Dialogue: Our journey from science to monastic life 

Protection necklace and a happiness bracelet? So does Buddhism believe there’s power in amulets?

@@claritadeluna6609 yes!

@@claritadeluna6609 The Buddhist Path is about understanding and realizing the true nature of mind and phenomena. Through that process we come to learn the interdependent nature of phenomena. The true nature of all phenomena is that they are transitory and impermanent. They do appear in myriad forms and ways but due to their impermanent nature they lack any true nature of their own. Nothing exists independently on their own. Causes and conditions give rise to phenomena and all mental experiences. They are therefor said to be non-exist, since they lack the ability to exist independently of other factors and also because they are always a composite of smaller parts that in turn are of the same non-existent nature. This principle includes all knowable phenomena such as the universe, our own body, mental faculties, mental experiences and concepts. Since our bodies (and lives) are dependent on a myriad of other factors to remain for a bit longer we are constantly in a process of maintenance without thinking about it! Our process of breathing is a clear sign of that. So is the continuous intake of food and drink. What becomes more obscure to many of us is how much of our daily activities is compromised of feeding the imagined “needs” of our minds. Are we focusing on things that are truly meaningful for us in the long run? Or, are we just playing out just another round of our habitual neurosis? Just as food has the power of both being a source of nourishment and poison in the same way anything else in the temporary universe can be of great help or an obstacle for our mental development as well. For most practitioners on the path towards higher understandings we need to rely on our temporary relationship with the impermanent world of phenomena in order to deepen our understanding. It is not the world around us that’s the cause for not understanding ourselves or the world. It is our own relationship to our own experiences that is either in correct balance with a sane relationship or is in discord with it. And that is solely based on wisdom. So, if some of us find themselves getting closer to truth and wholeness through protection cords or amulets it is not contradictory to Buddhist teachings at all. Provided they also realize that it is all an illusion, such as life itself is an illusion.

@@claritadeluna6609 Any object can act as a reminder to oneself to “be here, now” - you don’t need to “believe”, just connect with the experience.

@@freetibet1000 thank you for this exceptional explanation: much appreciated.

🌻🙏🙏🙏🌻

God is a mathematician.

🌻🍀🙏🌻🍀🙏🌻🍀🙏

What you say is so true! Even when we’re not talking to somebody else we are constantly labeling our experiences in our minds as well. Somehow this becomes the reality in which we live all our lives. From a Buddhist point of view this is a process that is keeping us away from experiencing deeper levels of our existence. In the teachings it is often described as a type of compulsive habit that can be dissolved and actually needs to be dissolved in order for us to discover the deeper truths about our selves. That doesn’t mean that we should all stop talking or reading words. On the Buddhist path we learn to see the true nature of all phenomena, including the the nature of thought and language. So, the trick is to discover the relative usefulness of speech, thinking and language but without being the slightest attached to words, thoughts and all the mental processes associated with it. We learn to rest our minds in a state of equanimity and discover how we from that state can use thoughts and words without being the slightest attached to the process of thinking, talking and expressing ourselves verbally. When this have been fully perfected we then have gained a deep insight into the nature of mind and we are no longer ignorant of our own true selves. This is a process of going from a state of being out of control to somebody that have come to know the deeper truths about how the mind works. In Buddhist teaching it is often described how a process of learning actually proceeds: we gain knowledge and eventually become wise beings through a threefold process of 1) listening or reading. 2) Contemplation or analysis. 3) Meditation or absorption. This means that we should neither be afraid nor attached to words or thoughts. They are part of a process that leads to deeper knowledge and wisdom. But we should also understand that we need to go beyond the levels of the thinking mind. In order to develop our knowledge into wisdom we need to learn how to integrate the knowledge into the whole of our being. That’s where the practice of meditation comes in and is so absolutely vital as a means to reaching enlightenment according to the Buddhist tradition. Remember, knowledge is fleeting and temporary but a realized state of wisdom is everlasting. It cannot be reversed. Enlightenment is permanent. Confusion is temporary.

Language speaks: Man is a sign And his name is aum.

@@freetibet1000 This is so profound, much more deep than I'm at haha. Happy to read and learn, thank you for this.

“… conceal more than reveal…” - and language can also reveal more than conceal, if you’re paying attention to context and non-verbal signs.

I am a curious human interbeing in timespace.

Yes that was an amazing observation! Other animals feel very strongly but we have been raised in a way to forget to connect with our emotions and just follow the system. I think when we disturbed the "outside world" with technology, it also disturbed our "inner world" because actually there is no separation between the two. Please have a look at this documentary if you are interested: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-O8IzdoMuYFM.html Best! :)

Me too

What is great in man ? Man is a bridge From das animal To das Superman.

Because we are 1

Behold, Thay says: Let my burning practice be my teaching and I will always be with you.

They just said what is easy to fall for, noone claimed all scientists have that belief

Simple is beautiful.

Gratitude is de father of all virtues: Wisdom Courage Justice And

Congfu is about de practice because Practice is congfu.

What good is beautiful.

Every monastery got a daily schedule to follow. It’s part of the practice.

Death is certain. time from now to death is uncertain.

Love is a bridge from here to now Because das most precious thing That I can give my beloved is My present. To die but not to perish is To be eternally present. In family, Be present.

Love your neighbor like you love your self. That is everything. That is all we need. That is how we make a paradise on earth because people are so good at making others suffer.

Who does not want to be happy? But I think you need suffering to know hapiness. Does not mean you must be eager to suffer, but realize suffering and hapiness are part of life. Part of the same coin, which you will have to accept.

I think it's something to do with not confirming & maybe attachment. I could be wrong but i think I read read somewhere.

What's wrong with being bald? Makes you feel light

The short answer is that a shaved head is part of the precepts for monks and nuns. If you like to know a longer explanation on why some people voluntarily commit to life-long precepts and commitments I suggest you look up a more general explanation on what the Buddhist path is all about. Especially the section called Vinaja will go into a full explanation on how it came to be one of the (outer) ways one can proceed on the path towards enlightenment. There are of course a verity of other ways or lifestyles that can be equally beneficial ways to support ones practice as well. But a monastic lifestyle got many unique and beneficial traits that suits certain individuals very well. At the end though, it all comes down to just one thing an that is to uproot all the causes and conditions for our ignorance and come to realize the inherent wisdom that lies embedded within us all. Being a monk or a nun is just a means to the same end.

Das highest wisdom lies in letting go. Empty this boat So that it will go faster because It is lighter. He who crosses over to de other shore becomes arhat. Other people run up and down on this shore from death to death. Painful is birth. Painful is death. Painful is birth and death Over and over again.

I'm so sorry, I just saw this thread of comments and turns out my younger brother had commented this. I personally have nothing against bald people, hope I didn't offend anyone. And thank you to the people who were explaining reasons for this. :)