Dharma Wheel

Then we can probably both agree that one should strive for a presentation of Buddhism that is as traditionally diverse and all-inclusive as possible, every path included, and be careful not to label one path that may possibly be beneficial for certain seekers as “inferior” but instead take as one’s ...

But when it comes to MOST western seekers today, a more simple path like Pure Land can be just as beneficial, as in these cases rebirth in a Pure Land is present as the most realistic potential for immediate result of practice in one life. Most westerners are attracted to buddhadharma through medit...

Similarly, many great Vajrayāna sages have taught Pure Land practices and accepted them as necessary elements for a complete and all-embracing Dharmic tradition in traditional Tibet. The "pure land" tradition in Tibetan Buddhism is entered via empowerment. It is not a sūtrayāna tradition....

I did not advocate that seekers interested in the Vajrayāna or any other way should be discouraged from pursuing it to the best of their ability. Quite to the contrary, seekers should be encouraged and skilfully guided to delve deeper therein if they have full confidence in such a path due to a natu...

I don't have time to say much about the various points that have been brought up right now. Yes, I know there is not any scientific consensus on whether the Singularity will occur and if yes, how far in the future is the most realistic estimate—but still, even if all out “robot apocalypse” (an expre...

Are there recommended any special practices that would help ‘prepare the ground’, so to speak, and make one more receptive for a maximally efficacious transmission experience? Has Rinpoche recommended anything in particular?

Except that they would have found out about the multiple murder crimes concealed in his past sooner or later. ;) But cool script for an indie film, definitely. Go for it, someone. Realistically though, "numerous sages" of high calibre are not going to start popping up in America any time s...

Very well. I realize I am a guest in this Dzogchen group, so if anyone has found my posts to be in any way inappropriate or be anything less than perfectly respectful and considerate, it was not intended. I think my doubts will be more fully resolved if I meet Rinpoche personally and try receiving t...

I don't think there's really much more to be said in this particular debate. But to answer one direct question: You think it's necessary for Buddhist practitioners interested in Dzogchen to be taught to not lie, kill etc.? Not for Buddhists , no. For people arriving straight from the street without...

I don't think there's really much more to be said in this particular debate. But to answer one direct question: You think it's necessary for Buddhist practitioners interested in Dzogchen to be taught to not lie, kill etc.? Not for Buddhists , no. For people arriving straight off the street without a...

The most suitable teaching for westerners is one that cuts through all their modernist conditioning and makes them detach from the zeitgeist dominating the modern world. No, the most suitable teaching for Westerners is one that introduces them to their real nature as fast as possible. Granted. Defi...

Kirt, I believe what Queegqueg is referring to is the process by which the Buddhadharma fully integrates into the cultural consciousness and produces awakened beings as well as teachings fully suited to said culture. This has happened in all the countries where Buddhism has taken root, and historic...

Boomerang:

Thank you for your helpful reply. Those are good points. I have all sympathy for Rinpoche and am not meaning to criticise his approach, just sharing reflections on some things that came to mind. I think my objections are largely evaporated by now.

I get your meaning, Malcolm. Thank you for your patient explanations. I am not so much saying that vows as such are required. What I do think is required is clear teachings on śīla, that to be understood in principal depth and interiorised. For example, the precept against theft is more subtle in es...

Let me clarify that I am not seeking controversy here, or disputation for its own sake, and I hope I am not, without intention, coming across as offensive or arrogant. I certainly accept that my approach to this question is not the only valid one in all cases, but I still hold that it is the safest ...

Personally I am of the opinion that Dzogchen should be supported by a firm Buddhist platform and shouldn't be taught on its own to seekers not established in fundamental Dharma. This is your limitation. It is not the limitation of Dzogchen. Dzogchen is an independent, self-contained vehicle that in...

If one has to rely on a vow to be honest, one is not very honest. Yes, one might say that. But the Lord Buddha nevertheless saw it as necessary, given the degenerate condition of mankind in his days. Today mankind has become even more spiritually reduced than in the Śākyamuni’s time. We are not pri...

Thank you for your helpful replies. :namaste: Rinpoche places no emphasis at all on śīla. He also is not a "crazy" wisdom kind of guy. Very well. But as for śīla, does this mean Rinpoche instructs Western disciples in Dzogchen without first (or at the same time) making sure they are estab...

Thank you for your helpful replies. :namaste: Rinpoche places no emphasis at all on śīla. He also is not a "crazy" wisdom kind of guy. Very well. But as for śīla, does this mean Rinpoche instructs Western disciples in Dzogchen without first (or at the same time) making sure they are establ...

So I am contemplating the possibility of turning to Namkhai Norbu in order to enter the Dzogchen path. Is there anyone here who know him personally and is able to testify as to his pure, selfless, and compassionate conduct? I have never come across any critique of Rinpoche’s conduct (nor have I acti...