Quote of the Day (2)

 
Gonkar Gyatso: contemporary Tibetan artist 

"The difference between modernity and the traditional Asian forms of Buddhism is now so great that in a secular world it is necessary to leave behind the belief system and move towards a way of living.

Belief-based religion is basically about consolation. It not only explains everything, but also shows how to achieve some sort of salvation - nirvana in Buddhism, heaven in Christianity. Putting the emphasis on pursuing a way of life in the here and now changes the dynamics completely."

"La differenza tra modernità e le forme tradizionali asiatiche di buddhismo è talmente grande che in un mondo secolare è necessario lasciarsi alle spalle il sistema di credenze e spostare il Buddismo verso un modo di vivere. 
La fede, la religione, è basata fondamentalmente su consolazione: non solo spiega tutto, ma mostra anche come ottenere una sorta di salvezza (un uscità dal mondo) - Nirvana nel buddismo, il cielo nel cristianesimo. Mettere l'accento sulla perseguire uno stile di vita nel qui e ora, cambia la dinamica completamente."

Stephen Batchelor

Quote of the Day

 

"Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away."  Philip K. Dick

"La realtà è quella che, quando si smette di credere in essa, non va via." Philip K. Dick

..oh, reality is just fine as it is.

 

Just had a conversation in the pub tonight about misrepresentation, and though and behold, I turn on the computer at midnight, and the Naked Monk is exploring the same topics in a very similar manner: Isn't life grand in the 21st century! Cancel enlightenment = initiate waking up...

"...But it’s all worth it, because the prize is Enlightenment! Practice assiduously and you’ll transcend ordinary reality to live on an elevated plane of existence!
Well, once again, there’s little evidence to support this fancy. In fact, the Buddha speaks out against transcendence in no uncertain terms. He bluntly insisted that his students stay firmly grounded in the here and now of sensory experience. The term ‘Enlightenment’ simply doesn’t exist in the Buddhist languages (nor do sacred, capitalized words). ‘Enlightenment’ has been used in the West for nigh on a hundred years now to translate the word ‘bodhi,’ which actually means ‘awakening’ – coming to your senses.
What’s really interesting is that what the Buddha actually taught is so compatible with today’s secular outlook on life. On the other hand, Buddhism in the West has a funny way of attracting people in search of escape — you know: those who interpret every bit of good news as the universe looking out for them personally."
Stephen Schettini