DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate - View Single Post - Does Buddhism need the supernatural stuff?

**Uciaucrx** · 05-29-2012, 12:35 AM

There are many examples of the Siddhis used by the Buddha, and conveyed upon his followers by attainment of spiritual understandings. How can you say they are dispensed with ?

Abhaya, let me admit to an unfavorable choice of words. For "conveyed", let me substitute "attained". As for the quote that the Buddha felt: "horrified, humiliated, and disgusted with the miracle of psychic power.", it is specifically in the context of using them to gain converts, and not generally, in the sense that he never used them himself, as element so ably demonstrated.

The foundation of my assertions is this: that the Buddha consistently admonished and encouraged those who are seeking enlightenment to refer to his teachings as a guide, and not a rule, nor a chariot.

"My teaching is not a philosophy. It is the result of direct experience...
My teaching is a means of practice, not something to hold onto or worship.
My teaching is like a raft used to cross the river.
Only a fool would carry the raft around after he had already reached the other shore of liberation."

http://www.viewonbuddhism.org/dharma.html

~ Gus

05-29-2012, 12:35 AM	#40
Uciaucrx Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 430 Senior Member	There are many examples of the Siddhis used by the Buddha, and conveyed upon his followers by attainment of spiritual understandings. How can you say they are dispensed with ? Abhaya, let me admit to an unfavorable choice of words. For "conveyed", let me substitute "attained". As for the quote that the Buddha felt: "horrified, humiliated, and disgusted with the miracle of psychic power.", it is specifically in the context of using them to gain converts, and not generally, in the sense that he never used them himself, as element so ably demonstrated. The foundation of my assertions is this: that the Buddha consistently admonished and encouraged those who are seeking enlightenment to refer to his teachings as a guide, and not a rule, nor a chariot. "My teaching is not a philosophy. It is the result of direct experience... My teaching is a means of practice, not something to hold onto or worship. My teaching is like a raft used to cross the river. Only a fool would carry the raft around after he had already reached the other shore of liberation." http://www.viewonbuddhism.org/dharma.html ~ Gus
	Quote