Mixed Messages
 

I am currently reading a book by a Tibetan Buddhist writer American/ Jewish parents, and well looked upon by theDalai Lama.

While, to me, his chapter on God seems very open and free from the absolutes of most Western religions, he seems to make a drastic turn about when it comes to thanatology and life after death. In this area he seems to become very mechanistic in his beliefs relevant to reincarnation --talking about bardo, N.D.Es, Jungs dream work, and some other "newagey' techniques.
I have rarely seen two research areas discussed by an author in such a different manner.

As B.W.B. seems somewhat dismissive of reincarnation i would appreciate any comments. Thank you. http://www.discussworldissues.com/fo...lies/peace.gif

Hi Murchovski, who is the writer that you're referring to ?

Thanks Aloka -D. the writer concerned is Lama Surya Das.

hi Murchovski

what you have mentioned is a common teaching style amongs some Western teachers, where they attempt to create a common understanding across religions to appeal to and stimulate Western audiences

but yes...trying to introduce Tibetan style reincarnation into an 'inter-faith' approach will come across as discordant, imo

to me, it would sound 'mechanistic' as you said because Tibetan style reincarnation does not easily flow in common religious themes

notions such as 'God' can easily be explained to represent universal religious themes such as 'wholeness', 'unity', 'lawfulness', 'balance', 'universal love', etc

but reincarnation is a notion exclusively common to Hindu based religions and does not fit into universal religious themes

Lama Surya Das can often become divergent in his talks, bringing in too many esoteric interfaith concepts

but still i have found him to be a very good & practical teacher

kind regards

Element http://www.discussworldissues.com/fo...ilies/grin.gif

You see that a lot in Buddhism.

Trading one set of superstitions for another.

Fortunately the Buddha's own Noble teachings are completely secular.

No need to pay any mind at all to superstition.