Dharma Wheel

another possibility is that the brain does not produce the mind, but that it is simply an instrument like a radio receiver. as a result of our perceptions, we then become a center of orientation and a self emerges. but the mind is in fact like a transmission from somewhere outside the body. the bra...

Having pondered this again, it occurs to me that talking about mind and body is like talking about space and a cup. Space has no shape of its own. And on the one hand, everything is contained in space, including the cup. At the same time, the space inside the cup takes on the shape of the inside of...

I believe there is a tradition of studying four different schools of thought in Tibetan Buddhism and two of them are the ones you mention (someone please correct me if i am wrong). They are essentially from the same source but differ in the way they address certain questions, such as Buddhanature, c...

We are told that the view is difficult, complex, intellectually challenging, not for the faint of cognitive heart. But is it actually? Looking at your suggestion it obviously is. All warnings about the danger of views seem to have been futile. A view that is a non-view is difficult, complex, intell...

Having pondered this again, it occurs to me that talking about mind and body is like talking about space and a cup. Space has no shape of its own. And on the one hand, everything is contained in space, including the cup. At the same time, the space inside the cup takes on the shape of the inside of...

:good: The human body was designed to move. This being the case means that very little or no movement causes problems for normal functioning. You have to understand that a human being consists of 90% fluids and these fluids rely on body movement to both stimulate and facilitate the fluid transfer fr...

you call me dismissive, J, but how is media coverage of racism going? has it solved any of the problems? or is it simply fanning the flames and making it worse. in Asia, we prefer to settle problems by consensus... claiming victimhood in the media does no one any good. self-pity is in fact a very n...

admitytedly, i have only been to the US a couple times and very short stays. Its curious that people who have never really spent any time here have us perfectly sized up. but for those who think the US is the capital of racism and slavery, it is far from it. Who suggested anything like that? You as...

It's real, but yes of course the media spins it such that you will keep clicking, watching etc. People are drawn to discord and animosity, not exactly news but there's actual studies on this stuff. Facebook (as one modern example) generally makes people feel like shit, but most keep using it anyway...

I wondered the other day if the current culture wars in the US are based on reality or simply a byproduct of media sensationalism. For instance, if there is no demand for an industry’s goods, it is not unheard of that its leaders will artificially create demand. "hot button' issues like race and cu...

I wondered the other day if the current culture wars in the US are based on reality or simply a byproduct of media sensationalism. For instance, if there is no demand for an industry’s goods, it is not unheard of that its leaders will artificially create demand. "hot button' issues like race and cul...

I think in the sutra I read the word Lego was used but have to re-check lol.

It is a strange phenomenon but widespread. as someone who was raised in front of a TV set, absent any type of parenting, except occasional random blows and verbal abuse, it is understandable that we seek father/mother-figures and feel we have a relationship with actors on TV, even though we have nev...

I heard a very pithy explanation of the difference between Mahayana and Theravada: Theravada = what the Buddha wrote. Mahayana = what the Buddha did. It is super reduced but does convey a certain truth and helps encapsulate a Buddhist concept in a phrase. It could be useful for beginners to grasp di...

Very useful, thanks.

Thanks! I can't take credit for it; I got it from an American Mahanaya teacher. It is simplistic but hits the nail on the head.

Theravada: what the Buddha said
Mahayana: what the Buddha did

"Buddhist leaders asked the Senate to hold a fair and complete impeachment trial for President Donald Trump in a letter sent to all sitting US senators this week. At least 149 Buddhist teachers, scholars, authors, and practitioners, including Roshi Joan Jiko Halifax, Professor Robert Thurman, Ven. B...

"Buddhist leaders asked the Senate to hold a fair and complete impeachment trial for President Donald Trump in a letter sent to all sitting US senators this week. At least 149 Buddhist teachers, scholars, authors, and practitioners, including Roshi Joan Jiko Halifax, Professor Robert Thurman, Ven. B...

his translation of le bateau ivre is the best ever