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  • actually, it is considered one and the same, except for the level of detail or expansion on ideas. Hinayana is the basic steps, Mahayana the next step, and Vajrayana the radical approach.  You will never understand Mahayana without understanding Hinayana. The Theravada tradition is NOT necessarily equated with Hinayana as it is generally misconcieved by a lot of people. It simply means the initial steps. Just wanted to clear that up as I also had confusion regarding that before.

  • AJAHN BRAHM IS THE MOST 1337 MONK EVER! HE TOTALLY PWNS ALL THOSE OTHER MONKS

  • @Guest655321 what other Monks? 

  • lol they theravada is suppose to be the selfish sect of buddhism while mahayana is the unselfish tradition. i honestly believe its the other way around. thai theravada monks happen to be very giving and generous in some temples ive been in, and in mahayana temples the chinese monks arent very welcoming..except for one nun i met in chicago

  • @nocturnalserpent Buddhist Nuns in Chicago!

  • cool channel,thx

  • cool video's...

  • great videos

  • cool channel...

  • Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu. :)

    

  • i like your channel, its cool

  • ajahn brahm no nothing about buddhism, generally I am also observation that european buddhist no nothing about buddhism, they take from buddhist what they like

  • that's funny, cos a while after this talk, i attended a talk by ajahn brahm, where he told the room that tibetans are simply "too lazy" to do the hard work of therevadans.

  • IN FACT BUDDHISM IS A SECT, THE PREACHER IS LAUGHINH OF OTHERS BUT HE WILL CRY IN HELLFIRE

  • What about monkeys?

  • what I like ajahn brahm is that anyone in any religion can use his teaching. Its universal and can be applied to any religion.

  • doesn't the mahayana sect accept other historical buddhas that have come to earth while therevada only accepts the one buddha?

  • Ajahn Brahm wat can i say???ter should b mor ple lik u.

    i pay al my respect 2 Ajahn Brahm.

  • You have a huge fan in ALASKA, Ven. Brahm!!!

  • ""Effective in different context"" - that's the reason why there are many sects. Feet on the ground, choose the one that can relate to you!

  • 18:00-19:00 so true :) Ajahn you are a good man i would love to one day go and listen to your speeches

  • this comment is from someone who has been looking into Buddhism for only 3 days and it would be selfish of me to not share what I think: "When I finally go to a temple and sit on the floor for a service, I only hope that I am as pleased, excited and interested as I am now watching this video with Ajahn Brahm. "

  • The Buddha said that the gift of dhamma excels all other gifts

  • Do you you poor sad people really listen to this dingbat!

    As Colin Lama says "Don't take yourself so seriously, nobody else does." X Oscar

  • @OscarTurner I think Ajahn Brahm would say much the same thing

  • the spoilers dont just spoil because they want to they aren't stupid, they get bullied. Bullying is complicated it involves taking away the others confidence, It is reducing their support foul mouthing them cleverly. The simple refusal ever to speak those who sacrificde themselves problem is not knowing how to handle tricks.they would not complain if it weren't that they did not like it. rose macaskie.

  • @rosemacaskie Budhism is about the reality of life, it'sbout respect your surrounding and other life forms. Budhism has no gods or even Budha himself is not god, but a teacher. If we follow him, we all living in peace. Living a peacful and happy life is everyone's dream, but that can be achieved when can deal with your desire, greed, temper, emotion, etc....open your mind and you will realized the truth, stuborn belief is only clouded your view

  • You got in some nasty little comments about the dalai lama, my reactio is that strange sentences scratch your eyes out pussy cat so you think your a darling . I think his smiling face and solid figure made me want tto know more, that was his biggest draw amiability and considering one of the dalia lamas was a terrible womaniser that to seems to be something a dalai lama can get away with. I think that if a preist can't get into a car with a woman in this century it is stupid. rose macaskie.

  • Going to theatre keeps you real about new directions of society ..Teaching kick boxing does not necessarily help people. It has been hard to describe what i find abusive in buddhism. It is not right to say confusing things to push people forward, i have sufferd it it stopped me talking about anything,, no chance the buddhist is saying somthing confusing. it has been absorbing taken up my time worried by strange arguements whose manipulative presentation made hard to answer. rose macaskie

  • sexism is not an imaginary social abuse it works like classism, do down the group who is victimised. keep aloof, don't discuss things with them and discredit their wisdom.taking away group support.. Men usualy get support automatically Marriage is bad untill the religions teach men it is bad to take the reins in marriage it will go on being abusive. Do you let your parishoners feel equal to you? The mecanisms of mantaining distances are bad and worse when the contract is love. rose macaskie

  • You are backing up marriage. the other answer is to weigh up the worthlessness of marriage.You are not deaing with the self sacrificing you are dealing with those who are not good at mental agressions. You think there was not a reason for the Corean to spend mounths carefully teaching the kid to fight. You can just say confusing things to confused people. You need more than a few mounths to turn a victim into a formidable oponent. rose macaskie.

  • i love how these people are laughing so easily.

  • I'm not Buddhist. I'm an athiest, but I know people who are buddhist and they're good people. On behalf of buddhism Magebaba, please stop reacting to this raghead piece of shit alfulani5. There's a reason why most non muslims in this world hates islam. Don't sink down to his level. They breed like rats and fuck up this whole world. Look at all the western nations and how they're trying to take over.

  • despite buddhist sects, we are all the same

    buddhism = peace

  • What about Nicheren Buddhism?

  • It depends on the Nichiren Buddhist group you are talking about. Nichiren-shu tends to be on the same page as Ajahn Brahm here. Nichiren's writings talk a lot about sectarianism, but we know that we cannot focus on such things today. The Lotus Sutra even tells us to disregard the differences between then "many vehicles" of Buddhism, and see only the "Buddha Vehicle.

  • Ajahn Brahm is a GREAT MONK!! I ONLY HAVE RESPECT FOR HIM!!!!!!! HE IS DOING A GREAT SERVICE TO MANKIND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU AND THANK YOU

  • Comment removed

  • Its all mythology.. that does'nt mean that myth cannot create value.. but there is no definitive historical proof that buddha, jesus, krishna, Mohammed Ali or any other gods ever walk upon this earth.. The cause of suffering is the attactment to our believes

  • You suck if you think Mohammed Ali is a god. He is an ex-boxer who now has Parkinson's disease.

  • It's not the case that there were no proofs of the Awekened One Buddha, It's just you are too stupid and know nothing about them at all.

    It's up to you if you don't want to learn the Truth of Dhamma. You can just be reborn and reborn and reborn again without ending, and enjoy the sufferings + "wrong views"

    Sabbe Satta Bhavantu Sukhitatta . . .

  • The Writings of D.M. Murdock exposes religious mythology.

  • You make a good point, Theravada is treated 2nd rate.

    I believe it's been made before. Talk about difference.

  • sadhu sadhu

  • he he. mate try harder. you cann't insult a great religion by just babbling.

    only thing you are doing is exposing yourself the true nature of a muslim. which is insult other great religions. he he. what a loser. LOL>

  • if you don't realize you bad karma has started to haunt you.

    calm down.  if you are molested we are here to help.

  • you cann't get anything by insulting other religions.

    is that what your quran teaches you. insult other religions because you islam doesn't make you peacefull.

  • why don't you talk to a councellor. seriously man you need to clam down.

    by insulting buddhist monks you are the one who is going to end up in hell.

  • he he. tell me will you ever stop swearing. LOL.

  • please. what else a 40 year old virgin has got to do. LOL.

  • mmmmm. you have to try more. while you are searching all over internet to find something to insult Buddhism your brothers are blowing up innocent people all over the world.

    we just have to say watch the news. you will see the true face of islam. LOL.

  • Please calm down.

    And you don't end up in hell for insulting monks. When the Buddha spoke of heaven and hell, he was talking of states of mind. If you insult anyone, it means your mind is filled with aversion or anger. That means you are allready not calm, but in a mental hell. the way to get out, is to practice mindfulness with breathing untill the anger subsides. Please, take the time to think about this. If you want to know more, please contact me and i can show you relevant material.

    Metta

  • he he. no thanx. already know what i have to know. LOL.

  • To everyone reading this. Don't bother reading the comments that were made below. They are full of hate and division.

    It is sad that in a talk where a very wise abbot tells us to free our minds from the pettiness of divisiveness and to refrain from causing one another difficulties so many use that space to cause difficulty to others and insult one anothers' beliefs.

    May all who watch this video enjoy the wisdom in it and lead fruitful and happy lives. May all be free from suffering.

  • The Buddha said that it's a rare opportunity for one to hear the dhamma. One has to have good kamma.

    "The gift of dhamma exels all other gift" Buddha advised

    We have to be grateful to Brahma Sahampati (divine being) who requested Buddha to teach the world the truth,

    Alavaka (the demon who was coverted by Buddha) who is guarding the dhamma

    To show gratitude to the Buddha, the Buddha said , is to follow the teaching of the Buddha

    Go google and read up more on

    "The Brahma's Request"

  • The first utterance of Buddha after his enlghtenment "How sure his pathway in this wood, Who follows truth's unchanging call! How blessed, to be kind and good, And practice self-restraint in all! How light, from passion to be free, And sensual joys to let go by! And yet his greatest bliss will be When he has quelled the pride of 'I'. Buddha wonder if he should teach the world this truth as it's difficult to understand. Mara, the evil one, advised Buddha to enter final Nibbana
  • the quran is a shitty book not worthy of discussion at a place like this. interpretation my ass. jihad4life that's what the quran is

  • watch this video

    "Sex with Children : Investigate Islam"

    stop molesting children muslims.

  • watch this video

    "Sex with Children : Investigate Islam"

  • I found this video disturbing, noone seems to protect they 2 year old, 3 year old and 4 year old child from these perverts. Watch this video:

    "What is thighing"

  • Come now. While it is good to post a link to an informative video, you should also keep in mind that there are also bad muslims who molest kids too. It is just a human issue, not a religious one

  • Hmm. Interesting. I found all these posted all over the video about Muslim's holy book (Quran)

    Quran 9:5 Fight and kill the disbelievers wherever you find them, take them captive, harass them, lie in wait and ambush them using every stratagem of war.

    Quran 47:4 ''Therefore, when ye meet the Unbelievers, smite at their necks; at length, when ye have thoroughly subdued them, bind a bond firmly (on them)''

    That's just 2 examples out of TONS. DO YOUR RESEARCH.'

  • Thank you for these interesting facts.

  • may allah bless you with u knowladge brother.. i think u didnt read the quran.. u jus heard another person say... brother.. that verse is only wen there is a was came... god set a revelation.. u can defense u r self.. not start a war.. no children or no women can b killed... i think u should read the quran by u r self.. there are enough translations... please read them b4 comment.. cos non f the religion says wrong.. the way u get and the way u use

  • please read the conitinueation f the verse and the time it came or revealed to muhammed PBOH.. thats wat... for u knowledge... buddishm says almost same.. u know wat buddhism says is u have gud and bad .. if u follow good u ll experience the calm or f u dont u have to suffer the consequensces.. so u will suffer wen after death or b4 death.. but islam have said the punishment in the proper way.. so sins can b reduce.. but wat happen to most people..

  • they follow only wat they want..they do lot f sins. according to even buddism.. cos they dont know how they gonna syffer wat is the consequence... isnt it.. but every one will suffer so.. i think nothing preaches wrong.. the way u take thats wrong.. but should chose wat best... islam jus dont say do this and that.. but it show how to do that. and how to achive.. if u think u wanna criticism the any religion..

  • i tell please follow their(the religion u wanna comment) religion accordign to their scriptures say.. not according to preacher or another person say.. then if u feel its wrong.. hmm insha allah.. u comment..

  • KIND ADVICE TO ANYONE WHO IS THINKING OF TAKING UP BUDDISM!

    Every human is born with dignity! And you have the right to keep that. Don't end up walking the streets of Asia barefoot, dressed in rags, begging for food, and kissing the feet of monks!!

    There is a purpose of our lves! Islam is the ony way for success in the life after death. Look past the negetive stereotyoes and go to the basics of Islam. You will be surprised at how badly the media distorts Islam.

  • KIND ADVICE TO ANYONE WHO IS THINKING OF TAKING UP ISLAM!

    you will be like this muslim friend who goes around blasting at everybody.

  • You know, there are allot of great videos on Islam here on youtube. Why not just say something good about those videos and not speak against a Buddhist video?

  • If someone followed the Dharma of Lord Buddha honestly and faithfully, they would understand that our Muslims brothers deserve the same respect that all people do. Islam is indeed a great religion that inspires purity and compassion and has a great founder in Mohammad (PBUH) To insult our harm a Muslim is not a Buddhist thing to do, and is not keeping with the Dharma.

  • The Buddha said there're 4 kind of horses and there are 4 kind of people

  • @libertariannumber5

    To insult or harm ANYBODY is "not keeping with the Dharma'.

    But this doesn't mean that Islam, or Christianity, or Judaism are peaceful. They have their "constitutions" - their holy books, and once we read them we can know whether they are peaceful or not!

    And NONE of the three is peaceful! They are only peaceful when their followers chose to behave LESS in accordance to their books and MORE in accordance with common human morale.

    MUSLIMS might be peaceful; ISLAM isn't!

  • @grozde no abhramic religios is peaceful

  • @grozde lmao much talk for someone who never read the holy book. i bet ur 13 and think u know bout religion.

  • @farysa3

    You lose on all accounts.

    What a surprise! ;-)

  • Look, doesn't the Glorious Koran teach that one should repay evil with kindness? Defend yourself, yes, while at the same time remembering that, when ever possible, love your enemy. Was that not one of the messages of your great Prophet Mohammad? (PBUH)

  • I hope you find happiness =)

  • Comment removed

  • The Quran says plenty of beautiful things too. We should show respect to the Muslims as human brothers and show them loving-kindness...IS THAT NOT WHAT THE ENLIGHTENED ONE WOULD HAVE WANTED US TO DO?

  • You are Calm in a Storm of Hate! Good for you.

  • @impermanentoo who care about your koran, this is a Buddhist page. Have some respect and don't try to compare your egoism and pride religion.

  • @ceetboy1

    everyone has the right to write in here. by the way the Buddhists respect all religious ways. I m sure that Koran teaches many good things.

  • @EnkhbatKhurts - Please be aware that later statements of Muhammad override previous statements in the Quran. So when you read it, there will be contradictions such as "there shall be no compulsion in religion" or respecting or tolerating Jews & Christians, but then in other places, there will be statements such as "cutting off fingers of infidels etc." To be certain of what should be followed, just see which statement is the last one, then you will see if the Islam is peaceful or not.

  • @matreyia

    Quran is not contradictive. Quran is given at different stages. So each verse has background. For example when muslims were preaching Islam and others were just denying it and mocking muslims, Quran told muslims not to force Islam on them & just ignore their sins. But when polytehists started plotting and waging war against muslims, Quran told to fight with them and kill them (obviously ppl have to kill in war or else u r killed). Each verse must be learn knowing background.

  • @kingkhan2 - Friend, the fact that these verses where the solutions to the situation at the time does not negate the fact that they contradict each other. I did not claim that the verses were mindless or that they were arbitrary, of course the verses were stated in context of the situations...that is apparent....what I do say is that the contents of the statements contradict each other in substance - I did not make any claims for or against the context. Even you cannot argue that.

  • @kingkhan2 - Now there were numerous opponents of the Buddha in His time and after His time who tried to kill Him. But friend, unlike the Quran's advice to its followers, Lord Buddha NEVER taught His followers to hate their "enemies" nor to lift one single finger to harm them. Friend, this is called a truly peaceful doctrine. It is peaceful in the beginning, middle and end. It is NOT like the Quran which has numerous primitive advice to kill your enemies or those who do not believe etc.

  • @matreyia - Sorry for the lapse in logic - I meant numerous opponents of the Buddha who tried to kill Him in His time and tried to kill His followers after His death.

    That's what I get for writing too fast! ; )

  • @kingkhan2 - Friend, I have nothing against Muslims. I do however disagree with the primitive teachings of the Quran in regards to solving problems and with people who disagree with Islam. There are some "Muslims" who do not believe literally everything in the Quran - they do not kill or hate nonbelievers. Just like some "Christians" who do not kill people for working on Saturday...these people can think for themselves and are not slaves to the "moral" codes in their books.

  • @matreyia All I have observed is that buddhist are nice, educated and calm people.Thanks for sharing your views.

  • @kingkhan2

    Lord Buddha proclaimed that he's the teacher of gos and men. That's is something that you should find out yourself.

    I used to learn Buddhism and meditation from an ex-muslim. I asked him how he became a Buddhist. He told me when he was a muslim, he had so much anger in him. When he started to meditate, he became very peaceful. It's the teaching that makes the difference.

    Buddha said that human should help each other to cross over to safety. May peace be upon you.

  • @kingkhan2

    The ultimate goal of buddha's teaching is for human beings to train their mind to be refined, cultured and perfect. To cultivate good and abandon all evil. To develop 4 brahmaviharas: Compassion, loving-kindness, joy and equanimity. To eradicate greed, anger and delusion. With all the great qualities then only will one be awaken to the truth. Be free from all suffering and never be reborn again in the sea of samsara.

    Buddha said that respect is earned and not bestowed

  • @ceetboy1 man first read something carefully. impernentoo is buddist and he was mocking Islam and u r calling him muslim.

  • @impermanentoo Did Buddha teach u to tell lies? Quran did not say Earth is larger than sun . Quran said we have spread earth as carpet to walk on. Here earth meant for earth surface not shape of earth. anyway before pointing fingers at others, look at ur ownself. Buddism does not believein gods yet there are mantion of brahma and other gods in it. Its so confusing. If there is no God why the hell u care for what happens after death. just enjoy being atheist rather following Buddism.

  • @kingkhan2

    This is from "Institute for Biblical & Scientific Studies"

    The Qur’an 18:83-98 tells the story of a pious Muslim, Zulqarnain (whom many Muslim commentators think is Alexander the Great). One day while traveling along, we find that, "Until, when, he reached the setting of the sun, he found it to set in a spring of murky water" (18:86). So Zulqarnain found the sun sets in a spring of murky water. This is saying that the earth is flat and the sun is very small.

  • @impermanentoo

    Most of the msulim scholars believe dhulqarnanin was cyrus (zoroastrian king as it looks like zoroaosater was a prophet) . Anyway Its all guesswork as Quran did not mention name. and quran mentioned only vision. It says he(dhulkarnain) found as if sun is setting. Its like we say sun is setting Do sun ever set? Its metaphor. Quran used the word Dahaba which means "as if".

  • @kingkhan2

    In fact Buddhists do not worship buddha and Buddha forbade his followers to produce any statue of him. As Buddha looked very serene and calm, his followers wanted to use the statue to remind them of the good qualities of the Buddha. It is simply a symbol of virtue for the followers to emulate.

    So, Buddhists are not idol worshipers. Read Tipitaka and see how beautiful and profound the teaching is

  • @impermanentoo yeah to serve the world is the best worship in Buddhism......................­.sabbe shatta shukita vabantho

  • @kingkhan2

    My apology. That comment was meant for only one guy. I have nothing against Muslims. Muslims are like my brothers and sisters.

    Buddhists do believe in divine beings (gods) but not almighty god. According to the Buddha, gods are not enlightened as they still get angry, jealous, destroy and kill. To be enlightened, one needs to eradicate greed, anger and delusion. That is basically the same like any other teachings. There's no such thing as religion, it's created by human. T

  • @kingkhan2

    On you profile, you wrote, " there is only one God and there should be one religion.Can any student tolerate if different students are given different papers in exam? No. justice demands all students should be given same paper. similarly there should be one religion for all. .. if u deny islam, God will not allow you in heaven. Choice is yours

    Quran states that infedel are najis (filthy), I can't understand we being judged.

  • @impermanentoo Quran did not call infidels as najis, quran called idol worshipping as najis.Its coz it turns God into lifeless stone.

  • OK, had to say something at 28:01 sums things wonderfully.

  • I've found this awesome video, short and simple introduction about Buddhism, a Rinpoche, and what a Tibetan Buddhist Centre looks like here on youtube:

    Introduction to Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, Kechara House and Gaden.

    Are all Tibetan Buddhist Centre like this? With a teacher, and is linked to a monastery? I am new so I appreciate if someone can share with me...

  • Buddhism is one regardless of tradition. If we keep talking about tradition and it causes division among the Buddhists, that is regarded as schism and is a heavy kamma. Buddhism is about DO GOOD , AVOID EVIL AND PURIFIED THE MIND. A fully ordained monk has to abandon all worldly possession and worldly matter. A monk should not get involved in politics as that contradict the teaching, to be detached from worldly matter. As a result, unable to achieved enlightenment.

  • A Boddhisattva is basically an unlightened being who has to suffer endlessly. The Buddha wanted us to be free from suffering. The only way to be free from suffering is to be a Buddha or an arahat. An arahat is as pure as a Buddha but an arahat does not have as much knowledge as a Buddha. They do not come back again and is in a blissful and eternal state. A stream enterer (first stage arahatship) experiences very peaceful state of mind and is regarded as a virtuous person but not Boddhisattva.

  • Bodhisattvas are enlightened, but they choose to forgo Nirvana. It takes an enlightened being with endless compassion to put off their own peace to help others achieve it. That is a Bodhisattva.

  • Buddhism is about wisdom and universal truth. As a Buddhist ,one has to be skillful and learn the way to be free from suffering and eventually enlighten. The most important thing is to practice Vipasana Meditation and eventually we can gain wisdom. With this wisdom, we abandon our defilement and our mind becomes very peaceful and clear.

  • please respect buddism like we respect the islam. Let everybody search his own road in life and the afterlife

  • With all due respect I ONLY state the facts!

    I beleive every one has the right to tell the truth!

  • He teaches the Universal Mantra for England-born bodhicittas: Pommmmmmm Pommmmmmm

     Pommmmmmm

    Repeat it resonantly.

  • Hey, what is the Buddhist statue made of?

  • LifeisABigPuzzle. The Buddha's statue can be made of any kind of material. The purpose of having a statue is to remind us and other beings to do good. It reminds us the great quality of Buddha and we have to strive hard to achieve the good qualities. With this in mind, we will eventually achieve our goal of becoming an arahat (saint) or aBuddha. Only an arahat or Buddha can be free from suffering and attain that blissful mental state and never be reborn again. It is an eternal state.

  • I really cannot see how to find some budha nature in George Bush or a serial killer... it's a really a nig challenge to face

  • I think he is fantastic. I love to listen to his teaching. Compassion and understanding are wonderful and peaceful things to practice.

  • Well said.

  • Do you guys meditate? I hope so.

    When you are in deep meditation/absorbtion,

    how do you feel? Still as followers of Theravada or Mahyana or any other Buddhism?

  • the path is more than deep meditation and absorption

    knowledge & vision according the reality is on many levels and each level is essential for completeness of insight and liberation

    one school has expounded reality in all its modes more clearly and systematically than the others

    of course, this clarity can only come from the lord buddha himself

  • Ohh yes! Does someone know Dhammakaya Foundation here?! And why not let mae jis have full ordination?!

  • Ha, Ha. Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana are just expedient means. Ekayana -- the One Vehicle -- is the only actual vehicle. What is the One Vehicle? It is Mind. It is your own original face. It is the incomparible Buddha Vehicle. Since it is incomparable it is neither the best nor the less than best.

  • If you keep on using the offensive term 'hinayana' then can I start using the term 'papayana'?

    And it seems you do not understand what a 'vehicle' is in Buddhist terminology.

  • I am a Pureland practitioner and think all of the honest,good,sincere people who believe in Buddha and regularly practice his teachings are worthy teachers.Excellent talk I recognize your Buddha wisdom and learn from your talks.

  • It's good to see they have a temple in Australia.

  • I believe that there is a lot of great things about Buddhism, but at times I think it is TOO peaceful and too nice. True, there has rarely if ever been a drop of blood shed in the name of Buddhism. But look how many times it allowed Muslim conquest to take over, without defending itself. Buddhism was lucky to survive in countries that let it survive: it is so peaceful, that it allows conquests to eliminate itself. It's great to be peaceful, but no to where you lose who you are to other forces.

  • I used to think the same thing, but that has come to be what I admire about Buddhism.

    If somebody refuses to inflict pain under any circumstances then that may leave them vulnerable to attack, but it also means that one more person in the world is willing to sacrifice themselves rather than commit evil.

    I don't believe that the violence of others justifies further violence. It takes a lot more guts to forgive and forget.

  • What do you think about Soka Gakkai? According to my experience it's impossible to have a conversation with SG members out of their belief... therefore unthinkable on buddhism!!

    what about your experiences?

  • was Buddishm some kind of the first democracy?

  • Nope, I fear not. :-)

    It is a concept of developing yourself while being useful to all beings, not a model for state or country system. But it best fits into a free democracy!

  • But...Once buddha has prised on a one Kingdom (Lichchevi)of north India at that time and said, The kingdom is successive as they select their leader by voting, and by having a parlimentary system, gathering frequently, discussing problems openly peacefully, honor others idears, Honor women and human rights! ..and buddha said until they continue this systenm they are unfallen! and grow! so I think even buddha formed his Sanga community in this way..to share evrything., respect evrybody!

  • Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana....

    The Buddha had always advocated only One Vehicle...Buddhayana...

    Considering today's parking space prob, its best to have One Vehicle only...:-)

    Unity in diversity...all emphasising and returning back to the One Vehicle: The Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Noble Path...This is the Dispensation Age and Teaching of Sakyamuni and that of all Buddhas...

  • well, good point!! but we are all buddhist!!!

  • it's different vehicles for different kind of people; humans are individuals and need a individual guiding.

  • Ya its ntural as the nicest thing in Buddhisum is its ability to adjust to the culture what it touchs and can remain unharming to its values and basics. Thats why there are number of buddhist cultures in the world..in the west in the future there will be a new one! but they all are same..!

  • Interesting talk. Watch the space in between.

    But is he not afraid to kill insects when he travels?

  • "My teacher is more enlightened than your teacher!" - That made me laugh!

  • My Buddhism is the best

  • Such a great speech :D I born in Bangkok and in Buddhist culture but I rarely go to temple. :P It doesnt matter at all about the "sects". Its the followers who set up those different sects but Lord Buddha only teach us the real truth. How people take his teaching is up to the people.

  • The notion of sects as we know it in the West is non-existent in Indian religions, including Buddhism. The difference in teachings is the level of awakening claimed. Gautama, before he became the Buddha, studied with several teachers. But he was never satisfied with the level of enlightenment he realized under them. After his enlightenment he wanted to share it with his former teacher, Alara Kalama. Mahayana, it could be argued aims at Buddhata whereas Theravada is content with Arahanta.

  • Lol how very condescending of Theravada. And I assume you do know that the Theravada practitioners can aim for either Samma Sambuddha, Paccheka Buddha or Arahat? And what on earth do you mean 'content with Arahanta'? An Arahat is a fully enlightened being. Even a stream enterer is a hundred times worthy than a mere Bodhisattva.

  • My understanding is that basically there's three perspectives of reality; one is an understanding that reality is occurring and real, the second understands that the seeming realness is fleeting and groundless and the third acknowledges both perspectives and understands that these two perspectives are indispensable in realizing the ultimate truth which dismisses a conception of reality being possible. Are these the three schools you're talking about here or are these philosophical schools?

  • I'll say this for the very last time. If we do not even have the right view, we haven't started to walk the noble eightfold path. You can argue all you want, but this is the advice I am giving to people who wish to take a deep breath and start seeing things with an unbiased mind.

    A person will never reach Nibbana if that first step has not been taken. He can pray , cry, chant , do rituals, send out metta and vow but this will only bring him to heaven. He is still not an Ariya yet.

  • i've read some of your points and you make very compelling points. i've been thinking about Buddhism quite a bit, but more as a quintessential philosophy as opposed to a religion. isn't plausible that Buddhism was a movement that arose to address the unequal Hindu societal structure and doctrine that served as a reconciliation between Hinduism and Jainism (the two extremes)? Also, isn't it plausible the discrepancy between the three major schools are a result cultural-religious symbiosis?

  • Actually... Theravada and Mahayana teachings are not that similar or in fact different if we look closely into their teachings. I was a mahayanist a few years back and I would say that they do not actually lead you to the same destinations.

  • All Buddhism teach the four noble truth and eight fold path. These are the main principles. Also, all agreed upon the law of cause and effect "Karma". Most Buddhist agreed that they are similar in the inside. Just think that some prefer to use mercedes or honda but overall objective is reach destination A.

  • The Buddha mentioned that the dhamma will be polluted five hundred years after his passing away and he urged his disciples to distinguish different teachings by only accepting those that matches his teachings in the suttas. If all the 3 traditions teach the same thing, the Buddha wouldn't have made that prediction. and that was only one of the many warnings he gave before his passing away.

  • Many years ago, I too believe that all 3 traditions teach the same thing and we'll all reach the same destination. However, after much studies and researches , i found that they are not quite the same. I had practiced different traditions like mahayana and theravada but not tibetan one. Honestly,the emphasis and teachings can be very different if we look carefully.

  • Please don't bring sectarian issues between Mahayana and Theravada up. Any argument you can come up with to discredit the authenticity of Mahayana sutras can equally be applied to Theravadin ones, and vice versa... The point is to find a qualified teacher. Period.

    Also the ultimate goal of either tradition is nirvana... only Mahayana aims directly towards becoming a Bodhisattva now, and not towards entering nirvana for a very long time...

    Best Wishes,

    Laotsuu