[clomoll]

Dear friends,

I was thinking about cultural folk-tales, myths/legends, and the use of metaphor. Are any of these applicable to the 'Buddhism' that we study and practice today ?

I would be interested in reading your comments. Please support them with examples and links where possible.

with metta,

Aloka

[Finkevannon]

http://joshandluciesoverlandadventur...dha-monastery/

That is the best I could find now. Funny that the other link disapperde after I loaded the link. It just has vanished from the net.

It's about the ultimate sacrifice out of compassion ... what do you think?

[CarrieSexy]

I've always had a great love and interest in folklore and there are indeed many truths buried within those tales. I can't speak for Asian folk tales (perhaps they contain traces of Buddhist influence), merely for those of European origin of which I've read many.

A common theme is the struggle between darkness and light, usually against overwhelming odds. They can be entertaining and inspiring but I've never found a common "essence" between them and Buddha Dharma. The 'happy ever after' is the triumph of light over darkness, not the freedom of unbinding.

The path Buddha laid out is quite unlike anything anyone else has at their disposal; whether theists of one kind or another or materialists of whatever hue. It is just not known or comprehended my the majority. I don't say this in order to appear arrogant or self-satisfied, merely to express my gratitude to the unique teachings of the Buddha.

[Hsmrcahr]

THE ANCIENT STORY OF NAMO BUDDHA

Your link didn't work for me, Hajurba.

I can't speak for Asian folk tales ..

Hiyah Kris, sorry, I don't think my OP was very clear. I had indeed meant folk tales myths and legends in Buddhist countries. An example being that in the past I read a couple of books of Tibetan folk tales, then there's also the tales of Gesar of Ling fighting the personified forces of evil and his coming again - very like the legend of King Arthur's second coming - and so on and so forth.

I'd just wondered to what extent cultural tales and customs had got mingled in with the original teachings of the Buddha in the various Buddhist countries and their traditions... and also if metaphor in the teachings had perhaps been interpreted literally or misunderstood.

.

[Badyalectlawl]

The whole personification of Mara sounds like a good example to me. Is that the sort of thing you mean, Aloka-D? Then there are the conversations and meeting with divas, flying through mountains, the divine eye, etc. I don't take any of those things literally, including the recollection of past lives and future Buddhas. That's not to say that they don't contain useful "truths", but that the literal interpretation was probably never intended in the first place.

[avaiptutt]

The whole personification of Mara sounds like a good example to me. Is that the sort of thing you mean, Aloka-D? Then there are the conversations and meeting with divas, flying through mountains, the divine eye, etc. I don't take any of those things literally, including the recollection of past lives and future Buddhas. That's not to say that they don't contain useful "truths", but that the literal interpretation was probably never intended in the first place.

Yes, definately, and I was wondering also if some of the tales about Buddhist saints and teachers also got mixed in with myth and fantasy, folk stories with a moral, and so forth.

[itaspCatCriny]

Your link didn't work for me, Hajurba..

This is funny. I tested it and it opened. Now it is defunct...never mind. I changed it for an orther link and that one works so far.

[DoctorWeryDolt]

I'd say so, but the only examples I can think of at the moment might be offensive to other members.

[Kimmitmelvirm]

This is funny. I tested it and it opened. Now it is defunct...never mind. I changed it for an norther link and hope it will be seen.

Maybe this one will work: http://pradeepmalla.blogspot.com/201...mo-buddha.html

[Clarissa]

I'd say so, but the only examples I can think of at the moment might be offensive to other members.

Oh FBM...go ahead...you made us only curious. If you mean not to offend then that is it... To encourage you...here is a funny cartoon...no offense!
So come up with your stuff...you are a moderator. "Jesus Christ...do it!"

[K0aM7urg]

Ah...it's tempting, hajurba, but in light of the "Right Speech" thread I started several days ago, I'd rather not take the chance of offending anyone in a way that wouldn't likely help anyone.


Or maybe I'm just a coward.

[crazuMovies]

http://joshandluciesoverlandadventur...dha-monastery/

That is the best I could find now. Funny that the other link disapperde after I loaded the link. It just has vanished from the net.

It's about the ultimate sacrifice out of compassion ... what do you think?

Thank you, Hajurba. This is similar to stories I read years ago in connection with Tibetan Buddhism. My opinion is that its probably a teaching story rather than being literally true.

[zdlupikkkdi]

Hey, I used to enjoy Monkey. Great show. I also loved the Water Margins.

[phernikas]

I used to love Monkey too, Kris, I just wish I'd paid more attention to the philosophical bits and not the punch ups when I was a kid!

[tefraxKedWere]

"When you can eat cake and shit with the same delight,you are truly enlightened"
Don't give me that look! See for yourself!

[taesrom]

"When you can eat cake and shit with the same delight,you are truly enlightened"
Don't give me that look! See for yourself!

I read stories about Drukpa Kunley years ago in 'The Divine Madman'. Its really a kind of smutty narrated soft porn disguised as 'wisdom' which mocks teachers and institutions.... but so what?...for me that's not Dhamma. I suppose it comes under 'folk tales'.
As for the folk tradition in Bhutan about large decorative penises, well, what can I say, I found it all a little sad when I first knew about it !

In a so-called 'Buddhist country' none of that has got anything to do with a monk with a begging bowl called the Buddha.

.

[WaicurtaitfuT]

I read stories about Drukpa Kunley years ago in 'The Divine Madman'. Its really a kind of smutty narrated soft porn disguised as 'wisdom' which mocks teachers and institutions.... but so what?...for me that's not Dhamma. I suppose it comes under 'folk tales'.

For me the "Divine Madman" is no Dharma either. I did not mean to depart from your original subject. You were thinking about cultural folk-tales, myths/legends, and the use of metaphor. We pledged tolerance to other schools of Buddhism. That is why I used that metaphor above. Its not a quote from Drukpa Kunely...its an old Tibetan folk quote. I could only find it on that page where there is a description of the Divine Madman. However...the Bhutanese Buddhist are heavy influenced by D.K. and they deny that his conduct was "smutty". Even their High Lamas deny it.
I see this as a kind of strange reality of some schools of Buddhism and not as something that should be hidden. We "Newcomers at BWB" should be able to examine all that comes along without prejudice. I respect you fully and also your opinions. Sure...it's 'folk tales'... but if it helps the Bhutanese and their (vanishing) culture? Can we see it like that?

[medshop]

We "Newcomers at BWB" should be able to examine all that comes along without prejudice. I respect you fully and also your opinions. Sure...it's 'folk tales'... but if it helps the Bhutanese and their (vanishing) culture? Can we see it like that?

Do I sense a thinly disguised criticism above .....which is perhaps suggesting that I'm prejudiced myself after I expressed an honest opinion ? Honesty doesn't necessarily indicate intolerance.

As for Bhutanese culture, normally it doesn't enter my mind one way or the other.

Anyway, thanks very much for sharing, hajurba.

[Nglvayhp]

A thinly disguised criticism speaking of 'we' which is perhaps suggesting that I'm prejudiced myself after I expressed an honest opinion, might even indicate a little of it on your part my friend ! Honesty doesn't necessarily indicate intolerance.

As for Bhutanese culture, normally it doesn't enter my mind one way or the other.

Anyway, thanks very much for sharing, hajurba.

OOps...sorry Aloka-D...you have a point in this...the one who is without prejudice of all the people I know including what I know about my self...has yet to show up in my community out here.. However...do not feel attacked by a newcomer (mea culpa) I did not want to refer to you as a "newcomer"...I am fully aware that you are the administrator and long time serving engine; perhaps the founder or co-founder of BWB.

My mistake was to write : We "Newcomers at BWB" instead The "Newcomers" at BWB.... that stupid way of marking my writing indeed includes you and I fully agree that you are rightfully giving me this lecture. I will do better....(I hope )

One of my weaknesses is that I like to make funny remarks when things get too stiff and serious about daily affairs etc. I love a good joke and humorist, or witty remarks. That may be not always appropriated and I need to develop a feeling for that...be patient with this old goat here...I beg you!

[propolo]

OOps...sorry Aloka-D...you have a point in this...the one who is without prejudice of all the people I know including what I know about my self...has yet to show up in my community out here.. However...do not feel attacked by a newcomer (mea culpa) I did not want to refer to you as a "newcomer"...I am fully aware that you are the administrator and long time serving engine; perhaps the founder or co-founder of BWB.

My mistake was to write : We "Newcomers at BWB" instead The "Newcomers" at BWB.... that stupid way of marking my writing indeed includes you and I fully agree that you are rightfully giving me this lecture. I will do better....(I hope )

One of my weaknesses is that I like to make funny remarks when things get too stiff and serious about daily affairs etc. I love a good joke and humorist, or witty remarks. That may be not always appropriated and I need to develop a feeling for that...be patient with this old goat here...I beg you!

Hi Hajurba,

I must have been modifying my post just as you had finished copying it for a quote.

Yes, I'm the founder of BWB and I own the website.

There's no problem - and I really don't offend easily, even though my writings may be a little clumsily expressed sometimes.

Be at ease, friend !