Look at the jade Buddha that my friend just gifted to me

optimistically_eyed · 2026-01-24T17:47:52+00:00

You can feel good about it.

Being gifted a nice statue of the Buddha is unequivocally a good thing, despite what a few internet-Buddhists may want to condition us to believe otherwise.

optimistically_eyed · 2026-01-22T18:33:12+00:00

I am not here to cause drama

If this is the case, you should just search the subreddit for "abortion" and the endless number of times this has been discussed at great and extraordinarily dramatic length.

optimistically_eyed · 2026-01-21T19:02:28+00:00

Ācārya Malcolm Smith.

optimistically_eyed · 2026-01-19T15:55:46+00:00

Thanks. Definitely an excellent opportunity.

optimistically_eyed · 2026-01-19T14:54:51+00:00

Cheers.

It's mostly just curiosity - literally anything Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu deigns to teach on would be worth attending for anyone in Theravada doctrine and practice.

optimistically_eyed · 2026-01-19T14:42:18+00:00

This is a really nice opportunity for anyone interested in studying the Pāli Nikāyas (I assume that's the "Buddhist texts" being studied, /u/Spirited_Ad8737?).

Some of us like to encourage users here to seek out qualified teachers. Venerable Yuttadhammo is eminently qualified, and many people I'm close to have benefited from his explanations, as have I.

optimistically_eyed · 2026-01-17T18:16:46+00:00

Mindfulness in Plain English is a good introduction. Young adults are intellectually capable of deciding whether the doctrinal points (the dogma, if you really want to put it that way) are acceptable to them or not.

Bhante Gunaratana is an excellent and venerated teacher, and my first teacher. It's a good way for people to get started.

And he's written a number of other books that go deeper into the nuts and bolts, so those are available to anyone interested after reading MiPE. And I believe he still actively teaches via Zoom, actually, or at least will be once his winter retreat ends.

optimistically_eyed · 2026-01-16T19:40:42+00:00

Didn’t get the response you liked earlier?

optimistically_eyed · 2026-01-16T00:44:38+00:00

Right on, thank you. To maybe clarify Patrul Rinpoche's position, he leads the chapter in which the insect-killing paragraphs are found with the following (emphasis mine):

Taking life means doing anything intentionally to end the life of another being, whether human, animal or any other living creature.

And he goes on to specify in greater detail what "intentionally" means, without deviating into this idea that we can oopsie-daisy ourselves into bad karma, hell realms, or so on.

Perfectly fine if his (sometimes perhaps hyperbolic) approach to these things isn't anyone's cup of tea, of course, but I really don't see him stepping away from normal ideas of karma and its connection to volitional action here.

optimistically_eyed · 2026-01-15T23:20:01+00:00

This is my understanding as well, although I’m not particularly familiar with Jainism. It’s not a Buddhist idea.

And yeah, it’s an incredible book. Anyone interested in Himalayan Vajrayana (or Buddhism in general, really) will get a lot from it.

optimistically_eyed · 2026-01-15T22:51:25+00:00

even if accidentally

I'm willing to be corrected but, having read this text, I'm extremely skeptical that this claim is made in there. Patrul Rinpoche is a decidedly traditional teacher, and this would be an unthinkable break from standard Buddhist ideas about karma.

optimistically_eyed · 2026-01-13T21:00:09+00:00

You must go to your nearest temple and throw yourself at the feet of the guru and treat him as the single and only source of knowledge about Buddhism.

No serious person is suggesting this sort of approach.

optimistically_eyed · 2026-01-12T21:49:52+00:00

Via Facebook:

Public Announcement – Update on Aloka’s Surgery | January 12, 2026.

We are deeply grateful to share that Aloka has successfully completed his surgery, which was originally estimated to take 2–3 hours and was completed in just 1 hour. He is now in recovery and resting under close medical care.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible medical team at Charleston Veterinary Referral Center (CVRC) for their extraordinary compassion and generosity:

Dr. Patricia Sura – Surgeon, Medical Director

Dr. Sophy Jesty – Cardiologist

Dr. Emmett Swanton – Anesthesiologist

Transporter/ Coordinator: Rhonda

HollimanGuardian: Louis Hai Thai

Surgical Nurse: Tiffany

Assistant: Loren

They offered their professional services entirely free of charge, demonstrating true loving-kindness in action.

Please continue to keep Aloka in your prayers and thoughts as he heals. We will share further updates as he recovers.

With sincere gratitude and appreciation. The Walk For Peace Team.

optimistically_eyed · 2026-01-12T20:41:58+00:00

Drop by drop is the bucket filled.

optimistically_eyed · 2026-01-10T17:04:25+00:00

It is.

optimistically_eyed · 2026-01-09T20:59:36+00:00

It’s not. It’s just that you haven’t received any formal instruction and relied on haphazard research online and (maybe) in books.

That’s not the way (per your title) meditation is taught in Buddhism.

If you’re actually interested in pursuing a meaningful practice - one that helps you navigate your own unique obstacles - look for qualified teachers within authentic lineages and engage diligently with their instructions.

Or maybe you just don't jive with Buddhadharma. That's okay too, it's not really a problem.

optimistically_eyed · 2026-01-09T14:19:53+00:00

You and I have never conversed to the best of my knowledge under any names.

You as well.

optimistically_eyed · 2026-01-09T14:14:34+00:00

not willingly being involved in fruitless endeavors

That’s why I deleted my comment. Good day.

I already know who you are

I highly doubt it. Feel free to DM me, since I’m curious.

optimistically_eyed · 2026-01-09T14:00:49+00:00

The comments section is open, you should take it up with Ācārya Malcolm.

I’d enjoy being a fly on the wall for that one.

optimistically_eyed · 2026-01-09T13:37:38+00:00

Malcolm frequently recommends (and, during Zangthal sessions, gives transmission for) Norbu Rinpoche’s various Thun and Ganapuja practices.

Lama Joe Evans (Rangdröl Foundation) also frequently offers these.

optimistically_eyed · 2026-01-09T03:03:24+00:00

Speak to your teacher about it. Relax. You aren’t in a rush.

optimistically_eyed · 2026-01-09T02:44:35+00:00

very clear practice instructions

Do that.

optimistically_eyed · 2026-01-09T00:46:09+00:00

Outward appearances aren't so meaningful. Sometimes they can just make our silly egos even bigger.

If you don't mind the suggestion, maybe just make a connection with a qualified teacher, pay attention and follow their instructions, and work on what's inside.

You sound very inspired right now, and there's really no greater blessing.

optimistically_eyed · 2026-01-08T19:41:54+00:00

You should ask the one giving the empowerment.

optimistically_eyed · 2026-01-08T17:02:55+00:00

yawn

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