[toreesi]

Try to keep in touch with the Thai Forest Tradition writings.

What are these Kaarine? Is that Theravada Buddhism?

Also here, you can get some good guidance from some skilled forum members. Thank you

[illiderob]

What are these Kaarine? Is that Theravada Buddhism?

Yes. I think it is a very healthy tradition because its closeness and loyalty to the teachings of the historical Buddha and the plain language they use so to keep us in practice. Indeed I really feel that what they do is just to make understandable and accessible the teachings of Buddha more than a regular "tradition" in itself to be subscribed at. They are not arround philosophical struggling so mind do not tend to wander into intelecutal realms and hidden meanings binging us away from what the Buddha taught.

Buddhadasa Bhikkhu's "Handbook for Mankind" is an example of those kind of teachings and teachers.

"What the Buddha Taught" is a good place to meet them. Highly recommendable is Ajahn Chah.

[BaselBimbooooo]

Buddhadasa Bhikkhu's "Handbook for Mankind" is an example of those kind of teachings and teachers.

Yes, I'm reading this book at the moment and its very good. I like the way its written..very easy to understand.

What the Buddha Taught I've got this one listed to look at as well. Thanks Kaarine.

[12ZHeWZa]

But it is even better to have a good guide in real life, someone experienced and accomplished. These internet forums can be helpful but nothing beats an experienced and accomplished teacher.

That sentiment tends to be bantied about a lot and taken for granted in certain sects and cults, but it is not necessarily true or accurate at all.

Many folks push the idea of needing a "qualified" teacher, but many times when one examines the things these teachers are teaching, they have little or nothing at all to do with the Buddha's teachings.

The Buddha suggested that his teachings suffice as the teacher.

[sandracuk]

Meditation is definitely important,

I'd say that without it you only have a bunch of opinions.

But it is even better to have a good guide in real life, someone experienced and accomplished. All well and good but most newbies have no idea (and no way of knowing) whether the "good guide" they have just ran across is good at all. Having a large, enthusiastic retinue is no guarantee of anything. I would caution anyone to keep a good skeptical distance for a very long time before declaring loyalty. Better still, find out what Buddha taught then you can measure the claims of any devotees you encounter.

[Dyerryjex]

Interesting that the immediate reaction to my comment that it is important to have a good experienced guide is met with
That sentiment tends to be bantied about a lot and taken for granted in certain sects and cults, but it is not necessarily true or accurate at all. as if I was promoting a particular sect. I'm not. I'm just saying that whatever school of buddhism you are interested it is better to have a real life guide. A forest monk, or someone who has good experience, etc.
The irony is of course that while a few people on this thread have dissed this, they are actively giving guidance to someone who has never met them, and who has no idea what they are really like, and are expecting the poster to trust them over meeting and assessing a person in real life. interesting.
Sure you should do your own research, and you are responsible for your own actions. But try for example to learn to read on your own.

[goolen4you]

Interesting that the immediate reaction to my comment that it is important to have a good experienced guide is met with

as if I was promoting a particular sect. I'm not.

No one has said that you were.
The irony is of course that while a few people on this thread have dissed this, they are actively giving guidance to someone who has never met them, and who has no idea what they are really like, and are expecting the poster to trust them over meeting and assessing a person in real life. interesting. Caveat Emptor applies here as anywhere else one might go on the internet.

No one has claimed to be a teacher here.

The Buddha suggested that one associate with kalyana mitta, friends in the Dhamma.

The folks who answer the OP's inquiry are uniquely qualified to answer the OP according to our experience, by virtue of the fact that we are are the ones who were asked.

[Lvnufcdc]

There are folks here in this forum who have seen and experienced firsthand the abuses and indulgences of one hailed by many the world over as "qualified", "experienced", "accomplished", "enlightened" Great Teacher.

One learns to read by reading. One learns the Dhamma by paying attention to the liberative, Noble teachings of the Buddha.

[mortgrhhh]

stuka -

Nor did I say that anyone here was claiming to be a teacher, but they are giving guidance. Nothing wrong with that as far as an internet experience goes. But in real life we do benefit from having dharma friends and more experienced people help us. It's very simple. I was intrigued to see the knee jerk reaction, that's all.
Your next post clarifies that a bit, but I have no idea who this Great Teacher is.
As to the OP's question, I thought this was an open forum. If the OP directed this specifically to those people then I apologize. Perhaps then it should have been specifically stated.

[QQ9ktYrV]

Hi Aasha, in Tibetan Buddhism 'kleshas' means emotional obscurations.

This is not only a Tibetan Buddhist definition. It is a basic Buddhist notion that goes back to the Buddha. In Pali it is "kilesa", sanskrit "klesha", in Tibetan "nyonmong".

[Stengapsept]

stuka -

Nor did I say that anyone here was claiming to be a teacher, but they are giving guidance.

Your statement and the replies were specifically about teachers. Teachers "give guidance". It is not a great stretch to see that your inference is that we think of ourselves as some kind of "teachers", especially in conjunction with the mind-reading that appears below:

they are actively giving guidance to someone who has never met them, and who has no idea what they are really like, and are expecting the poster to trust them over meeting and assessing a person in real life. interesting.

I have my doubts that you are really able to assess my motives and Sri's motives from your chair as you claim.

Nothing wrong with that as far as an internet experience goes. But in real life we do benefit from having dharma friends and more experienced people help us. That is true. But you were speaking specifically about "accomplished teachers".
It's very simple. I was intrigued to see the knee jerk reaction, that's all. Some of us are not entirely impressed with the idea of submitting oneself to "a qualified teacher", "an accomplished teacher", "an enlightened guru", etc. Charlatans abound.

Your next post clarifies that a bit, but I have no idea who this Great Teacher is. Do you think it matters who? Pick one or several. There have been plenty.

As to the OP's question, I thought this was an open forum. It is. And that means that folks are free to challenge assumptions.

[Uttephabeta]

Hi Mudra,

When newcomers join the community they have the option of asking questions to the existing group members. This, I think is the procedure on most interent Buddhist forums. We do in fact have members who are experienced offline practitioners amongst us but nobody sets themselves up as teachers. You are, I think, making assumptions if you think none of us are capable of offering any basic suggestions to others. Also, we are from different traditions and its an open forum, so there will be a range of views.

Another thing to consider is that some of our members around the world don't live anywhere near a Buddhist centre and have family and work commitments, so that meeting offline Buddhists isn't an option for them right now.

Personally I would advise people who seek a teacher to investigate teachers very carefully and not get too carried away by charismatic gurus and their adoring students - and take plenty of time in doing so. I also think its wise to have a basic grounding in the teachings of the Buddha first rather than plunging into an offline group situation where they know nothing about the activities of the group or about Buddhism in general.

What's my own experience? More than 20 years of offline involvement and practice with Vajrayana, and more recent offline investigations and enjoyment of Theravada. I have interacted on a personal practice advice level with Vajrayana teachers and also with a Theravada teacher.

My suggestion is still investigate carefully, do some basic studies and don't be in a hurry to commit to an organisation anywhere. Teachers are just human beings, and if we get too attached to them there's always the danger that we'll never jump out of the nest and fly for ourselves .


with kind wishes,

Aloka-D

[Teprophopay]

Hi Stuka and Aloka-D,

Actually it seems more like you are making assumptions. I stated that people here are giving guidance too. I didn't say anything about motivation, nor do I have any assumptions about each individuals motivations. I also didn't make recommendations about any great gurus. On what basis would I do that? All I was pointing out was that it helps to have someone with some experience to help out, just as you are doing.

You don't even know my position on a serious guru-disciple relationship. They have existed since the time of the Buddha. Just to make it clear where I stand: I am actually quite conservative on it and always feel people should investigate very very carefully.

I am not investigating anyone of the posters' credentials, as you both seem to imply I am doing. There is a lot of jumping to conclusions is what there is.

In any case I don't think I have anything of much value to offer this forum.

My apologies if I have inadvertently ruffled feathers during my short stay.

Be well

M

[RealCHEAPsoftDOWNLOAD]

.

In any case I don't think I have anything of much value to offer this forum.

My apologies if I have inadvertently ruffled feathers during my short stay.

Be well

M

No problem Mudra, and I hadn't noticed any feathers being ruffled. My apologies also if you feel I was jumping to conclusions .

I'm sorry you've left so hurriedly and it was nice to see you briefly. I hope you'll be happier back in the comfort zone of posting in a one-tradition group.

Be well and at ease.




Note

This thread has gone way off topic now - so it may be a good point at which to close it. New topics always welcome in this or any of our other forums.

Thanks to all who contributed.