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**hLabXZlK** · 06-28-2011, 04:06 AM

But surely knowing (and ideally understanding) the Buddha's teaching on the origin of phenomena, including the asavas and suffering, may be helpful in 'eradicating' or liberating one from suffering?

Hi Mark,
I don't think that anyone would take issue with that. It's just how we do this that effects the outcome.

Though not if it is just speculating about the nature of phenomena, divorced from the context of liberation from suffering. Exactly. There's nothing wrong with as much rampant speculation as you like but it's not a path to liberation. This begs the question as to whether philosophical views are the same (or even superior) to direct meditative experience. I, personally, think not. Perhaps you do too but I have seen it advocated on many occasion.

it seems a good idea both to understand what the Buddha actually taught (and to some extent, what later respected commentators taught), and also to know whether or not a particular teaching is relevant and helpful to one's own particular situation, or to someone else's. My advice would be that meditation should always lead the way, as the context of the teachings only becomes apparent within the light of it.

Welcome to BWB btw

06-28-2011, 04:06 AM	#29
hLabXZlK Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 545 Senior Member	But surely knowing (and ideally understanding) the Buddha's teaching on the origin of phenomena, including the asavas and suffering, may be helpful in 'eradicating' or liberating one from suffering? Hi Mark, I don't think that anyone would take issue with that. It's just how we do this that effects the outcome. Though not if it is just speculating about the nature of phenomena, divorced from the context of liberation from suffering. Exactly. There's nothing wrong with as much rampant speculation as you like but it's not a path to liberation. This begs the question as to whether philosophical views are the same (or even superior) to direct meditative experience. I, personally, think not. Perhaps you do too but I have seen it advocated on many occasion. it seems a good idea both to understand what the Buddha actually taught (and to some extent, what later respected commentators taught), and also to know whether or not a particular teaching is relevant and helpful to one's own particular situation, or to someone else's. My advice would be that meditation should always lead the way, as the context of the teachings only becomes apparent within the light of it. Welcome to BWB btw
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