[Indinehon]

Hi ratikala,
I agree with this. I'm less concerned with an orthodoxy than my post may imply. My background is Tibetan Vajrayana modified by a hefty infusion of Theravada and a respect for Spanda Shavism! So no, I'm not interested in arguing over whose point of view is "authentic". Life's too short.

dear srivijaya ,

wonderfull , the thought of arguing any point is not my favorite occupation , I like the thought of being able to discuss without attatchment to a particular veiw .

firstly as the discussion began on the subject of emptiness , I would like to ask who has come accross the instruction not to teach on emptiness (unless or untill the practitioner is ready to receive the teaching) that of course should be at the discression of an experienced teacher .

now the history you give above is very interesting and brings many questions to mind ,

you state a background of "tibetan vajrayana" , yes , for me allso . "followed by a hefty infusion of theravada" , prehaps less than hefty , but similarly I have allso enquired heavily into the theravadan teachings . " followed by a respect for spanda shaivism" .....that is interesting can I ask you to explain more , do you still regard your self as buddhist ? and can you explain the respect for shaivism and the paralels (if they are paralels ?) as you see it ?

my other influence is vaisnava ,so prehaps you understand my interest , and my caution when thinking to deffend any one sect .
I tend to see each as a perfectly valid path in their own right .

allso because of my history and the simple thought that I have benifited from each system I have joint loyalties ,

I dont extect others to understand this and try not to cross boundarys , talking with a buddhist vocabulary when speaking to a buddhist and a more indian terminology when speaking to indians ....

but what I have learnt is that we should speak simply in hope that all might be able to understand ? and simply reflect on the idea , so in that respect I am extremely un orthadox

I allso wonder about the whole subject of authenticity, I see and hear everywhere people using quotes to substantiate arguements , but remember the buddha being quoted as having said "look not at the word but at the meaning"which I am mindfull to do ,
in that respect I feel reflection to be the key to all wisdom .

and as with the subject of emptiness , there are extremely subtle levels of realisation as we reflect , and I am not sure that these can be discussed ? but only realised by further examination .

a good teacher guides one towards realisation , good dharma friends lead or encorage each another allso towards realisation

Haa , Haa , ....I have gone way off the original subject , but as this is a new thread I hope that is ok ?
If you want to return to the original question please say so , otherwise I am very interested to discuss different paths , different influences and how they might work together ?
and how it might affect our veiw ?

personaly I am very happy with it , but it confuses some others


I studied the tenets of the four schools, culminating in the Prasangika teachings, for a few years - inspired to do so by my discovery of the Heart Sutra and fascination with the topic. I hope that extra background fleshes it out for you. yes , a little , thank you ,

look forward to your answers ,

namaskars ratikala