Criticising other Buddhist traditions/teachers.
Hello all,
I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on criticising the teachings of other Buddhist teachers/traditions. To many it appears that this is a violation of the 6th and 7th precepts, but reading through history it appears that (in Japan at least) it was common to discount the teachings of other teachers and traditions.
Gassho
Criticising Buddhism and other zen teachings
Hellos to everyone:
This is our life. Picking and choosing.
In all aspects of our life--distinctions, distinctions, distinctions.
But really, these are just like colored feathers on birds.
What are we identifying?
Not picking and choosing: this is OUR LIFE.
Both picking and choosing and not picking and choosing = living.
gassho
Keishin
criticising Buddhism and other zen teachings
criticising Buddhism and other zen teachings
There's a difference between criticising and telling the truth.
Telling the truth is pointing your finger at the truth.
Criticising is pointing the finger at another.
Anytime I point my finger at anyone--there are three fingers pointing back at me.
I like to think those three fingers point to my anger, my greed and my ignorance.
Before I make plans for what someone else should do differently. I can ask myself--what in myself can I change with regard to my own anger, my own greed and my own ignorance.
When it comes down to it, that's all I'm ever going to have a chance to really do anything about. That's at least a lifetime's task, and that's plenty for me.
When it comes to the truth, sometimes the obvious is hard to see,
pointing can be helpful.
Not everyone is looking for the truth.
That's all.
gassho
keishin
criticising Buddhism and other zen teachings
Dear Harry:
My point exactly.
gassho
Keishin
criticising Buddhism and other zen teachings
Dear Guest H:
Not so much my point.
gassho
Keishin
Re: Criticising other Buddhist traditions/teachers.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jun
but reading through history it appears that (in Japan at least) it was common to discount the teachings of other teachers and traditions.
You're talking about Hakuin, aren't you Jun? :)
The way I see it - no matter what the rules are, there will always be politics in Buddhism, and there will always be fighting in hockey. I personally find both these things a bit tiresome, but I'm not wringing my hands over it.
Since I have been practising meditation and Buddhism for a fair few years, people sometimes do ask my advice on picking a centre. In those situations, I do tell them that a couple of the local groups are pretty controversial, and that I personally recommend caution there.
Re: Criticising other Buddhist traditions/teachers.
Quote:
Originally Posted by paige
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jun
but reading through history it appears that (in Japan at least) it was common to discount the teachings of other teachers and traditions.
You're talking about Hakuin, aren't you Jun? :)
The way I see it - no matter what the rules are, there will always be politics in Buddhism, and there will always be fighting in hockey. I personally find both these things a bit tiresome, but I'm not wringing my hands over it.
Since I have been practising meditation and Buddhism for a fair few years, people sometimes do ask my advice on picking a centre. In those situations, I do tell them that a couple of the local groups are pretty controversial, and that I
personally recommend caution there.
Hello Paige,
I wasn't talking about any one person in Japanese history - just in general.
I'm aware of the politics of Buddhism in Japan having practised Shingon-shu for a time and witnessing the beauocracy in play there.
Gassho
Re: Criticising other Buddhist traditions/teachers.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jun
Hello Paige,
I wasn't talking about any one person in Japanese history - just in general.
I'm aware of the politics of Buddhism in Japan having practised Shingon-shu for a time and witnessing the beauocracy in play there.
Gassho
Hmmm... my feeling is that most people who have the conviction and personality to strike out on their own and develop new teachings/ religious traditions probably aren't the "there are many paths up a mountain" types. Probably pretty likely to rant against "the establishment" :wink: and leave the conciliatory approach to subsequent generations.
Since you live in Japan, I'm guessing you've had a more up-close & personal experience of Buddhist politics there. I'm Canadian, so I've only heard 2nd or 3rd hand accounts. Which generally make me feel :roll:
Re: Criticising other Buddhist traditions/teachers.
Quote:
Originally Posted by paige
Hmmm... my feeling is that most people who have the conviction and personality to strike out on their own and develop new teachings/ religious traditions probably aren't the "there are many paths up a mountain" types. Probably pretty likely to rant against "the establishment" and leave the conciliatory approach to subsequent generations.
Hello Paige,
You are probably right there on most counts, but not all. Looking back through history some who decided to break with their tradition/teachers were looking to refresh the teachings and escape from the perceived decline in the teachings and beauocracy.
Ps. Although I'm not living in Japan presently, I'm still in close contact with family and friends and I visit once or twice a year for extended periods. My experience with Shingon-shu beauocracy and politics was a sour experience, but something that has been going on since the eighth century.