[puzobok]

I find the basic Buddhist Dhamma attractive, as far as I understand it, and also am able to relate to what seems this forum's emphasis on present day living and ethics.

In terms of infinity there are infinite possibilities and I feel that we have heaps on our plates in regards to the great problems facing humanity without becoming overly esoteric re the cosmic future.

Since joining almost six months ago I have read numerous books on Buddhism that seem to place the emphasis in less practical areas. I read of hungry ghosts, samadhi, hells and a void like Nirvana and don't find any of this very practical.

Ram Dass writes of the story of a king offering a beautiful horse to an old yogi if he could go into deep samadhi and be buried for a year. As the story goes he is forgotten and left for ten years years and on arising says "Where is my horse?
I take this myth to be an example of the strength of 'attachement' but it certainly comes across,to me, as overkill.
Ram Dass also seems somewhat ambivalent about mind changing drugs, even though he uses these examples as only stop gap measures.

I can appreciate the need for myth and metaphor; it is used in all religions and my personal view is that this tends to over cook or separate far more essential down to earth issues.

I suppose only further thinking, reading and application of what I currently feel more relevant will help slowly with these problems serving as grist for the mill.

Thanks for your time and forebearance.

[MariaBeautys]

i think i understand what you are saying. if you want some books that can relate the Buddhas teachings to the present day and to your life with out long storys here are some books i think might help you.

that which you are seeking is causing you to seek, made by "a center for the practice of zen Buddhist meditation"
the zen book, by daniel levin
its easier than you think, by sylvia boorstein
the lotus still blooms, by joan gattuso
the Dalai lama's little book of inner peace, by H.H Dalai lama

im a fan of the Buddist parables myself, and zen poetry, one good book of parables that seem better then Ram Dass's is;
Buddhist parables: tales to illuminate, by Axiom

hope this helps friend.

[Unoloknovagog]

Hullo Cmbaye 2007 and thanks for the tips.

Yes I do think that too many parables can be a bit distracting if they project too far into esoteric possibilities.
Still these tales are obviously helpful in some ways. I will certainly have a look at some of those you have suggested.

[ViaxobbimeVar]

I read of hungry ghosts, samadhi, hells and a void like Nirvana and don't find any of this very practical.

You do not find them practical because you do not have a jigsaw to connect it to your daily life.
If you practice to be aware of your mind real time, you will see that all of these are practical.

For example, when you feel greedy for anything, your mind is hungry like a mind of 'hungry ghost'.
When you feel angry or hate, your mind will be fired like a mind of 'life in hell'.
When you concentrate to something very much, your mind has 'samadhi'.
When you put down any Dosa, Lobha, or Moha in any matter, you mind will feel light, soft and/or comfortable.
It is not Nirvara but it shows you that 'Nirvara' should exist and it is feasible to reach there.

[mdUzAMbG]

Thanks Ngodngam.
I see your point regards to metaphor but I don't really think a good many peoople looking for spiritual guidance see it that way.....