As you may recall the group opened with an inquiry as to why the term "religion" is so often used when talking about Buddhism. Discussion ensued about religious aspects of Buddhism (ritual etc) especially in eastern cultures. The article, wherein Batchelor wrote his perspective on the need to create "secular Buddhism" by paying attention to the historical roots of what is typically referred to a uniquely Buddhist approach in the west, seemed to create the basis for this session.
The following is a quick reference to the trajectory of the discussion.
- The value of Batchelor exploring what is unique to Buddhism as opposed to what was taken from Hindu society.
- Short instruction regarding the traditional view on samsara came out of a question about why ending the cycle of rebirth would be enlightenment.
- Why too much focus on off-shoots of meditation like Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction becomes a detriment to, or creates a watered-down form of, what might be called Orthodox Buddhism.
- The trap of thinking there is a self, and how it is that which is constantly creating karma.
- A considerable amount of time was devoted to opposing views on the above issues, the human being's "conformational bias" and its affect on everything we think or believe, along with various issues around the value, accuracy, and style of an article on what's at stake as Buddhism goes modern.
Overall it was another spirited and compassionate sharing of perspectives.
Next Meeting: Will be on October 21, 2012 at G&C's
New Book Selection: Will be Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness by Gunaratana
No comments:
Post a Comment