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Isn't mind also a manifestation of mind? :) (Sorry, couldn't help but tease a litte.) So, based on the above, are you interpreting this as saying that there is an utimate nature but that we can't experience it truly because everything coming from mind is illusion? Or are you just asserting...

Is there a difference? ;) Yes, it's true the ultimate nature is beyond description; however, Buddhists discuss it in terms of negation... you can say what it is not. But you are correct that it cannot be described but it can be experienced. Anyway, I was just chiming in with my view of what...

Hi Oat. What do "cognitive nonduality" and "ontological nonduality" mean? Shunyata is a huge subject for sure. The shunyata I am thinking of is the view that true nature of things is free from the four extremes -- existence, nonexistence, both, and neither. To say that all things are...

Nonduality is taught in several religions, so I don't think that is Buddhism's most unique teaching. The teachings on shunyata don't occur in other religions though (to the best of my knowledge. Let me know if I'm wrong.)

I think there needs to be some clarification of what you mean by "past lives." Buddhist philosophy is very subtle when it comes to talking about things like time and reincarnation, so I think it would be really good to be clear about what a "past life" is to a Buddhist, which is very different...

Hello. To put it simply, karma is cause and effect. If someone commits a misdeed, there is negative karma; a positive deed, then positive karma; a neutral deed, then neutral karma. (Your intention when committing the act counts too.) The way I understand it, karma is impartial, kind of like...

I am fond of these well-known lines in the Diamond Sutra: Thus shall you think of this fleeting world: A star at dawn, a bubble in a stream, A flash of lightning in a summer cloud, A flickering lamp, a phantom, and a dream. And also, a well-known prayer: May all beings have happiness...

I'm reminded of the famous quote: Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. Here's the thing, however: How many of us never get angry? I often think that the real practice is not preventing anger from...

Yes, that is my evil plot... it's samsara baby. Round and round. Sorry 'bout that. I didn't read carefully enough... just ignore!

There is an interesting essay on the Kalama Sutta by Bhikku Bodhi here: A Look at the Kalama Sutta Also, I have found the book "In the Buddha's Words" by Bhikkhu Bodhi to be quite helpful in terms of reading the sutras.

I mean, who cares what I think! ;) In 10 minutes, I won't even care! Thanks for sharing your view. I think that ultimately the religion bit doesn't matter. The realization is what matters and that is beyond religion. (As one teacher says, when you are a Buddha you are no longer a Buddhist.)...

My view of Buddha's teachers is that he was influenced by them, and therefore they play a role in his realization, just as everything that we interact with influences us in some way. I agree that awakening is something we realize individually; no one can do it for us. But I think too that it is...

Actually, the original Buddhist scriptures very much emphasize the need for spiritual companions and teachers. Even the Buddha had teachers. Personally, I find it very useful to have a sangha. I find my sangha-mates to be really great at showing me exactly where I get stuck and where my...

The book by Noah Levine (which is about his life) is quite inspiring. There are some mp3 teachings here... Dharma Punx - MP3 Talks

Hi. I think that the decisions we make in this world depend on our view. (Lots of teachers talk about this too.) So to one person it makes no sense to give oneself to a tiger because he or she has a certain view. But to another who has a different goal, it makes perfect sense. Sensible action...

Thanks for replying. Lovely to hear from you too. I am a novice when it comes to these sorts of philosophical discussions but am trying to learn, so this is interesting and helpful. If you have time, would you send me a PM and let me know what texts you have used to study Madyamika? I have...

At the risk of hijacking this thread... What is your school, vaj? And what is your opinion of shentongpa view? Z

Whenever I've heard teachings on compassion or lovingkindness practices, it's always taught that we first generate compassion or lovingkindness to ourselves then extend it out to others. (I'm thinking about maitri practice, I guess, although in certain ways of practicing tonglen, this happens...

:D Hee hee...

It's a great book; keep in mind that a discussion of the Wisdom chapter is not included though. (Although I'm kind of grateful for that. Madyamika makes my head spin.) I'm rather fond of the version by the Padmakara Translation Group.