Mike Leaving?

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/4/99 1:16:20 AM Central Standard Time,

cloudhand writes:

 

<< This said, however, it is also time for me to be moving on. >>

 

I am very sorry to see you moving on Mike. In America (in particular) where

so many of us have grown up in restrictive religious environments - it seems

to be difficult to implement an 'openness' to Buddhist practice. While it is

critical to preserve the spirit of the teachings - Buddhism has changed in

every country in which it has been assimilated into the culture.

 

No one wants to lose any part of the uniqueness of Tibetan Buddhism. But - as

my teacher says - 'you are not Tibetan - and you never will be!' Being like,

acting like, thinking like - a Tibetan person - is not what Tibetan Buddhism

is all about.

 

Many of the rituals, etc are from Tibetan culture in general - and go back

1000's of years. So practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism have to (imo) carefully

examine - whether they are primarily interested in a spiritual path. Or in

assimilating a different and exotic culture (Tibetan). Since the Tibetan

culture is inextricably entwined with Tibetan Buddhism - this calls for some

real and perhaps difficult consideration on the part of Tibetan Buddhist

practitioners in the West.

 

A rote repetition of Tibetan cultural mores - is not an aid to anyone's

spiritual practice. As the Buddha said - we must carefully examine at all

times - our own motivations and thought processes. And attempt to trace back

to the roots - our motivations and Intent.

 

I have a strong interest in seeing that the dharma remains pure. Although IMO

- the 'dharma police' attitude - is not ever effective. But it does cause a

lot of irritation and sometimes chaos. And sometimes - it causes others to

question if the 'dharma police' - know the inner meaning of the concepts

Compassion and Wisdom. Or if the self appointed individuals doing the

'police' work in such a familiar American way (as so many of us have

experienced in organized religions of all sorts) - are simply exercising an

oblique form of Ego. It is generally true (as my Grandmother always claimed)

- that you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

 

sorry to see you go Mike -

diana

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/04/1999 6:11:27 AM Eastern Standard Time,

Xena10000 writes:

 

<<

I am very sorry to see you moving on Mike. In America (in particular) where

so many of us have grown up in restrictive religious environments - it seems

to be difficult to implement an 'openness' to Buddhist practice. While it is

critical to preserve the spirit of the teachings - Buddhism has changed in

every country in which it has been assimilated into the culture.

>>

I don't know if Mike's on Digest or other. Mike has been asked to

take over a list called Jung-Fire, which has been in existence for

years. He's not in America, he's in Paris ... and I'm 1000% sure

Mike won't be leaving Tibetan Buddhism he's dedicated to translating

sacred texts, but he may feel he needs to devote more time to

the Jung-Fire which is quite large and diverse. It contains physicians,

psychologists, psychiatrists, writers, musicians, artists, from around

the world, much as this list does. He is greatly loved there for his

wisdom and depth of insight.

 

He sometimes shares texts he has translated, which I then ask

permission for to share here, which sometimes I get and sometimes

not :-) Right Mike? You don't have to answer.

 

So, he will be very busy as that is a very busy list. Posts are limited

to two a day there. It's at the one list communities if you have the

inclination.

 

L*L*L

~ bo ~