Buddhism
I joined soka gakkai international at the beginning of the year; a couple years ago I never even knew they existed.
I've read a lot of books on zen by the likes of Alan watts and D.T Suzuki in the past and am familiar with Tibet and its religious traditions, but more recently I've been reading up on the history of Buddhism's many, many other denominations.
i had no idea there were so many branches, maybe even more than any other religion.
I think it's some fascinating stuff.
any other practicing Buddhists zoners?
what schools have u studied, practiced, prefer?
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I don't groove on the
I don't groove on the hierarchical view that places humans above animals. Why is a pig insulted for Man's avarice? Etc.
I saw this all over Buddhist temples, even the one funded by John Lennon at the top of Yonge Street in Toronto.
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Why did the chicken cross the
Why did the chicken cross the road?
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Because the road crossed the
Because the road crossed the field.
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I ran across this simple and
I ran across this simple and beautiful list of Buddhist beliefs and practices concerning the ego. All points in here mirror what the Shipibo preach for us to do when we're learning about the role of Ayahuasca ( vine of death ). In ceremony, it is necessary for the ego to disdolve in order to enter the portal Mother Ayahuasca opens to pass into the world of visions and the healing world of the major and minor plants. Love to All.
1. The Ego is a tool for navigation:
A healthy, functioning ego is acknowledged as a necessary psychological tool to navigate the world, but it becomes a prison when it is held onto too tightly.
2. Recognize the Illusion:
The first step is to recognize that the ego is not a solid, enduring entity, but an illusory mental construct.
3. Practice mindfulness and meditation.
These practices help you observe your thoughts and emotions without judgement, making the constant construction of "self" visible and weakening its power.
4. Cultivate selflessness
By practicing compassion, generosity and letting go of small self- centered thoughts and desires, one can diminish the ego's power.
5. Awaken to your true nature.
"Letting go of the ego" or "egoic death" is not about destruction, but about dissolving an illusion to reveal a natural state that is free, open and interconnected with all things.