This article by Sam Harris has got to be one of the best things I've ever read on Buddhism. It's also one of the most 'Buddhist' things I've ever read, despite it being written by someone who prefers to call himself an Atheist than a Buddhist. I also love the fact that it appeared in a Buddhist magazine, the Shambhala Sun.
Very, very interesting and insightful. I wish I'd written it!
http://www.shambhalasun.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=2903Itemid=247
4 days ago
Thanks for this link. I might put the link on my facebook page as it's pretty much what i think. But it's a wide and complex subject. What in the traditions should be kept as we engage in inventing a modern version of it? Should we get ride of all rituals, chanting, and so on?…
ReplyDeleteThere are many who have done just that, gotten rid of rituals, chanting, ect., but it really depends on where one is in their practice.
ReplyDeleteWhen all is said and done, there is no practice of the Dharma without the practice of virtue... no empowerments, ceremonies or empty ritual, can take its place.
Hi Parisangha
ReplyDeleteSorry for late response. What's your facebook thing? I'll add you as a friend if you like. I know we don't know each other but hey, it might be nice to talk Dharma!
In my view the rituals or lack thereof are secondary. If the individual meditator likes rituals, great. If they prefer no rituals, fine too. I'm more in the second camp.
I think the problem arises when people become attached to the rituals (i.e. when the rituals become more important than the practice). I'm also a bit wary of becoming attached to a lack of rituals and diminishing Buddhism to something that it isn't. So either way there's danger - again, it's not in the outer circumstances (i.e. rituals or lack thereof) but in the fundamental practice and the essential meaning of the thing.
Personally I've enjoyed Zen meditation sessions most, as in the classes that I've been to there's a minumum of statues, golden flags, diamond encrusted altars etc. There's a bit of bowing and about 5 minutes of chanting (in a language I understand rather than Pali or something), and I can deal with that!
What about your own experiences and thoughts on the matter?