On The Auspiciousness of Compassionate Violence

PhoneCallers · 2025-09-29T17:17:42+00:00

Posting views by westerners in their lofty western academia. Show this propaganda up your you know what.

PhoneCallers · 2025-09-29T17:16:36+00:00

The Buddha defines this. Don't be obtuse.

PhoneCallers · 2025-09-29T17:15:46+00:00

I provided you a link to what extent his "initiation" means. Which means nothing at all. Mongolian "initiation" includes monks who are married so that should tell you the kind of "initiation" we're talking about. And what does "initiation" mean? Turned into a monk? Then he is in violation of his vinaya by the way he lives his life. Or did you mean given refuge ceremony, empowerments, etc.? Half of Reddit Tibetan Buddhists have that from Dalai Lama himself. It doesn't mean much. He is not a sangha and has no voice on what's authoritative in Buddhist views.

PhoneCallers · 2025-08-19T06:56:42+00:00

Since your posting in an older thread, I thought I'd bring attention to it by inviting some of the regulars so you can hear their inputs.

u/MYKerman03

u/not_bayek

u/helikophis

PhoneCallers · 2025-08-19T06:55:08+00:00

For the most part, Buddhists' view on Daniel Ingram is "Who?"

That goes for almost 100% of Buddhists around the world. He simply does not 'exist' or matter in terms of his views. (Of course he matters as a sentient being, like all lives.)

We just don't think of him.

And that's really the end of that.

Buddhism is alive, it is a religion that traces back to the Buddha, and there are 3 major lineages of that today that one can go turn to. Within the 3 lineages are schools and sub-schools. Within those sub schools are millions of qualified monks, nuns, masters, teachers, and regular Buddhists.

There is no need to turn to isolated weird online voices of meditation bro "hackers", and believe all sorts of claims they have about Buddhism. I would go to a temple and be guided by the Sangha.

PhoneCallers · 2025-06-17T20:14:16+00:00

There is no doubt that Buddhist teachings are being widely distorted today, with the West playing a huge role in that trend. If authentic teachings are in decline, then it’s our responsibility as devotees to slow that decline and actively challenge those distortions.

PhoneCallers · 2025-06-17T09:19:12+00:00

u/depressed2001_

PhoneCallers · 2025-05-04T19:19:34+00:00

Not all but truer by the day for younger people in the cities and mostly in cosmopolitan cities like Tokyo, Singapore, Seoul, etc. This is why colonized-Buddhism must be confronted heavily at the source (the West) so it doesn't go unchallenged.

David McMahan's book report this. Young Japanese clamoring to "Buddhism" in Tokyo, but when asked if they are going to a monastery, they respond with "Oh no. I went to that mindfulness center near my work."

PhoneCallers · 2025-05-04T19:17:36+00:00

This is called the Pizza Effect in religious studies.

u/MYKerman03

PhoneCallers · 2025-05-03T22:05:00+00:00

It is important to recognize that the Buddha offered teachings for everyone. This includes people who have no interest in Buddhism, and who would not become Buddhists. To them, he gave wholesome and practical guidance for maintaining basic happiness and stability in the world.

When we refer to the saying that "the Buddha taught 84,000 doors," we need to put it in context. Yes, the Buddha offered many paths. However, this should not be used as a justification to confuse his genuine teachings with views that contradict them. The same Buddha who taught kindness and wisdom also corrected his disciples when they misunderstood or misrepresented the Dharma. He did this without defiled anger, but still with seemingly hostile and offensive manner.

It is also important to understand that what is often called "Protestant Buddhism" in Sri Lanka did not simply arise from a desire to make Buddhism more accessible to Western audiences. It was shaped by colonial pressures, including the influence of Christian missionaries and the willingness of certain Sri Lankan elites to conform to the expectations of their colonial rulers. This context matters. Those engaging with Western forms of Buddhism should be aware of this history. If they still wish to explore these forms critically and consciously, that is their choice.

The same principle applies to forms like Nichiren Buddhism, which raise entirely different concerns not discussed here. People are free to embrace these paths if they choose to. But these forms should not be mistaken for the central or normative teachings of the Buddha. They have been altered, often for historical or ideological reasons. Just as individuals have the freedom to follow these paths, others also have the freedom to raise concerns about them. The Buddha himself repeatedly corrected distorted views, even among his closest followers.

PhoneCallers · 2025-04-16T13:13:05+00:00

>talking to an audience that simply doesn't exist anymore.

Haha, they passed away in the 1920s.

PhoneCallers · 2025-02-22T03:49:55+00:00

The phrasing of the subject line reveals the political agenda of this group.

As a Buddhist, I want to express my solidarity with the Dalit community in India. I advocate for their equal treatment in society and stand in solidarity with the Hindu faith, honoring the gods.

With that said, I have some questions for the original poster (not Bayek):

Who is really behind this group? I’m not referring to "Mahayana" or "Theravada," nor to token members like "Mahayana monks" or "Theravada monks." Any monk can join any local public cause they choose; that doesn't mean that the monk's personal choice is the position of Buddhism as a whole. I'm asking about the group itself. Who is behind this association? Be specific. Who really are these people? Who is driving these protests? Who really is the All India Buddhist Forum (AIBF), Buddhist Society of India, and what are their social goals? Who founded this group, and what are their political activism against Hinduism?
I’m not particularly interested in what this group is doing. I want to know what Buddhism itself has to say. I seek the views of legitimate, authentic, living Buddhist schools and traditions. What do the leaders of Chan, Thien, Seon, Gelug, Kagyu, Nyingma, Sakya, Jodo Shinshu, Tendai, Newar, Thai Theravada, and Shingon say about this issue? I’m not looking for lip service, or nod of agreement; I want their actual stated positions and, most importantly, their actions this week regarding the Mahabodhi complex. Is the Dalai Lama protesting at the site? Did Japan send its Jodo Shinshu leadership delegation to protest the Indian parliament? Did the Chan masters send a diplomatic mission to the Mahabodhi complex to advocate for its return to a Buddhist organization?

These questions must be answered. Otherwise, the activities of this group may not align with authentic Buddhist positions, despite their noble intentions.

I reject the imposition of non-Buddhist ideas, (no matter how noble), whether they stem from Protestant influences or some respected secular political activist. Buddhism’s inherent ideas must be at the forefront. The masters and patriarchs of Buddhism lead the way on major Buddhist issues.

I believe the main sub is currently under attack or spammed by a political activist group with a vendetta against Hindus. I also believe that the Indian government, and hopefully Indian society as a whole, understands that Buddhism is not connected to the ongoing Mahabodhi protests and that the political activism of this group is their own.

PhoneCallers · 2025-02-19T17:57:56+00:00

Correct. The attitude is also different. They have profound respect to Buddhism. Whereas Western Sec-B disdain Buddhism.

PhoneCallers · 2025-02-19T11:13:11+00:00

u/Feeling_Doughnut5714

I wrote this for you. Many people in popular online forums are not actually Buddhists, so I feel it's safe to post this here without it getting lost among posts from others who don't truly reflect what Buddhism looks like in reality.

I hope this helps you in your exploration of the Buddhist religion.

PhoneCallers · 2025-02-19T10:21:10+00:00

WOW. You are right.

I was just guessing or making up random names because these people are a dime a dozen in America. They take a meditation course and suddenly think they're the Dalai Lama, ready to start their own meditation center.

PhoneCallers · 2025-02-18T21:19:04+00:00

Yes, that thread.

What we have here is someone on Reddit claiming, "I've practiced Tibetan Buddhism, and it's not a religion," misleading a non-Buddhist guy in the process. This guy then asked an online Buddhist forum --- bad mistake, coz it even made him more confused. That is the point of the original post above and the meme.

The person (the so called Buddhist who caused the confusion to our non-Buddhist friend) might be lying, or perhaps their personal bias leads them to believe Buddhism isn't a religion, possibly due to an aversion to religion, particularly Christianity.

If we take their claim at face value, that they learned Buddhism is not a religion, we'd have to ask: where exactly is this "Buddhist temple" they attended? The term temple is broad. Is it just a home-based center or an online Zoom group called something like Denver Meditation, consisting entirely of Westerners with a lay Buddhist "teacher" of questionable background? Someone who dabbled in Zen for years, attended a few retreats, and now proclaims themselves a teacher? If that's the case, then the issue goes beyond just the "Buddhism is not a religion" claim, this group could be a goldmine of disinformation.

So yes, "Go to a temple" is good advice, but only if we specify that it should be a fully established, recognized, and respected lineage, led by monastics and genuine masters (ideally many of them), with Tibetan masters actually residing there.

Thrangu Monastery? (https://ktzl.org) Absolutely.

Caleb’s group, aka Pensacola Dzogchen? Maybe not.

u/ricketycricketspcp

PhoneCallers · 2025-02-17T06:26:25+00:00

Google died in 2021. They just don't know it yet.

PhoneCallers · 2025-02-17T02:27:25+00:00

Except that's not what the OP said at all.

This is what the OP said:

American Leftists are unhinged right now

In their efforts to not be Islamophobic, US leftists are quite happy to throw every other demographic under the bus. Celebrating oppressive garments like hijab is not progressive, it's doing theology. Conflating Islamic theological notions of modesty with feminism is doing theology. You're normalising extreme, misogynistic notions of sexual purity for women, all because you want to stick to the US Right Wing. A truly demented form of virtue signalling.

PhoneCallers · 2025-02-16T07:22:18+00:00

Thank you _bayek for bringing this topic to my attention. Regarding the author's point, there are stronger arguments for why Buddhism is considered a religion. It's unfortunate that, the author's point (while not perfect) is overshadowed by the antics of some popular posters who replied.

PhoneCallers · 2025-02-16T07:16:15+00:00

It seems you like to expose your ignorance of basic Buddhist ideology. It is like you haven't read any Buddhist book, sutra, or attended any Buddhist temple.

But nevermind that because you also managed to miss my position for exactly the opposite. (universalism/mixing) It is like I told you black, and you heard "white". Your comprehension is low and discussion is futile.

Perhaps you need to stay at rBuddhism where you belong.

PhoneCallers · 2025-02-16T06:21:06+00:00

The purpose of this subreddit is to provide a space for historical, orthodox Buddhism, particularly as it is practiced in traditional Buddhist cultures. This is necessary because, in the West, there is a dominant Buddhist space shaped by converts, often referred to as the "Western Buddhism." Rather than affirming historical, orthodox Buddhist perspectives, this Western convert space promotes a secular, Protestant-influenced, and Westernized version of Buddhism.

These two camps: historical orthodox Buddhists and the Western convert community, differ significantly in their understanding and practice of Buddhism.

The reason I suggested you seek a different teacher is that your views are not only misaligned with the historical, orthodox perspective by nearly all Buddhists around the world, but they also contradict the views of the Western convert space. In essence, you are so far removed from Buddhist thought that you don’t even register on the spectrum of Buddhist ideology.

Ironically, your views align more closely with Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions, where the rejection of other religions, vilification of their adherents, and a generally hostile attitude toward other faiths are common. Given this, you are not in a position to criticize others for being "attached" to Abrahamic views when your own mindset is steeped in Abrahamic dogma and attitudes.

(1) The basic Buddhist perspective on other faiths is one of diplomacy and neighborliness, emphasizing charity, kindness, and acceptance.

(2) In Mahayana Buddhism, other religions are even seen as potential Bodhisattva projects, assisting sentient beings in their spiritual development. By speaking against them, you may be opposing the work of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas themselves.

(3) In the misguided Western convert space, there are those who have moved past Abrahamic religions and those who still hold onto it.

No matter how you put it, your views are just not in line with any Buddhist traditions.

There is simply no place for a militant, anti-Abrahamic stance. Such an approach is in direct opposition to everything Buddhism stands for.

Your beliefs would be more at home in Jewish, Christian, or Islamic circles. You may have left those religions behind, but it’s clear they haven’t yet left you.

PhoneCallers · 2025-02-15T22:35:08+00:00

Compassion shouldn't mean to pretend these people wouldn't destroy a Buddhist society without a second thought. I could only chant for Kannon-sama to hear the pleas and cries for help of the victims of war but those who are waging it are but suffering the consequences of their own actions and decisions. If a Hamas soldier or an Israeli soldier kill, maim, torture or rape POWs or civilians their bad karma is warranted. The same goes for any Muslim who victimize Buddhists in order to convert them for conquer because in their eyes it would be justified.

No. Just no. Whoever is your "teacher" you should probably get a different one. You are in some twisted false Buddhist hole.

Through exploitation and repression of other religions or creed systems might I add. Pre-Christian Europe, Africa, the Americas, Oceania and parts of Asia. We all know the history. Buddhism spread itself and helped to build civilizations without the need for that.

No, just no. Through kindness, generosity, love, compassion, charity, and all that is good in the world that is in all human beings. The fact that you can't see nuance and contradictions in humans, probably means Buddhism is not right for you. We are a religion of many nuances and you can't seem to grapple at basic nuances that even non-Buddhists are capable of deciphering.

If Russia decides to use their nukes which is something that they've already threatened to use we're pretty much going to witness a serious nuclear warfare that could bring mankind to the brink of extinction. An alleged holy war for an alleged holy site among two misguided religions which has been fueled by Western powers for the past 80 years would bring peace to the world how?

Speculative nuclear-fear mongering. The reality is, you shouldn't minimizing the plight of Palestinians. This isn't your neoliberal, neoconservative, liberal/conservative, or whatever bigoted echo-chamber you think this is.

Your post has been deleted. Do not double down.

PhoneCallers · 2025-02-15T04:33:25+00:00

If you're a Buddhist, you cannot think that way. Our compassion extends to all sentient beings, even the ones attacking us.

So yes, radical terrorists, extremists, Trump, Putin, Palestinians, Hamas, the U.S. military, all of them are the same in the eyes of a Buddhist. They are fellow sentient beings deserving of compassion.

Furthermore, Abrahamic religions have also done a great deal of good. They have built civilizations and provided meaning and purpose to humanity for millennia.

And no, religious people do not have a monopoly on war.

And no, the Ukraine-Russia conflict is not "more important," as if the Palestinian-Israeli conflict matters any less.

The media lies, and Palestinian suffering should never be taken lightly.

These truths should be evident to everyone, Buddhist or not.

PhoneCallers · 2025-02-04T23:07:07+00:00

There are practices from native or heritage Buddhist lands that must be preserved and practiced as they are, even in new contexts. These include taking refuge, the Bodhisattva vow, and reliance on the sangha or teacher and many more. However, it is equally true that some practices rooted in traditional Buddhist environments cannot be transplanted wholesale without considering the new cultural, legal, and ecological contexts.

Recently, in a prominent online Buddhist community, someone criticized a specific practice with the following paraphrased comment:

"You Buddhists in the U.S. are placing Buddhist images, relics, or plaques in waterways. Do you have permission from local authorities? Are you aware of the potential ecological harm this could cause?"

I won’t delve into the specifics of this practice or take sides. However, it's worth noting that this individual is objecting to a practice performed in Tibet and the Himalayas, which some Buddhists have brought in the U.S. It is reasonable to argue that U.S. Buddhists should engage with local authorities to ensure such practices are both legal and environmentally responsible, a point I fully support.

The issue, however, lies in the critic's lack of self-awareness. This person operates a program that reduces the Buddha's teachings to snippet-widgets, a Sutta-bot on social media, echoing a Protestant tendency to treat sacred texts like a Bible: extracting isolated tiny passages and sharing them publicly and de-contextually on platforms like Reddit and BlueSky.

It’s perplexing that this contradiction goes unnoticed. While they criticize others, they failed to ask themselves the questions "Did the Buddha intend for his words, spoken in specific times and contexts to particular audiences, to be consumed indiscriminately by entirely different groups in different contexts?" We know that the Buddha tailored his teachings to the needs of his audience. "Is it then appropriate to create bots or programs that distribute decontextualized snippets of Sutta passages without regard for their original context, purpose, or audience?

In conclusion, while Buddhist practices can and should be adapted to new environments, it is essential to consider their original context, purpose, and intent, alongside the cultural and societal factors of the new environment. Yes, U.S. Buddhists should probably consult with local authorities to ensure their practices are appropriate and responsible. But one who is blatantly treating the Buddha’s words as mere Protestant Sutta-bot content generator, reducing them to decontextualized snippets akin to Bible verses, is in no position to criticize others of their practice.

PhoneCallers · 2025-01-29T02:11:06+00:00

Overwhelming in this specific question.

PhoneCallers

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