged Buddhism, the first precept of which is to not bind yourself to any doctrine, including Buddhist ones. To me that's the opposite of a cult. It's hard to imagine one of the most prominent Christians in the world telling you to actively question the Bible and reject idolatry.
@@ultimatemeaning How do you mean? It sounds like you're throwing some shade but I'm not sure. 😅As in, authentic to himself but divergent from the tradition?
I had the EXACT same experience at Sunday School too haha. It’s incredibly difficult to find a living lineage of Yeshua but I hear they are still out there in the underground. For me, His teachings are embodied in Mark 12:31 “love thy neighbor as thyself”. Yeshua/Jesus is Compassion Incarnate. I wholeheartedly believe he was trained in the Buddha Dharma when he traveled East during his “missing” years.
There is a quote I read the other day, "This is real darkness. It's not death, or war, or child molestation. Real darkness has love for a face. The first death is in the heart." Every religious leader will first define a cult as a group that does evil things and then because they do not do those evil things, they are not a cult. But the most basic definition of a cult is: "A system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object." Therefore if you are a member in a system which shows respects, revere, love and demonstrate loyalty towards a figure or object, you are in a cult. A cult doesn't always do evil or seek to cause harm, a cult can be a force that seeks to do good that wants to better people. We gravitate to the extreme of concepts, thinking that darkness exists only in areas which can be avoided. Brainwashing is the process by which someone takes a definition, such as the definition of cult, or the definition of brainwashing, and then changes it so that it means something else, something less extreme, easier to swallow. and allows us to be in control of or externalize our darkness. This is what is the dissociative part, which is what creates a cognitive dissonance and causes the effect of 'brain washing.' -This happens simply by leaving out information conveniently or subtly shaping the idea in order to support the thing which we love (which can also be our self). We want darkness to be something that we hate, something that we can root out and pull up, something we can destroy and eliminate, something we can illuminate against and vanquish. We don't want darkness to be in the disguise of the thing that we love, this is why it takes a figure worthy of love to be the head of a cult, and who is more worthy of love than the Buddha? Who is more wise? Who is more powerful? Who is more all seeing and noble? But this is why Dogen said, "Look for Buddha outside your own mind, and Buddha becomes the devil." Does this mean that we shouldn't talk about the Buddha, or share the truth? Yes sometimes it does mean that. A person has to ask themself, am I saying these things to benefit myself, do I have an ulterior motive or anything to gain? If what you say will come at a personal lose, but it is helpful to someone, and you do not refrain from accepting that loss, in order to help than you are probably close to the truth. But if you are refraining from words or speaking the things that will lead to your personal gain, or support your own bias, then what you are saying is not very close to the truth, but rather a twist, or mask of darkness. (Another term is hook.. like the song ruclips.net/video/pdz5kCaCRFM/видео.html)
In line with the homage in the auto-commentary to Entering the Middle Way by Chandrakirti, I suggest the object that we (Mahayana Practitioners) follow is "Great Mother Compassion" above even the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. If that is a cult then I am OK with it 🙏🙏🙏
@@ultimatemeaning Simplicity without a name, Is free from all external aim. With no desire, at rest and still, All things go right as of their will. - Needing to show compassion to fulfill ones obligation or identity, is evidence of a performance, and indicative that the performance is for an audience, whether that audience is ones own narcissism and search for meaning (fear of death), or the audience is the grape vine and ones reputation it is still an attenuated form of the truth. If you do not need to show compassion, and your mind does not distinguish between what is compassionate and what is necessary you are acting like the underlying forces of gravity, which do not distinguish between what is good and what is bad, or what is compassionate and what is harmful. Every action is done like a bird flaps it's wings, without any thought for the ground below, or whether it should or shouldn't do it. --Heaven and earth do not act from (the impulse of) any wish to be benevolent; they deal with all things as the dogs of grass are dealt with. The sages do not act from (any wish to be) benevolent; they deal with the people as the dogs of grass are dealt with. May not the space between heaven and earth be compared to a bellows? 'Tis emptied, yet it loses not its power; 'Tis moved again, and sends forth air the more. Much speech to swift exhaustion lead we see; Your inner being guard, and keep it free.-- Compassion is not the result of knowledge, or wisdom, it cannot be gained through doctrine it is the result of experiencing pain and suffering: Your joy is your sorrow unmasked. And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears. And how else can it be? The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain. Is not the cup that holds your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter's oven? And is not the lute that soothes your spirit, the very wood that was hollowed with knives? When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy. When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. Some of you say, "Joy is greater than sorrow," and others say, "Nay, sorrow is the greater." But I say unto you, they are inseparable. Together they come, and when one sits, alone with you at your board, remember that the other is asleep upon your bed. Verily you are suspended like scales between your sorrow and your joy. Only when you are empty are you at standstill and balanced. When the treasure-keeper lifts you to weigh his gold and his silver, needs must your joy or your sorrow rise or fall."
Cultish or dogmatic behaviour can sometimes effect whose on the spiritual path sometimes more than the regular or lay person especially when comes to political ideology. I’ve experienced the use of “ my “ spiritual path to prop up certain political biases especially more left or virtue signaling ideas. I’ve discussed with a Buddhist teacher why they felt the need to constantly put their support behind certain popular political groups Even when it led to violence ! They seemed to trapped in “this group stands for justice “ hence compassion so I must aline myself with them. A trap we must all try to avoid. ❤
Being in the way doesn't mean non action, it means right action, and at the right time, in order to keep balance. Discernment, and prescience, retro causality.
Thank you Lama once again. Your videos are nourishing, contemplative and so informative. Cults, hum....Usually a group of people that have had a lot of abuse in childhood or early adulthood. I see it as a group seeking a mother or father, maybe finding the only love they have ever had in their life. The abuser or cult leader seeks out this kind of person to take advantage for his/her own selfish physical needs, both feed off each other. One unknowingly the other the pariah., game of the big fish. I have to reflect on a past for a moment: I too joined a very large church, for all the wrong reasons, seeking love, to have the emptiness filled as if there was some sort of magic, that failed so went to drink, from not so good to destroying mind and all that was invested in healing, that past, that abuse. Even in abusive situations there is learning, eventual healing, at least for some, I pray. ❤🙏
I found a few people inside churches who are real spiritually, although they have wrong doctrine and don't understand the bible. Yes, there are shucksters out there, some of whom don't even know they're such. I call it the "cult church".
Thank you for sharing you story, it takes courage to reveal one's difficult past. Sadly this trend you speak of is all too common and is reflected in our secular social structures as well. The Buddhist path is all about achieving independence, but this is understandable a challenging task ♥🧡💛
@@ultimatemeaning The past is gone, I do not cling or have any attachment to it. I see it as a reference library, if the content can assist another in healing, (did not see it like that at time.) then it is worth the experience. Suffering is a part of being here but with the Buddhist teachings it is manageable, understanding blossoms. Thank you Lama, hope that you have a fruitful trip to Korea, looking forward to seeing clips! 🙏💐
The Buddha gave advice to reduce suffering and improve awareness through meditation and breathing. The later commentators and religious leaders seem to mostly find ways to add religious and ritualistic stuff that is contrary to what the Buddha suggested.
What I find critical is the line of reasoning that says, because one is interested in buddhism, it's a sign that this is part of his fate to become a buddhist. For example, in Zen, when asked "Why practice Zen when it is good for nothing", this is a response I've heard before. There's just this step that you cannot explain with reason in order to follow a Buddhist tradition, and I think it's problematic to tell people that it's their calling, when, there's no way to verify that.
Certainly no way to verify predisposition, but I tend to think about this in another way, and that is: One should seek path is effective at achieving one's personal aims ♥♥♥
Woah, it seems that your voice got deeper. It'd been very difficult to get [mara] away from my [mandala] would this count as conditioned fear or just "proper dharma practice"
Hi Alex its the morning voice it rises in tone throughout the day. Even at the end of the video it is higher than at the beginning. I usually do the videos after a long days work at the retreat but I find I am too tired to concentrate so I tried doing this one 1st thing before starting the day 🙏🙏🙏
Buddha never taught buddhism, he taught Brahmayana - The Path to The Absolute. And that is awesome! Study of Platonics greatly aids in this, including Pythagoreanism. I just ordered the Digha Nikaya, translation by Rhys Davids. :) salute to Wisdom, salutations to Spirit.
@@ultimatemeaning thx good sir. I dunno what it is, but it feels nice to have this yearning for study, understanding, and wisdom. Worth cherishing too me thinks.
A Zen monk, Shumpo Soki, who died in 1496 wrote: My Sword leans against the sky. With its polished blade, I'll behead The Buddha and all of his saints. Let the lightening strike where it will. While at first shocking, I interpret this poem to mean that the final challenge is severing our attachment to even the Buddha. As you said in the video, you are your own protector.
Thank you for this 🙏🏻 I love all your videos and find great joy in watching your channel grown and reach more people! It’s so evident how genuine you are and people really need this. I hope your videos continue to be impactful and inspiring to myself and others 🤍🤍
It's a bit of a misnomer, isn't it? Calling Buddhist and other religious practices cult-like, when really it is the cults that were stealing religious-like elements. Of course Buddhism would have cult-like elements, as the cults stole and twisted Buddhist elements to their own ends. That being said, it is also important to articulate exactly what separates religions, particularly Tibetan Buddhism, from cults. This is an important video as a result, and I thank you for it.
It's so interesting. Besides my cosmic guru Avalokita's guidance, I was attracted to Buddhism because how non-culty it is. buddha just taught "try it on. If it works- rad." Well, it worked well for me.
There is the practical self, the self we use to conveniently refer to our biological forms of you and me (Language would be pretty crazy if we couldn't address each other this way), but there is no actual "self". We are but transient incarnations of previous karma in action. We are marked by impermanence. Our existence is completely conditioned and thus dependent on everything around us. How can there possibly be a "self"? As Thich Nhat Hanh once said, "... But when the wave touches her true nature -- which is water -- all her complexes will cease, and she will transcend birth and death." To me, this beautifully captures the idea of no-self, nondualism, and nirvana. Thanks for another great video, Lama.
Greetings Master, please elaborate on 10:00 debate as dharma. Where can one find this debate as Buddhistic education? And read past discourse on the debates about Christianity etc
the more interesting angle is how do we know that WESTERN culture, in particular post-modern nihilism and anti-theological beliefs aren't distorting these wonderful philosophies (zen, buddhism) into a "spiritual materialism" (Chögyam Trungpa) whose goal is to subvert/subjugate, rather than liberate? (look no further than the pathologies of "renunciation": anorexia, cutting, social marxism) Take a quick peek at Confucianism as a state religion and how "excellence" and "disobedience" are dealt with. (spoiler: off with their heads)
'They teach you that you need to listen to their leader. He's dead now.' I'm not sure if you were trying to be funny, but the deadpan delivery there slew me. I appreciate your content. Looking forward to that playthrough of Disco Elysium
@ultimatemeaning I appreciate you. One of these days I'm gonna catch you on a lie, I swear it. Been real quiet about that Disco Elysium playthrough, I can only imagine you're working on your second run, this time making all of the correct choices. Can't wait.
I think the thing that bugs me most about it as an Atheist is how I’ve seen people use reincarnation as a justification to devalue human life or by passive towards injustice.
2:08 I often say this about Jesus. Grown up a very curious child in midwestern America we went to church and I just couldn’t get it and as I grew older found other cultures and traditions and teachings fascinating. 😅I even used to say I wondered if he was Buddhist! Not realizing this is an actual theory, made more sense to me but at the same time I’m not saying that’s what is true. I just feel like people neeeeeeed to have the responsibility taken on by someone else. In America we have a lack of real culture, so a lot of people cling to a group that they can relate to, unfortunately that’s how people justify bad behavior “ my preacher says this is what God wants “ . I feel spirituality is a very inner personal thing. And defining it by another person’s guidelines is self destructive. ( sorry ADHDer here )
Awesome video as always, your videos have been super useful in helping me come to a better understanding of where I really am on the spiritual path, thank you. I just wanted to let you know you forgot a letter in the fourth line of the video description. Hope you have a great day!
Some people may make it like that a bit, especially in the Western sphere. However the original teaching is the opposite of a cult. Is it so unbelievable a man would exist, Siddhartha, who would seek to help inform of us some incredible truth about our existence which benefits us all to be aware of? It stems from their disbelief in good.
I thank you for these lessons . I believe they are indeed beneficial to sentient beings. I wish you well in avoiding the almost inevitable pitfall of notoriety. Power, fame and money are very dangerous. Power does corrupt whether monetary power or spiritual power. Stay well.
About Time 😊 You can wear symbolic jewelry, or place symbolic ornaments/statues in front of your property, but what is behind those props? Great video. 🛟
This is true and also many people in monasteries have a very small minded and cult like attitude to such teachings, and this is understandable because they often don't know what the true three jewels are themselves. For example the might say "You shouldn't insult me I am a monk you will go to hell" But being a monk doesn't necessarily mean you are part of the Sangha Jewel🙏🙏🙏
i would love to see your trip in korea and interview with a seon master. i have just recently discovered your channel through that famous video with 250 k views. i hope your channel will be viewed by many and i hope that they will be helped!
Spot on video as always, may I ask what is your opinion on the organization "Soka Gakkai"? They have grown in popularity in my country and many people say it is a cult and it doesn't represent buddhism. I was raised Catholic and I saw the damages if its ideology as you described, people aren't allowed to really question things because they claim to have all these infallible doctrines that you just have to accept blindly. Also they quickly became corrupted once they acquired power when Emperor Constantine made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire. Even people they canonized as Saints have often complained about the corruption of these churchmen, this is contrary to what Jesus taught that we should judge the tree by its fruits, they claim to be a good, infallible tree while producing mostly rotten fruits and doctrines that cause suffering.
Do subscribe! It’s worth it. Lama Choga is sincere in his work. One cannot sell the dharma. He’s asking for subscribers who want to learn more about authentic Tibetan teachings and he is qualified for that inquiry. Yes, it would support his views and he could have a healthy number of subscribers but we would benefit from his ability to explain the dharma to us Westerners; a formidable endeavor considering ‘ form is emptiness and emptiness is form. ❤
First of all I noticed that the speaker is sitting in front of the Karmapa dream flag that came to the 16 th Karmapa in a dream ... The argument about the threat of hell for the novice is a great argument although even the Buddha in his teaching uses it. Only he puts it nicely. It is your choice if you want suffering or happiness in your life...that is basically the same as go to heaven or to hell I am aware of the many layers and levels of the teachings...like one great lama always says: there are many Cinderella teachings just for the crying child to be put at ease. Only he puts it nicely. I think that as long as one stays stuck in duality suffering - happiness good - evil heaven - hell and one keeps attached to these opposites there is no real liberation. Again like this great lama says you are not really liberating yourself you are merely making your cage more comfortable. That is what one basically does with mindfulness and good behavior...
I have an idea of the true nature of reality, but how do i know its true? One of the reasons i was drawn to Buddhism is because during a breakthrough psychedelic experience i experienced ego death, i was humbled and realized i am an individual drop in an ocean and tsunami of the universe, i was a product of this universes natural processes, and my ego allowed to run astray would hold me back from experiencing this realization. Existence constantly changes and this life is temporary, and its possible we may live again, maybe not. When i meditate, i focus my mind on this realization, and try to be ever-present, i try to avoid thinking of past or future, only the here and now, because that is all that exists. Is this wisdom? or am i wrong?
This is what i was expecting bhudism to be, a collective of people who are path seekers, searchers en researchers like how their founders were en started. hence my confusion en wondering when i see monks en nuns only talking about what the scriptures say more rather than about their experiences en researches, it made me wonder what made the change came to be en why it seem like no one is looking back en wondering instead or caring so much about teachers en lineages so much. each time i look at bhudism i see it has everything needed to guide all lifeform to break free from suffering, en it should have archived this long ago by now, or at the least we should be approaching the final gate to entrance of true freedom but alas they are stuck like all other religions en similar or related groups past en present, its too bad so much potential is left unused to exhaustion. then again i could be wrong after all i don't really know much about bhudism or any religion, these are just my observations from the little i come across, i hope my conclusions are wrong and things that should be happening are happening en progressing as should, but i doubt my conclusions are too far wrong unless im missing something or few that are very important. when you follow a teacher en take them as the final limit of what could be or is possible then you will never surpass the teacher, now imagine ur student who also takes u as their final limit , this means ur student will be one step less as cable as ur teacher this is because ur knowledge is less than your teacher en ur student knowledge will be less than urs unless they adopted mindset of surpassing you en eventually ur teachers en their teachers even the founders en deities. Reason science has been progressing so rapidly than religion beside the pursuit of money by the research institutions is because of continuous improvement en new research on work of predecessors by the new generation, while religion has been stuck in times when there were kings en kingdoms, at this point religion should be using machines [ at-worse ] to atleast induce feelings of being closer to god rather than just read text of it like the same as some guy did in 16 century eating a banana under a tree in a middle of nowhere . if you take god as ultimate highest possible being than can only be looked upto en admired, then how can you push en surpass god, same as if you take existence to mean all you see, feel en know then how will you be curious enough to search for what could be behind en hidden from ur body senses. basically if u set a limit then u wont surpass it. Sometimes i wish that hopefully im wrong about everything en my spiritual pursuits are pointless unnecessary efforts because things are not as bad as i seem to perceive them to be, this way even when i fail discovering path anyone can walk or inspire even one person in the walk to seek their own spiritual path, then it won't matter as my efforts en pursuits are en were pointless to begins with. i doubt that to a certain point but hopefully im wrong irrespective i still have to continue the search. i feel closer to bhudism as in my pursuit en experiences i came to realize that things i have been discovering most seem to have already been recorded in their scriptures, so it was like i was experiencing what their founders have already recorded, but i feel distance en unfamiliar to bhudism because i only believe my experiences more because im not convinced that the founders did make it through atleast through enough to ride this world of suffering, en following their footsteps step by step will only lead me to their location which may not be were i intend to endup or fail on the path towards. anyway i think you should not concern too much about the channel, so long you could just inspire even one person or subscriber to pursue spirituality that's enough, it would nice if them they can inspire another one person but that on them it has nothing to do with you as u just like them you have to figure ur path or create if it doesn't exist .
I’ve seen main-stream Buddhists at the Mahamudra Centre for Universal Unity here in NZ Bowing down to a kid because someone decided he was the reincarnation of someone very important to Buddhism. Putting someone on a pedestal and bowing before them like they are a god seems cult like to me.
I started off with Zen. so talking to a zen master will be quite a treat for me. Once again, another great video. May all beings benefit.📿🙏
He is a Korean Sön master so that is pretty much the same as a Japanese Zen master but the Koreans are even more stoic and reserved, Hopefully I can get the conversation to work🙏
@ultimatemeaning will the odds are he'll get right to the point. If anything, it should be interesting.
@@ultimatemeaning You should check out Edward Burger's documentaries like "One Mind" (about a monastery) or "The Mountain Path" (about hermits in the Chinese mountains). They are both focused on Chan (chinese for "zen"; originators of the practice) monks. I consider myself a Chan Buddhist and would love to hear your thoughts on, what are for me, such profound insights into the lives of monastics.
@dg1178 I will do you one better. The documentary "on white clouds ". Chinese mountain hermits. I'll take your advice and watch these films you have recommended peace
Vivi CAD Avatar.🎼 Hope you know, I'll try and learn something new from you.
The book of Wonder reviewer. What will the golden threads, look like from the other side!. Contrasting the bad. Conflagration to music. So the next generation can read the signed better.
Buddha told "investigate the dharma"; not follow me blindly. It's the opposite of a cult.
Yeah and this is one of the main points of the video, watch it tomorrow and see for yourself, but I don't want to spoil it 🙏🙏🙏
Osho preached the same.but he was a rogue and a cultist
@@ultimatemeaning looking forward to it
@BeALiteU2urself indeed. Those fakes always do that, don't they.
@@themowgli123 have you heard of the Sai Baba of Shirdi?
He hardly spoke leave alone preaching
But people would come to him like ants to sugar.
And when they would return to their homes they see him there.
I chuckle thinking of the look on the youth pastors face when he tried to get me worked up and scared about "end times." I reminded him that the week before he promised that if we had accepted Jesus we were saved; why fuss about something we were already saved from?
He stayed with the church but he became a much more thoughtful man.
There was something that always made me suspicious about youth pastors because they seemed to be saying when you get to heaven God will give you everything you want (like lots of girlfriends) and I wonder if this attitude contributed to the culture of sexual abuse in mainstream Christianity?
@@ultimatemeaningnobody is saying that. That sounds like Islam.
@@ultimatemeaningwow you're incredibly ignorant. You have conflated Christianity with Islam. And apparently you're turning a blind eye to the dark side of Buddhism... The hell, that Buddhists describe is pretty freaking scary
Its incredible to me how these things never cross their mind. Like theres so many plotholes in christianity its insane
@@lusiv i once listened in on a youth sermon trying to dissuade greed (funnily enough) by saying "you don't need a mansion, you'll have a far bigger house in Heaven". it's certainly not lots of girlfriends, but the implied promise of heaven is usually sold as materialistic in christian youth ministry.
what i never understood is why youth ministry has to exist. if a teen has less interest in their parent's faith, that shouldn't be a sign that they should focus on pandering to that demographic. it comes off to me like they're trying to advertise and sell faith rather than garner genuine interest in spirituality.
I too got kicked out of my Sunday school class. All the other kids were unhappy because I got to sit in the corner and eat my biscuits and drink my juice before anyone else, and I was unhappy because I couldn't ask the teacher about the nature of God.
I think truths are many, but all truths agree at some point. I think there is truth in what Jesus preached, but those truths have been ignored or twisted by the very people he warned against. But that's just my opinion, and I mean no disrespect to anyone
They made me sit with the adults in the sermon because I was asking questions about theology 😆🤣😆
I love your videos big dawg. I heard you might play through disco elysium. That would be incredibly fun to watch
Sounds fun ♥♥♥
Greetings from Dharmashala! Your videos make understanding Buddhism very easy and succinct. Because of watching your videos, I have decided to take a plunge into spirituality by attending a Buddhist course here! Keep up the great work!!
There are so many opportunities when you are there friend. Use your time well! ♥🧡💛
After studying (binging) The Dhamma for the past 10 years or so, I can confidently say that my brain feels much more washed and clean!
Funny the term we use in Tebetan for the process of transforming the mind is "Lepa Tru" it literally means "brain Washing" 😆🤣😆
this is a very good reminder, thank you.
The way i describe that feeling of nonbeing is " the nonjudgemental observer"
Its a calm feeling, but also a very powerful feeling.
A feeling of complete accomplishment, and at the same time a feeling like i can do anything and that i want to do all the things i love to do, yet as i said, its also of complete accomplishment, so it feels like ive already accomplished everything that i want to accomplish.
Thats the best i got at the moment, perhaps ill find a better way to articulate it another time.
I think that it is not knowable whether or not linguistics can ever fully describe the experience, although maybe it is knowable, i don't know whether or not it is.
its a very good thing that I've left mental triggers in my mind for moments which are very stressful for me
It took a long time to realize i needed to do that, then a long time to figure out how to do it, and then to do it
But last year i finally accidentally managed to pull it off and now it keeps coming back, although every time i need to choose to enter that state, its almost analogous to a popup when you download something, you know the thing that asks you if it shouldn't show the message again, tho i like the option to make the choice, especially when it's hard to want to be rid of pain. But then making the choice under such a circumstance strengthens my ability to go into that state.
have a lovely day
Im new to the channel, this was the second video ive seen, and its terrific
Thank you for your words of support friend and for sharing your thoughts with the community 🙏🙏🙏
Your voice has something special. It touches me. Scary me a little but I like. Thank you for being here.
Thunder!!
Not to worry I am not scary at all ♥💙💚
I spent most of my life living in what I called “the world of concrete”. I was in the military and eventually became diagnosed with bipolar after 7 years of service. Fast forward a couple years and I had an incident that caused me to really take inventory of myself.
I had given up religion a long time ago as I was a Baptist and came to hate the church. But I realized I was dead spiritually. I took great interest in the dharma after I realized my deficiency and how it was actually affecting me.
If you can’t believe in anything or feel connections, you’ll feel disconnected and hollow. Ultimately I have found a place in my life now where I can still have my spirituality without the rigid control of an authority.
We are human and it is always worthwhile discovering what that means.
thank you for sharing your story Cody that takes courage- best wishes my friend ♥♥♥
@TheEmptyBeing Hear! Hear! Amen to that
I was in the military for twenty. My experience shows that the government's vaxxines clearly damage people's health. . I had to also get out of the churches, even though many have very beautiful people in them. They don't understand the book they read, not that it is easily read. A book speaking in metaphor and symbol is not to be understood literally. Good luck in your spiritual quest.
Ajahn Chah has said something like: it's good to know your teachers are imperfect because then you won't be fooled into thinking that what you're searching for is anywhere other than inside of yourself.
Take their teachings but trust yourself. Don't imitate others.
What amazing and wise words Ajahn Chan has had a profoundly positive influence on Buddhism in our times ❤🧡💛
There’s no such thing is teacher, our teacher is ourself
I like your explanation of no-self, it's good and lucid. Unfortunately in many Buddhist/Meditation practices the no-self or no-ego philosophy is just used to erase the self or ego and not just as a mental exercise to realise that our self is just not fixed. This erasure of self/ego leads many times to disassociation, abuse from the teachers, narcissistic tendencies, niilism and lack of compassion.
Important point is that no self and emptiness are not nihilistic views 🙏🙏🙏
As a practicing Theravadin I have to agree. Every path sourced from the Buddhadhamma holds some of the answers. But we do have to dig deep, dig eagerly into ourselves using the tools made available to us. Realization must come from within!
Amen friend that is why we are called "insiders"
Thanks for discussing the sensitive issues, difficult to talk about, that are often avoided but indeed help clear out doubts and misconceptions
My pleasure friend 💛💚💙💜🤎🖤
Thank you for teaching.
Thank you for being the voice of reason in this very sad world.
Thank you for being the ears of reason 👂👂
may you become the foot of reason in the balls of some very sad case at the masonic lodge
love your videos man, I've been studying/practicing Buddhism for roughly a year now, and I live nowhere close to a monastery or temple, so these videos are fantastic!
glad to be of service friend 🙏🙏🙏
I'm looking forward to hearing your experiences in Korea and how the talk with the Zen master goes! As many Westerners, my intro into buddhism has largely been from a Zen perspective, which still affects and colors my views. I find it very fruitful to hear similar things from slightly, or largely, different perspectives, so I think this interview has a good potential of bringing up productive discourse! I wish you and your father safe travels.
We generally use the term Zen in the West for Chinese chan, Korean seon and Japanese zen, and they are all pretty similar. Interesting to hear the Korean take on it 🙏🙏🙏
Thoroughly enjoyed this video and the way you describe things. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!
Thank you friend I appreciate your support it makes it easier to continue pushing that boulder up the hill ♥♥♥
Ah! Life and it's wonders. Beliefs, ologies and isms. All written on the blackboard of life, rubbed out, re written, erased and rewritten again. You take us behind this blackboard and show us, it is as it is. Wonderful. Thankyou ❤❤❤❤❤
Thanks Jean 🙏🙏🙏
This wonderful content! I had no idea so many of my views and beliefs aligned with Buddhism. I intend to research this more and watch lots of your superb content! Keep up the great work!
Thanks for joining the discussion Gabriel, and good luck with your research ♥♥♥
I've watched a few of your videos now and decided to subscribe!
I wouldn't consider myself Buddhist, but from what I've heard and experienced, I enjoy the teachings. I'm curious to learn more and hopefully better myself!
Thanks for your support friend. Really there is no need to identify as a Buddhist, being a good human being is the best place to start ♥🧡💛
Safe Travels brother, and thank you for sharing this, it is most definitely needed at this time. I look forward to the travel log and interview. All the best.
Finger crossed I hope it goes well, I will be using a nun as a translator 🙏🙏🙏
This was an amazing video! I wasn’t expecting you to touch on gender, but I really appreciate that you did. I almost completely agree with your perspective. I spent years struggling to fit myself into traditional "male" roles and never felt truly comfortable. After a lot of reflection-and years of denial-I eventually came out as gender fluid (or at least that’s the closest label that feels right for my soul). Letting go of those rigid concepts has really enriched my life. I’m more observant of the differences between male and female bodies now, but I don’t hold any bias about how people identify. That said, I do wonder sometimes if people are being true to themselves or just following what seems like a trend in their social circles.
Sorry for the rant! This stuff means a lot to me and really fascinates me.
No need to appologise friend, what the Buddha taught is that we need not make distinctions in terms of gender, class, race, etc., ..., but rather in terms of mind training 💛💚💙💜🤎🖤
I think about this topic a lot. This was an informative take. I have always liked Buddhism because unlike other religions it gives you the actual method for finding the truth. In my own life, it is really astounding how many tenets of Buddhism have helped me see reality and alleviate suffering.
Reading what Jesus said after studying Buddhism, the teachings made so much sense.
Buddhism has done the best job by far in upholding non abusive institutions. There is always room for improvement, but thus is the nature of humans. If we were all perfectly enlightened beings we wouldn't need the teachings. 🙂
Thanks for sharing that insight Shimmers. Sadly these days there has bee a lot of controversy in Tibetan Buddhism as well 🙏🙏🙏
@@ultimatemeaningno human institution is immune: even if we could live forever, that does not change the fact that we are ourselves. Our impermanence and fear of it leads us to adopt permanent, unchanging beliefs.
I must say, I haven't ever heard a monk say "I noticed many who watch these videos are not subscribed" 😂
That being said, I DID just subscribe
I appreciate you sub friend ♥♥♥
i love the topics you choose to cover, not many people ask these questions and it’s great to hear your take
Thank you friend I will try my best ♥♥♥
Thank you for being so straight forward. I am looking forward to your future video interviewing the Zen master in Korea and any other videos about Korean Buddhism. I am a beginning meditator and would like to find out more about what to expect in my journey forward as I continue meditating and trying to incorporate Buddhism into my life.
Try this playlist James ♥🧡💛
ruclips.net/p/PLu8Rw0r4aAhQz8z8-zXqowrelLiQAfnC-
Thanks!
For me, the line "Samsara and Nirvana are the Dharmakaya" is wonderful green flag for Buddhism.
They are inseparable!
Yes that is right, the inseparability of Sansara/ Nirvana = Dharmakaya/ DharmaDhatu
@@ultimatemeaningdo you have a video on this topic?
Finished the video. I'm telling you man, it would make for an absolutely exquisite series. I'll read the dialogue options to you, i'll donate to the foundation, i'll write you an essay on why its worth your time. I'm not ready to abandon the cycle of samsara yet, i've got too many stupid projects and a burgeoning addiction to cigarettes, but i think we could really help each other out
We all got this problem Daniel. As long as we are improving or at least not getting worse then that is positive ♥♥♥
@ultimatemeaning It's not getting better currently that's for sure. But I'm reorienting my stressors, so. If you've got advice to get over, I'll take it. Best I've gotten so far is to take welbutrin, the nicotine substitutes haven't worked well for me.
@ultimatemeaning The cigarette addiction has not been improving, but I'd like to say things have been otherwise. I'll take whatever advice you've got to cut or quit the ciggies, nicotine substitutes aren't really helping and the only other solution I've gotten is getting a prescription for welbutrin from my doctor.
9:24 I personally think the man we call Jesus was a very awakened being much like Shakyamuni was. However his original teachings got very corrupted by big institutions and people in power.
Yes! I have this belief as well. I strongly feel that when you discover there something else that’s deeper you have the human impulse to share it and define it and often that’s where we run the risk of muddying it up and this is why for how ever long there has been thought we have people trying to explain consciousness and why things happen or don’t happen
It's good to bring cookies and banana bread to the other punks who are still on the streets and living under bridges, and I think next time I'll ask them if they would like to meditate together. ♥
The police disbanded the bridge camp. :'(
I played twisted sister's "We're not gonna take it" on the piano at the local college after getting simultaneous 666 and 555 on the official music video and a remix respectively, and then met a nice, tough older woman named Tammy who was on the streets kitty corner from where the bridge camp used to be. She loves twisted sister and the banana bread, and her purple-loving, spiritually narcissistic boyfriend has aum and eye of horus tattooes. I gave him a backpack and words of advice and love and am trying to show them both the way. ☯
May we grow and liberate our souls together.
☸ May all abused and tortured bodies heal
and may such healing bring loving awareness.
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May you be held in compassion. May you find peace and equanimity. May your suffering be lessened. I really admire your work! You have a beautiful soul. I love the idea of a non-profit community! I am sharing on all my social media! Namaste.
Allan Watts had a good quote that keeps me sane in these times. "Buddha for the mind, Jesus for the heart."
The cult behavior and tribe mentality is truly getting out of hand. Couple that with fear mongering to enlist more bodies it's clear there's an ulterior motive.
To my understanding if the end times are upon us then so what and so be it. Everything in nature is cyclical. Cataclysms come and go, but Mother Earth endures.
I tire of black and white or picking some radicalized side. I prefer the grey. I prefer to use my grey matter and my heart.
According to the Buddha we will go on for a long time yet 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you. My practice is eclectic. Raised Christian here, in America, too.
One of my dearly beloved, greatest friends - he is a Stoic. We find the best interactions when we can learn from one another’s disciplines.
Shoutout to you, brother. @thrdai
Thanks for the tip my friend, through sharing we grow stronger 🙏🙏🙏
Great video, it actually really resonated with my lived experience. Especially the whole asking questions as youth about the dogmatic beliefs we are taught to adhere to blindly. I always had a challenge with that, especially when told "that is the great mystery" or "because that is what *this person* or *this book* states." When in practice it completely goes against what the person or book said to do. That's why I find the Buddha's wisdom and the dharma, profound and the path to actual liberation (in whatever of the many paths of Buddhist tradition one chooses to embark on). I can say without a doubt that, learning to control (somewhat) my own mind and putting compassion into practice has really released a lot of the negative emotions and attachments I had. There are still many more, but at least I have the tools do so and whether I choose to do so or not completely rests on me and this lifetime. May the benefits of this video and work be used for the benefit all sentient beings in the quest to be released from suffering 🙏📿
Critical thinking is so important on the path friend. More related to that story can be found here in a previous video series:
ruclips.net/video/a3SmlJ7OSrc/видео.htmlsi=mwrxEZ_ZUvxQ7VZ4
ruclips.net/video/IJbMzMNnNB8/видео.htmlsi=-2ernuMI40dI-51e
As a fellow buddhist enjoyer I do think its kinda cult like the part where they say that life is suffering and you must end the cycle of rebirth. That has put an immense pressure on me at one point to really think that maybe the only action that will save me from infinite suffering is to fully commit to buddhism and become a monk or something
This is a common misperception of Buddhism. Becoming a monk is RARE! Not everyone, including the vast majority of practicing buddhists, will never take vows of a monk or nun. "Renunciation", as I've been taught, means just not attached to outcomes or identify one's self worth with materialism or outside circumstances. It does not mean to give up your stuff or your house or car... just know those aren't the path to true happiness (profound, lasting happiness of the buddhas and bodhisattvas- not the temporary pleasures of samsara). I am a musician. I have many expensive pieces of music gear, I don't have to give them away to know they are not true, lasting happiness- they can break, I can get bored of some, etc. Interpersonal relationships are also not lasting happiness as people can leave, relationships can disintegrate or explode. You do not need to give up your worldly life to practice dharma.
Also, "life is suffering" is a mistranslation. "Dukkha" is better translated to "dissatisfaction" or "life (within samsaric existence) is (ultimately) dissatisfying", though "suffering" can be mundane- we can "suffer" in the dissatisfaction of a long line at the store.
Fellow musician who fell into the cult of Buddhism. Follow your own path. Whether it be renunciation of working a job at Starbucks. Your path will awaken. Self compassion is my greatest challenge and I accept it.
Yeah absolutely. The Buddha 100% did what he describes at the beginning. The 4 noble truths are essentially the same steps that a salesman uses to get you to buy something. Convince someone that they have a problem and you have the fix. I’m not saying I disagree with Buddhism but it’s really not fair to criticize other religions for this when Buddhism is literally “renounce everything you feel is important or be reborn eternally in suffering”
It isn't necessarily the case that become a monk will end your suffering, it could very well increase it. Its not about the cloths you wear or how you identify, but it is about your natural outlook on existence ♥♥♥
@@roxyamusedyeah honestly ive come to view suffering in a different way when ive thouggt about it longer. Just suffering as a word feels too dramatic when in actually life isnt that much "suffering" its just sometimes feels a lil itchy like not getting exactly what u want etc. And when you tune in to those feelings u realise it doesnt really feel all that bad the so called "suffering" and is quite tolerable. The major suffering thats happening in the world and that I'll experience by re incarnation by a 100% chance is whats really bothering me and making me question all this shit if its worth it to live ur life and thats making me have this pressure. But honestly cant blame them because it is a thing you should consider I guess that its a possibility reincarnation is real and that you can somehow quit it
As a Christian, I first encountered Buddhism, as taught by it's own luminaries not through the cautionary teachings of my own faith's instructors, through Thich Nhat Hanh. And in truth I used him more as a sleep aid, then a philosophical instruction. Please understand this isn't to say he was boring or inadequate only that he exuded a great sense of peace and I struggle with being able to sleep. (I say writing this at 4 o'clock in the morning, in a YT comment section) There are elements of your religious tradition, that I disagree with, but much of what I have learned has helped me re-contextualize and more deeply understand things in my own faith on a much deeper level, things most American churches shy away from lest they seem too 'eastern' a practice I've come to loathe more the older I get. Teaching and understanding more is always good. Keep doing that brother.
Thich Nhat Hanh is such an authentic modern master! 🙏🙏🙏
Serious question. Would IDENTIFYING as a Buddhist be a hinderance in Buddhist practice itself?
I ask Christians why they must identify with a religion as well as a sect and doctrine to practice Jesus's commandments of which there are only 2, sounds petty simple to me.
Any thought anyone?
Buddha didn't want people to identify as Buddhists or worship his image. The term we use is "Insider" not so often "Buddhist" and that means someone who focuses less on the external aspects 💛💚💙💜🤎🖤
@ultimatemeaning That makes sense. I understand that buddhism provides religious frameworks and services to many cultures, from Mongolia to south east asia.
What struck me most about buddhism is that it's literally instructional in the most nuts and bolts way possible. The English commentaries on the abhidharma and it's possible correspondence with psychology blows me away and is incredibly helpful in my own formal meditation practice.
It is hard sometimes for westerners to separate the religious and metaphysical framework it provides for many cultures from the bare bones instructional core of Buddhism.
Ty for responding I appreciate your no bullshit attitude
Maybe I am more aligned to the Buddhist logic, though I still struggle with the stoicism and mastering your emotions things, but question the logic of my teachings and the other religions you mentioned as a few points.
Ultimately emotions are not the problem, but this presentation is meant to deal with the obstacles that those who have extremely strong negative emotions experience when trying to make progress on the path ♥♥♥
Hello Lama this was a great video! It seems now your channel is becoming bigger quite quickly! Great work...but of course as long as we have kleshas we have the potential for losing the way, even if it’s oriented towards a selfless good cause. May you remain pure with your growing power and presence. You are a good person and such a joy! Thank you 🙏 🙏 🙏
Yeah my biggest concern because I know all too well I still have a lot of work to do 💛💚💙💜🤎🖤
Wonderful. I do hope the message from the Buddha reaches as your explanations are very good to follow and comprehend. May these endeavours help us succeed upon the spiritual path.
Thanks friend for your aspirations and wishes! ❤🧡💛
My friend shared a video of yours. I really liked it so I subscribed. Your Korea trip sounds interesting. Peace.
Hi Barbara thank you so much for your Sub, I appreciate your support. ♥♥♥
The algorithm will love you if you do as directed by the youtube (insider tips) people. The buddhist message has survived a long time so far. Greetings to you Buddha to be! Every being will reach understanding, at some time.
🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for your videos I've been feeling kinda stuck in my practice these couple of weeks and i find your videos have brought me some more understanding and encouragement to keep going((:
❤🧡💛 We all need a shake up from time to time ❤🧡💛
Thank you Lama. Looking forward to your Korea zen adventure! 😎🙏🏻
How it turns out OK several challenges there 💛💚💙💜🤎🖤
My first real exposure to Buddhism was Thich Nhat Hanh. I learned about his concept of Engaged Buddhism, the first precept of which is to not bind yourself to any doctrine, including Buddhist ones. To me that's the opposite of a cult. It's hard to imagine one of the most prominent Christians in the world telling you to actively question the Bible and reject idolatry.
I've recently discovered the work of William Donahue. In my opinion he does an absolutely fabulous job of uncovering Christianity
Never met him but IMO Thich Nhat Hanh was really authentic Thich Nhat Hanh
@@ultimatemeaning How do you mean? It sounds like you're throwing some shade but I'm not sure. 😅As in, authentic to himself but divergent from the tradition?
I had the EXACT same experience at Sunday School too haha. It’s incredibly difficult to find a living lineage of Yeshua but I hear they are still out there in the underground.
For me, His teachings are embodied in Mark 12:31 “love thy neighbor as thyself”. Yeshua/Jesus is Compassion Incarnate. I wholeheartedly believe he was trained in the Buddha Dharma when he traveled East during his “missing” years.
Seems like the typical Bodhisattva to me at least. Thanks for sharing🙏🙏🙏
There is a quote I read the other day, "This is real darkness. It's not death, or war, or child molestation. Real darkness has love for a face. The first death is in the heart."
Every religious leader will first define a cult as a group that does evil things and then because they do not do those evil things, they are not a cult. But the most basic definition of a cult is: "A system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object." Therefore if you are a member in a system which shows respects, revere, love and demonstrate loyalty towards a figure or object, you are in a cult. A cult doesn't always do evil or seek to cause harm, a cult can be a force that seeks to do good that wants to better people. We gravitate to the extreme of concepts, thinking that darkness exists only in areas which can be avoided.
Brainwashing is the process by which someone takes a definition, such as the definition of cult, or the definition of brainwashing, and then changes it so that it means something else, something less extreme, easier to swallow. and allows us to be in control of or externalize our darkness. This is what is the dissociative part, which is what creates a cognitive dissonance and causes the effect of 'brain washing.' -This happens simply by leaving out information conveniently or subtly shaping the idea in order to support the thing which we love (which can also be our self).
We want darkness to be something that we hate, something that we can root out and pull up, something we can destroy and eliminate, something we can illuminate against and vanquish. We don't want darkness to be in the disguise of the thing that we love, this is why it takes a figure worthy of love to be the head of a cult, and who is more worthy of love than the Buddha? Who is more wise? Who is more powerful? Who is more all seeing and noble? But this is why Dogen said, "Look for Buddha outside your own mind,
and Buddha becomes the devil."
Does this mean that we shouldn't talk about the Buddha, or share the truth? Yes sometimes it does mean that. A person has to ask themself, am I saying these things to benefit myself, do I have an ulterior motive or anything to gain? If what you say will come at a personal lose, but it is helpful to someone, and you do not refrain from accepting that loss, in order to help than you are probably close to the truth. But if you are refraining from words or speaking the things that will lead to your personal gain, or support your own bias, then what you are saying is not very close to the truth, but rather a twist, or mask of darkness. (Another term is hook.. like the song ruclips.net/video/pdz5kCaCRFM/видео.html)
In line with the homage in the auto-commentary to Entering the Middle Way by Chandrakirti, I suggest the object that we (Mahayana Practitioners) follow is "Great Mother Compassion" above even the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
If that is a cult then I am OK with it 🙏🙏🙏
@@ultimatemeaning Simplicity without a name, Is free from all external aim. With no desire, at rest and still, All things go right as of their will. - Needing to show compassion to fulfill ones obligation or identity, is evidence of a performance, and indicative that the performance is for an audience, whether that audience is ones own narcissism and search for meaning (fear of death), or the audience is the grape vine and ones reputation it is still an attenuated form of the truth. If you do not need to show compassion, and your mind does not distinguish between what is compassionate and what is necessary you are acting like the underlying forces of gravity, which do not distinguish between what is good and what is bad, or what is compassionate and what is harmful. Every action is done like a bird flaps it's wings, without any thought for the ground below, or whether it should or shouldn't do it.
--Heaven and earth do not act from (the impulse of) any wish to be
benevolent; they deal with all things as the dogs of grass are dealt
with. The sages do not act from (any wish to be) benevolent; they
deal with the people as the dogs of grass are dealt with.
May not the space between heaven and earth be compared to a
bellows?
'Tis emptied, yet it loses not its power;
'Tis moved again, and sends forth air the more.
Much speech to swift exhaustion lead we see;
Your inner being guard, and keep it free.--
Compassion is not the result of knowledge, or wisdom, it cannot be gained through doctrine it is the result of experiencing pain and suffering:
Your joy is your
sorrow unmasked.
And the selfsame well
from which your laughter
rises was oftentimes
filled with your tears.
And how else can it be?
The deeper that sorrow
carves into your being,
the more joy you can contain.
Is not the cup that holds your
wine the very cup that was
burned in the potter's oven?
And is not the lute that
soothes your spirit,
the very wood that was
hollowed with knives?
When you are joyous,
look deep into your heart
and you shall find it is only
that which has given you
sorrow that is giving you joy.
When you are sorrowful
look again in your heart,
and you shall see that in truth
you are weeping for that
which has been your delight.
Some of you say,
"Joy is greater than sorrow,"
and others say,
"Nay, sorrow is the greater."
But I say unto you,
they are inseparable.
Together they come,
and when one sits,
alone with you at your board,
remember that the other
is asleep upon your bed.
Verily you are suspended
like scales between your
sorrow and your joy.
Only when you are empty
are you at standstill
and balanced.
When the treasure-keeper
lifts you to weigh his gold
and his silver, needs must
your joy or your sorrow
rise or fall."
Cultish or dogmatic behaviour can sometimes effect whose on the spiritual path sometimes more than the regular or lay person especially when comes to political ideology. I’ve experienced the use of “ my “ spiritual path to prop up certain political biases especially more left or virtue signaling ideas.
I’ve discussed with a Buddhist teacher why they felt the need to constantly put their support behind certain popular political groups
Even when it led to violence ! They seemed to trapped in “this group stands for justice “ hence compassion so I must aline myself
with them. A trap we must all try to avoid. ❤
Thanks for sharing. I used to play music with a London Maori BTW ♥🧡💛
@@ultimatemeaning haha brilliant👍 I'm a born and bred Londoner my mother is Maori. She belonged to the London Maori club many moon's ago 💜
@@LondonMaori He was a Maori digeridoo player who used to be in the Australian Mongrel Mob bike gang 💜
@@ultimatemeaning now there's an image 😅
Being in the way doesn't mean non action, it means right action, and at the right time, in order to keep balance. Discernment, and prescience, retro causality.
Thank you for sharing that 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you Lama once again. Your videos are nourishing, contemplative and so informative. Cults, hum....Usually a group of people that have had a lot of abuse in childhood or early adulthood. I see it as a group seeking a mother or father, maybe finding the only love they have ever had in their life. The abuser or cult leader seeks out this kind of person to take advantage for his/her own selfish physical needs, both feed off each other. One unknowingly the other the pariah., game of the big fish. I have to reflect on a past for a moment: I too joined a very large church, for all the wrong reasons, seeking love, to have the emptiness filled as if there was some sort of magic, that failed so went to drink, from not so good to destroying mind and all that was invested in healing, that past, that abuse. Even in abusive situations there is learning, eventual healing, at least for some, I pray. ❤🙏
I found a few people inside churches who are real spiritually, although they have wrong doctrine and don't understand the bible. Yes, there are shucksters out there, some of whom don't even know they're such. I call it the "cult church".
@@davidm1149 Churchology, is not what Jesus taught.
Thank you for sharing you story, it takes courage to reveal one's difficult past. Sadly this trend you speak of is all too common and is reflected in our secular social structures as well. The Buddhist path is all about achieving independence, but this is understandable a challenging task ♥🧡💛
@@ultimatemeaning The past is gone, I do not cling or have any attachment to it. I see it as a reference library, if the content can assist another in healing, (did not see it like that at time.) then it is worth the experience. Suffering is a part of being here but with the Buddhist teachings it is manageable, understanding blossoms. Thank you Lama, hope that you have a fruitful trip to Korea, looking forward to seeing clips! 🙏💐
The Buddha gave advice to reduce suffering and improve awareness through meditation and breathing.
The later commentators and religious leaders seem to mostly find ways to add religious and ritualistic stuff that is contrary to what the Buddha suggested.
What I find critical is the line of reasoning that says, because one is interested in buddhism, it's a sign that this is part of his fate to become a buddhist. For example, in Zen, when asked "Why practice Zen when it is good for nothing", this is a response I've heard before. There's just this step that you cannot explain with reason in order to follow a Buddhist tradition, and I think it's problematic to tell people that it's their calling, when, there's no way to verify that.
Certainly no way to verify predisposition, but I tend to think about this in another way, and that is: One should seek path is effective at achieving one's personal aims ♥♥♥
Woah, it seems that your voice got deeper. It'd been very difficult to get [mara] away from my [mandala] would this count as conditioned fear or just "proper dharma practice"
Hi Alex its the morning voice it rises in tone throughout the day. Even at the end of the video it is higher than at the beginning. I usually do the videos after a long days work at the retreat but I find I am too tired to concentrate so I tried doing this one 1st thing before starting the day 🙏🙏🙏
The struggle to handle my own impulsive anger is an ever bothersome struggle. May your trip go well.
Love is the remedy to anger friend ♥♥♥
Great video! Love your voice!
Thanks for the words of encouragement friend♥♥♥
this applies to the modern left wing democrat party cult members as well.
Buddha never taught buddhism, he taught Brahmayana - The Path to The Absolute.
And that is awesome!
Study of Platonics greatly aids in this, including Pythagoreanism.
I just ordered the Digha Nikaya, translation by Rhys Davids.
:)
salute to Wisdom, salutations to Spirit.
How wonderful may your studies go well 🙏🙏🙏
@@ultimatemeaning thx good sir. I dunno what it is, but it feels nice to have this yearning for study, understanding, and wisdom. Worth cherishing too me thinks.
Study also Pyrrhonists, it was like Western Madhyamaka.
I always thought he taught about suffering , there is ill being and there is a path to well being.
@@S3RAVA3LM Study is sooo important friend ♥♥♥
A Zen monk, Shumpo Soki, who died in 1496 wrote:
My Sword leans against the sky.
With its polished blade, I'll behead
The Buddha and all of his saints.
Let the lightening strike where it will.
While at first shocking, I interpret this poem to mean that the final challenge is severing our attachment to even the Buddha.
As you said in the video, you are your own protector.
Thank you for this 🙏🏻 I love all your videos and find great joy in watching your channel grown and reach more people! It’s so evident how genuine you are and people really need this. I hope your videos continue to be impactful and inspiring to myself and others 🤍🤍
Thanks for your warm wishes Kenzie for my part I will try my utmost to maintain a pure motivation and not become disheartened! ❤🧡💛
It's a bit of a misnomer, isn't it? Calling Buddhist and other religious practices cult-like, when really it is the cults that were stealing religious-like elements. Of course Buddhism would have cult-like elements, as the cults stole and twisted Buddhist elements to their own ends.
That being said, it is also important to articulate exactly what separates religions, particularly Tibetan Buddhism, from cults. This is an important video as a result, and I thank you for it.
Thanks friend for chipping in your thoughts ♥
Subscribed, and in the Discord. May we spread the Dharma
thank you James for your pure aspirations ♥♥♥
There’s a Discord?? 😊🎉
It's so interesting. Besides my cosmic guru Avalokita's guidance, I was attracted to Buddhism because how non-culty it is. buddha just taught "try it on. If it works- rad." Well, it worked well for me.
There is the practical self, the self we use to conveniently refer to our biological forms of you and me (Language would be pretty crazy if we couldn't address each other this way), but there is no actual "self". We are but transient incarnations of previous karma in action. We are marked by impermanence. Our existence is completely conditioned and thus dependent on everything around us. How can there possibly be a "self"? As Thich Nhat Hanh once said, "... But when the wave touches her true nature -- which is water -- all her complexes will cease, and she will transcend birth and death." To me, this beautifully captures the idea of no-self, nondualism, and nirvana.
Thanks for another great video, Lama.
Also, please travel safely in South Korea! I'm sure we are all looking forward to hearing about your journey.
Thich Nhat Hanh rocks!
Greetings Master, please elaborate on 10:00 debate as dharma. Where can one find this debate as Buddhistic education? And read past discourse on the debates about Christianity etc
I think this is a great and simple video that explains this premise clearly. This guy never misses
Clarity is essential there is far too much fluffy beating around the bush in spirituality 🙏🙏🙏
the more interesting angle is
how do we know that WESTERN culture, in particular post-modern nihilism and anti-theological beliefs aren't distorting these wonderful philosophies (zen, buddhism) into a "spiritual materialism" (Chögyam Trungpa) whose goal is to subvert/subjugate, rather than liberate? (look no further than the pathologies of "renunciation": anorexia, cutting, social marxism)
Take a quick peek at Confucianism as a state religion and how "excellence" and "disobedience" are dealt with. (spoiler: off with their heads)
Nice idea for a video friend, thanks for suggesting it! ♥
Very informative video! Thank you Lama Choga. I wish your father well 🙏🏼
Welcome friend! 🙏🙏🙏
'They teach you that you need to listen to their leader. He's dead now.'
I'm not sure if you were trying to be funny, but the deadpan delivery there slew me. I appreciate your content. Looking forward to that playthrough of Disco Elysium
Yeah if everything depends on the teacher then how can that be sustainable over time, even the buddha's influence has waned ♥♥♥
@ultimatemeaning I appreciate you. One of these days I'm gonna catch you on a lie, I swear it. Been real quiet about that Disco Elysium playthrough, I can only imagine you're working on your second run, this time making all of the correct choices. Can't wait.
I think the thing that bugs me most about it as an Atheist is how I’ve seen people use reincarnation as a justification to devalue human life or by passive towards injustice.
2:08 I often say this about Jesus. Grown up a very curious child in midwestern America we went to church and I just couldn’t get it and as I grew older found other cultures and traditions and teachings fascinating. 😅I even used to say I wondered if he was Buddhist! Not realizing this is an actual theory, made more sense to me but at the same time I’m not saying that’s what is true. I just feel like people neeeeeeed to have the responsibility taken on by someone else. In America we have a lack of real culture, so a lot of people cling to a group that they can relate to, unfortunately that’s how people justify bad behavior “ my preacher says this is what God wants “ . I feel spirituality is a very inner personal thing. And defining it by another person’s guidelines is self destructive. ( sorry ADHDer here )
Awesome video as always, your videos have been super useful in helping me come to a better understanding of where I really am on the spiritual path, thank you. I just wanted to let you know you forgot a letter in the fourth line of the video description. Hope you have a great day!
Thanks for pointing out the typo friend I'll amend it right away 👍
Yet another great video! Thank you!
Some people may make it like that a bit, especially in the Western sphere. However the original teaching is the opposite of a cult. Is it so unbelievable a man would exist, Siddhartha, who would seek to help inform of us some incredible truth about our existence which benefits us all to be aware of? It stems from their disbelief in good.
I have navigated the three Bardos successfully, this is my last re-incarnation, thank you for your thoughts.
Interesting. Do you mind sharing how you are aware of this? 🙏🙏🙏
Teachings of Tehuti.
And the Secrets of the Golden Flower❤
Also Benebel Wen, her books.
As with the other videos I have seen so far, I can only agree with you! I wish you and your father a good time in Korea !🖖
Should be an interesting journey (if not rather rushed) 🙏🙏🙏
@@ultimatemeaning I hope it will be a nice trip, not like the Chinese curse: “may you live in interesting times”. 😉🙏
I thank you for these lessons . I believe they are indeed beneficial to sentient beings. I wish you well in avoiding the almost inevitable pitfall of notoriety. Power, fame and money are very dangerous. Power does corrupt whether monetary power or spiritual power. Stay well.
Yeah I am quite worried about this aspect Michael but am trying to put some safe guards in place 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for this 🙏🏻
Thank you for your continued participation transman
Please continue teaching. Very helpful. 🙏🙏🙏
About Time 😊
You can wear symbolic jewelry, or place symbolic ornaments/statues in front of your property, but what is behind those props?
Great video. 🛟
❤🧡💛
I would love to join this not-for-profit society one day, and potentially help in any way possible 🙏❤️ if I may ask, where would it be established?
Subscribed! Thank you Gen-la. ཐུགས་རྗེ་ཆེ་། 🙏
Thanks for your support friend ♥🧡💛
1:58 but it is said in buddhism that if one slanders the three jewels than one is making very bad karma and can be born in hell.
This is true and also many people in monasteries have a very small minded and cult like attitude to such teachings, and this is understandable because they often don't know what the true three jewels are themselves.
For example the might say "You shouldn't insult me I am a monk you will go to hell" But being a monk doesn't necessarily mean you are part of the Sangha Jewel🙏🙏🙏
i would love to see your trip in korea and interview with a seon master. i have just recently discovered your channel through that famous video with 250 k views. i hope your channel will be viewed by many and i hope that they will be helped!
Oh yeah the "greatest hit" of TheoSam 😆🤣😆 I hope you stick with us on this journey for a while 🙏🙏🙏
Spot on video as always, may I ask what is your opinion on the organization "Soka Gakkai"? They have grown in popularity in my country and many people say it is a cult and it doesn't represent buddhism.
I was raised Catholic and I saw the damages if its ideology as you described, people aren't allowed to really question things because they claim to have all these infallible doctrines that you just have to accept blindly. Also they quickly became corrupted once they acquired power when Emperor Constantine made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire. Even people they canonized as Saints have often complained about the corruption of these churchmen, this is contrary to what Jesus taught that we should judge the tree by its fruits, they claim to be a good, infallible tree while producing mostly rotten fruits and doctrines that cause suffering.
I will look them up and try to give my opinion, thanks for the tip ❤🧡💛
Do subscribe!
It’s worth it. Lama Choga is sincere in his work.
One cannot sell the dharma.
He’s asking for subscribers who want to learn more about authentic Tibetan teachings and he is qualified for that inquiry.
Yes, it would support his views and he could have a healthy number of subscribers but we would benefit from his ability to explain the dharma to us Westerners; a formidable endeavor considering ‘ form is emptiness and emptiness is form. ❤
Heart Sutra Love it! 🙏🙏🙏
First of all I noticed that the speaker is sitting in front of the Karmapa dream flag that came to the 16 th Karmapa in a dream ...
The argument about the threat of hell for the novice is a great argument although even the Buddha in his teaching uses it.
Only he puts it nicely. It is your choice if you want suffering or happiness in your life...that is basically the same as go to heaven or to hell
I am aware of the many layers and levels of the teachings...like one great lama always says: there are many Cinderella teachings just for the crying child to be put at ease. Only he puts it nicely.
I think that as long as one stays stuck in duality
suffering - happiness
good - evil
heaven - hell
and one keeps attached to these opposites there is no real liberation. Again like this great lama says you are not really liberating yourself you are merely making your cage more comfortable. That is what one basically does with mindfulness and good behavior...
I have an idea of the true nature of reality, but how do i know its true? One of the reasons i was drawn to Buddhism is because during a breakthrough psychedelic experience i experienced ego death, i was humbled and realized i am an individual drop in an ocean and tsunami of the universe, i was a product of this universes natural processes, and my ego allowed to run astray would hold me back from experiencing this realization. Existence constantly changes and this life is temporary, and its possible we may live again, maybe not. When i meditate, i focus my mind on this realization, and try to be ever-present, i try to avoid thinking of past or future, only the here and now, because that is all that exists. Is this wisdom? or am i wrong?
Contact me on Telegram or another platform and we can discuss it 🙏🙏🙏
@@ultimatemeaning done
This is what i was expecting bhudism to be, a collective of people who are path seekers, searchers en researchers like how their founders were en started. hence my confusion en wondering when i see monks en nuns only talking about what the scriptures say more rather than about their experiences en researches, it made me wonder what made the change came to be en why it seem like no one is looking back en wondering instead or caring so much about teachers en lineages so much.
each time i look at bhudism i see it has everything needed to guide all lifeform to break free from suffering, en it should have archived this long ago by now, or at the least we should be approaching the final gate to entrance of true freedom but alas they are stuck like all other religions en similar or related groups past en present, its too bad so much potential is left unused to exhaustion. then again i could be wrong after all i don't really know much about bhudism or any religion, these are just my observations from the little i come across, i hope my conclusions are wrong and things that should be happening are happening en progressing as should, but i doubt my conclusions are too far wrong unless im missing something or few that are very important. when you follow a teacher en take them as the final limit of what could be or is possible then you will never surpass the teacher, now imagine ur student who also takes u as their final limit , this means ur student will be one step less as cable as ur teacher this is because ur knowledge is less than your teacher en ur student knowledge will be less than urs unless they adopted mindset of surpassing you en eventually ur teachers en their teachers even the founders en deities.
Reason science has been progressing so rapidly than religion beside the pursuit of money by the research institutions is because of continuous improvement en new research on work of predecessors by the new generation, while religion has been stuck in times when there were kings en kingdoms, at this point religion should be using machines [ at-worse ] to atleast induce feelings of being closer to god rather than just read text of it like the same as some guy did in 16 century eating a banana under a tree in a middle of nowhere .
if you take god as ultimate highest possible being than can only be looked upto en admired, then how can you push en surpass god, same as if you take existence to mean all you see, feel en know then how will you be curious enough to search for what could be behind en hidden from ur body senses. basically if u set a limit then u wont surpass it.
Sometimes i wish that hopefully im wrong about everything en my spiritual pursuits are pointless unnecessary efforts because things are not as bad as i seem to perceive them to be, this way even when i fail discovering path anyone can walk or inspire even one person in the walk to seek their own spiritual path, then it won't matter as my efforts en pursuits are en were pointless to begins with. i doubt that to a certain point but hopefully im wrong irrespective i still have to continue the search.
i feel closer to bhudism as in my pursuit en experiences i came to realize that things i have been discovering most seem to have already been recorded in their scriptures, so it was like i was experiencing what their founders have already recorded, but i feel distance en unfamiliar to bhudism because i only believe my experiences more because im not convinced that the founders did make it through atleast through enough to ride this world of suffering, en following their footsteps step by step will only lead me to their location which may not be were i intend to endup or fail on the path towards.
anyway i think you should not concern too much about the channel, so long you could just inspire even one person or subscriber to pursue spirituality that's enough, it would nice if them they can inspire another one person but that on them it has nothing to do with you as u just like them you have to figure ur path or create if it doesn't exist .
What's a good beginners cult for someone looking to dabble in cults?
Thank you for the lessons.
Welcome friend 🙏🙏🙏
I’ve seen main-stream Buddhists at the Mahamudra Centre for Universal Unity here in NZ Bowing down to a kid because someone decided he was the reincarnation of someone very important to Buddhism. Putting someone on a pedestal and bowing before them like they are a god seems cult like to me.
whoa 🙏🙏
Hope to see you tomorrow 🙏🙏🙏
thank you Lama, i will not miss this one for anything, om mani padme hūm 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Hi thank you for another great video with good advice and insights thanks once again
I used to have a friend named Joe Brown, he was a musician and woodworking fanatic 🙏🙏🙏
My man ain't reaching out to the MAGA folks on this one. Or maybe he is. Tough love?
♥♥♥ We need to see eachother as humans first ♥♥♥
Blessed travels to you and father
Thanks Kevin! ❤🧡💛
Regarding subscribers, I have to resubscribe to this channel a lot. I am not sure if there is a potential glitch there.
I think there are a lot of glitches on RUclips but not to worry , the important thing is that you are part of the conversation 🙏🙏🙏
What monastery are you a part of
I spent 4 years in Samye Dechen Shing (Scotland) then 8 years in Thrangu Sekhar retreat (and NAmo Buddha) Nepal.