But you ignore overlapping of esoteric tantric systems mainly of Dakini/Shakta,
(Read Buddhist Goddesses of India (Shaw) and basic sphere of Urgyen. All this
other stuff is mere verbaige. Simple Dzogchen cuts through reams of scriptures.
Only difference between Sanatana Dharma and Dzogchen is practitioner's good
fortune. Nothing else. As for Buddhism I only know what they tell me. But I'm
more down for Gauri yajnas and Sowbaugya. A good Chod is a blast, and I've been
soaking in Tsok for years. David Bowie also still put out good music after
'96.' Buddhists can't tell me that though. I have to ascertain it for myself.
----- Original Message -----
From: Vaj
To: FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 4:13 PM
Subject: Re: [FairfieldLife] Re: A. Of E. Techniques- Circa 1975
Another interesting quote on how in Buddhist terms, an Advaitin would not
become a Buddha, (but, of course, a Buddhist would not become a jivanmukta or a
paramahamsa either!):
Dalai Lama: If we view the world's religions from the widest possible
viewpoint, and examine their ultimate goal, we find that all of the major world
religions are directed to the achievement of permanent human happiness. They
are all directed toward that goal. To this end, the different world's religions
teach different doctrines which help transform the person. In this regard, all
religions are the same, there is no conflict.
Liberation in which 'a mind that understands the sphere of reality
annihilates all defilements in the sphere of reality' is a state that only
Buddhists can accomplish. This kind of moksa or Nirvana is only explained in
the Buddhist scriptures, and is achieved only through Buddhist practice.
Questioner: So, if one is a follower of Vedanta, and one reaches the state of
satcitananda, would this not be considered ultimate liberation?
Dalai Lama: Again, it depends upon how you interpret the words, 'ultimate
liberation.' The moksa which is described in the Buddhist religion is achieved
only through the practice of emptiness. And this kind of nirvana or liberation,
as I have defined it above, cannot be achieved even by Svatantrika Madhyamikas,
by Cittamatras, Sautrantikas, or Vaibhasikas. The follower of these schools,
though Buddhists, do not understand the actual doctrine of emptiness. Because
they cannot realize emptiness, or reality, they cannot accomplish the kind of
liberation I defined previously.
Source: The Bodhgaya Interviews, Snow Lion, 1988
On Mar 13, 2009, at 4:50 PM, Vaj wrote:
On Mar 13, 2009, at 3:54 PM, Kirk wrote:
---
(below - the Lokas section)....what I've been saying all along: chant
the
Gayatri mantra: OM Bhur Bhuvah Svah, Tat Savituh Varenyam, Bhargo
Devasya
Dhimahi, Dhiyoyonah Prachodatat.
But I no longer chant that mantra. I chant Om Mani Padme Hum and a
mantra to the Medicine Master Buddha.
On the whole, Buddhism is superior.
----Oh thanks Buddy, but Dalai Lama says no difference between aims of
Buddhism and Hinduism. They are same. Yes, lecture he gave in Bodhgaya.
We
don't spend time thinking about differences of absolute. Hehe. Giggle.
"Aims" is probably the operative word. To the Dalai Lama, all religions
have a similar aim. But that does not mean they are the same. Forms of Hindu
awakening seek liberation, so does Buddhism, so they are similar in their aims,
but not the same. He interestingly stated when he spoke at the Kumbha Mela that
'the time for conversion has ended' and that Hinduism and Buddhism shared a
great bit. In other words, be happy with your chosen religion, don't go around
trying to convert people to your religion. He believes people should seek out
the awakening schools in their own religions. If you think about that and think
of the bloodiest religions, probably Christianity and Islam, what would be the
best course of action? Mass conversion? It makes sense to encourage people to
seek out and therefore strengthen the awakening traditions in their own
religions in order to encourage world peace.
The Bodgaya Inteviews [with HHDL]
Pg 21:
Q: brief paraphrase (Can a master who is a Saivite and upholds strict
discipline and selfless compassion attain liberation?)
HHDL: During the Buddha's own time there were many non-Buddhist teachers
whom the Buddha could not help............today followers of Siva have their
own religious practices and they reap some benefit ........through this their
life will gradually change....my position is that Siva-ji's followers should
practice according to their own beliefs...that is sufficient.
Q: But they will not attain liberation!
HHDL: We Buddhists ourselves will not be liberated at once. In our own case
it will take time. Gradually we will be able to reach moksha or nirvana but the
majority of Buddhists will not achieve this within their own lifetimes. So
there's no hurry. If Buddhists themselves have to wait, perhaps many
lifetimes...why should we expect different for non-Buddhists?.....
pg 23
Q But is it only the Buddha who can be the ultimate source of refuge?
HHDL: ....it is necessary to examine what is meant by liberation or
salvation. Liberation in which "a mind that understands the sphere of reality"
is a state that only Buddhists can accomplish This kind of moksa or nirvana is
only explained in the Buddhist scriptures and is achieved only through Buddhist
practice. According to certain religions however, salvation is a place....a
beautiful paradise... To attain such a state as this, to achieve such a state
of moksa, does not require the practice of emptiness, the understanding of
reality. In Buddhism itself, we believe that through the accumulation of merit
one can obtain rebirth in heavenly paradises like Tusita.
Q: So, if one is a follower of Vedanta and one reaches the state of
satcitananda, would this not be considered ultimate liberation?
HHDL: Again, it depends upon how you interpret the words, "ultimate
liberation" (then the original quote that you posted continues here).
