Thanks for these, Mel. I'm enjoying taking sips and absorbing the overall vibe and feeling of the path. I think Buddhism is what's calling me but haven't found an aspect of it that's clearly calling me. Coincident with your post, my Unitarian church has a Buddhism group I'm looking into. Also enjoyed the dance tune. I appreciate your service.
Thank you Mel for your reflection. I agree that spiritual friendship is vital for wellbeing and growth. However I disagree with your interpretation of Sangha as kalyana mitra. The Sangha is traditionally defined as the company of Arahants, those who have fully awakened. Having experienced the very human dissolution of a spiritual community due to misconduct I have no interest to take Refuge in folks who may still be in delusion or on a guru trip. The Buddha of the Suttas also said it’s better to practice alone than in the company of fools. I see this equation of Sangha and kalyana mitra frequently and just can’t get behind it, and actually think it can be dangerous in a culture that still is integrating Buddhism. There have been too many instances of harm caused by cults and false gurus to casually equate these terms.
Thanks for your comment, Joseph. You raise a good point. I've seen "sangha" referring to monastic and lay communities but never as limited to arahants. I don't know how to find a community of fully enlightened beings to call a sangha. Nevertheless, however we define our terms, there is a danger of harm from false gurus. In my last post, Shining the Light of Awareness on Abuses, I tried to acknowledge that. I'd be interested in your comments. Here's the link:
I don’t think it’s about finding a community of arahants, for me it’s more about taking refuge in the practice of those who came before me, knowing that my efforts matter. For safety reasons, all my gurus are dead.
Thanks for these, Mel. I'm enjoying taking sips and absorbing the overall vibe and feeling of the path. I think Buddhism is what's calling me but haven't found an aspect of it that's clearly calling me. Coincident with your post, my Unitarian church has a Buddhism group I'm looking into. Also enjoyed the dance tune. I appreciate your service.
And I'll add that whatever path you're on is the right one.
Thank you, Dave. I appreciate the feedback. What you say here makes you a perfect example of the person I write these for.
Thank you Mel for your reflection. I agree that spiritual friendship is vital for wellbeing and growth. However I disagree with your interpretation of Sangha as kalyana mitra. The Sangha is traditionally defined as the company of Arahants, those who have fully awakened. Having experienced the very human dissolution of a spiritual community due to misconduct I have no interest to take Refuge in folks who may still be in delusion or on a guru trip. The Buddha of the Suttas also said it’s better to practice alone than in the company of fools. I see this equation of Sangha and kalyana mitra frequently and just can’t get behind it, and actually think it can be dangerous in a culture that still is integrating Buddhism. There have been too many instances of harm caused by cults and false gurus to casually equate these terms.
Thanks for your comment, Joseph. You raise a good point. I've seen "sangha" referring to monastic and lay communities but never as limited to arahants. I don't know how to find a community of fully enlightened beings to call a sangha. Nevertheless, however we define our terms, there is a danger of harm from false gurus. In my last post, Shining the Light of Awareness on Abuses, I tried to acknowledge that. I'd be interested in your comments. Here's the link:
https://melpine.substack.com/p/shining-the-light-of-awareness-on?r=7iprh
I don’t think it’s about finding a community of arahants, for me it’s more about taking refuge in the practice of those who came before me, knowing that my efforts matter. For safety reasons, all my gurus are dead.