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Are Buddhists Non-communicators?

topic posted Sun, September 28, 2003 - 9:37 PM by  AllanO'
Do we talk the dharma or do we just walk the dharma?

Is a Buddhist discussion a contradiction in terms?
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AllanO'
offline AllanO'
Canada
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  • Neil
    Neil
    offline 15

    Re: Are Buddhists Non-communicators?

    Thu, October 2, 2003 - 7:17 AM
    If we are non-different from one another, taking 'refuge in the sangha' can mean a quiet oneness with others that needs no conversation to form a worldwide community. Humans are social animals, however, so it is natural that one communicates with others. It is simply insufficient to point to such conversations and say, "this is the mind, this is Buddhism." Rather, the place from which each conversation begins and ends is the conversation that counts.
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  • Unsu...
     

    Re: Are Buddhists Non-communicators?

    Mon, July 5, 2004 - 4:44 AM
    generally if someone askes me why i do something, it is refreshing to have questions posed. often times this gives me a chance to take a small look through someone elses eyes at myself. this way, i don't look at me with so much "i".

    i've never been one to think for any moment that i actually walk the dharma, but i try. i almost think that if i walked it, i wouldn't know i was. i just simply would.

    interesting. thanks AllanO
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  • AllanO'
    AllanO'
    offline 69

    Re: Are Buddhists Non-communicators?

    Mon, July 5, 2004 - 8:38 AM
    Part of the reason I started this thread was to go to the question of the conundrum of the proselytizing versus the non-proselytizing of Buddhism. The Buddha certainly taught extensively, but he never (to my knowledge) exhorted his followers (as Jesus did) to go forth and preach the gospel. So, that's part of my question: do we just practice -- and model -- the dharma for others to see, and possibly be inspired to join in? or do we "talk it up" in a pro-active manner?
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    • Aaron
      Aaron
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      Re: Are Buddhists Non-communicators?

      Mon, July 5, 2004 - 11:30 AM
      I went to a talk where a Buddhist teacher said something interesting about talking. The idea being that you conceptualize what insight is like with the idea that you get closer and closer to the truth conceptually until you get so close the the actual truth burns through. So the conceptualizing is a neccessary part of the path to the genuine thing.

      Plus, I would certainly be poorer of spirit if people weren't talking about the dharma.
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    • ReRe...
      ReReKuka
      offline 63

      Re: Are Buddhists Non-communicators?

      Mon, July 5, 2004 - 11:31 AM
      Oh, I didn't read it as proselytizing. I think discussion and proselytizing are two different things. Definitely no on the latter. Discussion as expression and connection good, strategic attachments about "helping" not good.

      Whe people see I do things a certain way, or have heard me talk about my path, they sometimes want to know more and I'm happy to share. Or perhaps I have shared a bit because it is my path, I feel myself awakening some, it's exciting to me, and I'm sharing it with friends I share everything with.

      I actually cringe a big when they want to come to zazen, because there is a form there and it feels good to me but it may not be their thing and then I feel like I'm responsible for their experience. Which I should let go of, I know. Anyway, I'm careful about "inviting" people into the experience but try to welcome them if they want to come along. That's how we all got here, right? Someone communicated something and it resonated with us. - Rene
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      • AllanO'
        AllanO'
        offline 69

        Re: Are Buddhists Non-communicators?

        Mon, July 5, 2004 - 12:29 PM
        "I think discussion and proselytizing are two different things. "

        Oh, yes.. I agree. Maybe I should have started a different thread for "preaching Buddhism". Just thought it was an aspect of discussion. Your points are well taken.
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        • ReRe...
          ReReKuka
          offline 63

          Re: Are Buddhists Non-communicators?

          Thu, July 8, 2004 - 12:04 AM
          Actually, I think I reacted a bit to the p word. Maybe we (I know I can) sometimes attach that "they're at the door/in our laundry room" connotation to the idea of preaching. Also, I think if one does it with attachment and judgement about what the other one needs, it's not good energy. However, if one feels drawn to proactively put Buddhism out there, in whatever way, perhaps those who have ears to hear will hear and be benefitted by it. There certainly are a lot of people searching, and someone with this knowledge thinking others will just bump into it if it's right might be a disservice. Maybe part of the teacher appearing is having a teacher to appear.

          Robert Thurman, in Infinite Life, also makes some good arguments for putting it out there, for what we can do for ourselves, others, and the world. He frames it as an act of generosity.
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          • AllanO'
            AllanO'
            offline 69

            Re: Are Buddhists Non-communicators?

            Thu, July 8, 2004 - 9:01 AM
            "Robert Thurman, in Infinite Life, also makes some good arguments for putting it out there, for what we can do for ourselves, others, and the world. He frames it as an act of generosity."

            I hear you, and hear Thurman. However, my dear, sweet fundamentalist Pentecostal Christian mother feels that her strident, over-the-top preachings about her blindered faith in Christ and his path is an "act of generosity" for a poor deluded sinner such as I. All seem to rationalize their position... Ya' know what I mean?

            In the meantime, I attempt to walk the walk and talk when asked. Until it clarifies better than that (or until the unbundling of my aversion to the machinations of my fundamentalist family of origin gets worked through :O)), I'll proceed with low profile.
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            • ReRe...
              ReReKuka
              offline 63

              Re: Are Buddhists Non-communicators?

              Wed, July 14, 2004 - 3:43 AM
              Quiet but conversal when it's topical is my style, I guess, as noted in my previous posts. I was just making room for the possibility that other styles might fit the needs of other people. In any case, I don't think the strident, in-your-face, have-you-been-saved evangelizing is in keeping with Buddhist tradition nor style, but what do I know.

              One "teaching" style I found myself thinking oh please to a bit I found one afternoon in a bookstore. This guy was "preaching" the dharma very passionately to a young woman. It seemed more like he was trying to pick up on her using his vast knowledge. I guess dharma sharks could be another thread. ;-)
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