tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11900172.post113673585981405643..comments2023-09-17T07:02:09.587-04:00Comments on p e a c e f u l t u r m o i l: Ditching the raft, picking up the robe and bowltinythinkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17137637122776756669noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11900172.post-1136863398739859912006-01-09T22:23:00.000-05:002006-01-09T22:23:00.000-05:00Well, thanks for the reply! It was really good an...Well, thanks for the reply! It was really good and I only wish it was on the main page so more people might be likely to read it.<BR/><BR/>Not that you suggested I was, but I am not anti-monastic. Yet I am aware of what you mean among some American Buddhists. I think in large part is a form of attachment to nontraditionalism and a form of individualism. As I wrote in another entry somewhere around here, 'I think it is good for my ego and general contrarian/skeptical nature to participate in an ancient and beautiful ceremony, bowing to the ten direction, doing prostrations, etc.' It's also like the nonreligious people who actively attack and have unilateral prejudice against all forms of sacred traditions--if they were really "over" their past experiences why such knee-jerk reactions instead of evaluating each tradition on a case by case basis and looking at how others are harmed or benefit? <BR/><BR/>I personally have great respect for monastics who realize their role is about serving the community of faith, not the other way around, who are honest and don't try to puff themselves up to hide their shortcomings. They don't necessarily have to be overly friendly--I know some that are more like that doctor on television, "House" (obscure reference, and I doubt you watch much American TV these days, but maybe someone will get it).<BR/><BR/>Thanks again for the comments. I really hope a lot of people will take them time to really read them mindfully and consider what you have said without becoming defensive.<BR/><BR/>Oh, and best of luck with your training. I got to see my local sangha teacher ordained as a shramanera last summer. It was into the Nien Fo Chan Order based in a temple in Cleaveland (our sangha is an affiliate group in Pittsburgh). Pretty cool ceremony--I can only imagine what it would be like in a place like Korea.tinythinkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17137637122776756669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11900172.post-1136778039237867402006-01-08T22:40:00.000-05:002006-01-08T22:40:00.000-05:00I don't know that I would call monasteries think t...I don't know that I would call monasteries think tanks, but more like transmission centers, to ensure that there are enough in each generation who sufficiently grasp the Dharma to properly pass it on. This is different than the view that monastics are inherently "closer to Buddha-hood" or that the lay community is automatically going to receive a lesser benefit from practice or holds a subservient role in the sangha.<BR/><BR/>The New Year is OK so far, but it really won't get busy until next week. I hope all is well with you too.tinythinkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17137637122776756669noreply@blogger.com