I only have experience with Nichiren... but I am curious: how does 'initiation' factor into your path? I realize there are different paths of Buddhism, and I wish to know how 'initiation', if at all, is involved. This could be relative to states of meditation or other...
2007-05-20 02:28:36 · 7 answers · asked by Invisible_Flags 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Hmmm.
I had to leave, now I'm back!
I think Nichiren Buddhism is not as different as it likes to think at least where I practice. I belonged to a Zen Buddhist community and just as with our Buddhism of the Sun, we had to have shown commitment in our practice for a reasonable length of time before becomming full members. We had a patriarch come from an overseas temple and bless us with a name and give us a written statement of our vows which he placed his seal on. We had to do some prostrations, though, several hundred.
There are many similarities despite the proported scism between Nichiren Buddhism and the monastic approach. I value both as legitimate ways of approaching enlightenment. I have 'experienced' both to some degree, so I am speaking from that view point. This has caused me some grief with Nicheren followers. I always keep in mind that monks, nuns and laypeople are individuals and their organizations relfect their individuality as much or more thanthe religion itself. I do not believe in perpetuating past conflicts it is negative, bad karma and a form of attachment! I just felt I was doing the same thing by saying this, sorry! But i am going to let it stand and let it go.
I don't know about freelance Buddhism. I have doine it but it is a crap shoot frankly. But then so is being a joiner! My Zen Buddhist teacher used to say anyone anywhere at any time can become an enlightened being, a Buddha. He taught us that the origonal statue of Buddha was not of a man but of a chair with two little foot[prints on it that symbolised that anyone can become a Buddha! I love that and still believe in that teaching.
Our Sunim actually named an elderly couple from his own homeland as living Buddhas. They were farmers. He used to tease us that you could become enlightened scrubbing toilets clean and that one of his young monks arrived there that way! LOL! Think about it!
Initiations are often needed for our sensibilities. That is alright but not always nescessary to get us there. Both are good if they work arn't they?
Nam-yoho-renge-kyo
Nam-yoho-renge-kyo
Nam-yoho-renge-kyo :-)
Peace!
Namaste!
Jamie
2007-05-20 03:01:24 · answer #1 · answered by Jamie 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You know it is kind of funny. Many of the monks and teachers I know are very firm about the need for certain initiations (I practice in the Tibetan Gelugpa tradition). Probably the biggest deal is made over the requirement for a serious Mandala initiation like the 3-day Kalachakra. These are seen as necessary before certain teachings are given, the idea being that completion of the initiation makes you a more suitable vessel for the teachings.
However, I attended a three-day teaching given by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama recently, and part of the three day program was a planned Tara initiation or empowerment on the last day. His Holiness joked about how some people only wanted initiations and empowerments, but didn't want to study the dharma and to learn to meditate and cultivate love and compassion. Clearly in his mind it was more important that we study and learn and understand the dharma, and that we develop our potential to create love and relieve suffering in the world.
So, I've received two initiations from the Dalai Lama. But I believe the six days of teaching and instruction have been far more valuable to me than the initiations.
2007-05-20 02:39:56 · answer #2 · answered by buddhamonkeyboy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are many branches of Buddhism, some with elaborate ceremonial rites and doctrine. I believe that this is not the original message of the Buddha. Religion has both a social function and a spiritual function. Many people concentrate on the social function which can include many complicated rites and ceremonies. To me real Buddhism is about direct spiritual practice and doesn't require any 'initiation' or any scriptures or practices or rites or ceremonies. (though some of this may be useful for some to get started in the right direction though in some cases the ceremonies actually prevent people from seeing the 'truth')
When there are no words, then doctrine is sound.
2007-05-20 02:37:31 · answer #3 · answered by megalomaniac 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
There isn't an initiation process for the average practitioner. You do a lot of work on your own unless you have a good Buddhist community. I have a Tibetan Geshe who lives in mine and it's a wonderful asset. You shouldn't be fixed on a goal for selfish reasons as that generates bad Karma. Any activity can be meditation and dharma practice. It's about alleviating your own suffering so that you can alleviate the suffering of others. It's very straightforward. Of course if you want to become a monastic then their are vows and teachings. Also if you wish to become a Bodhisattva then there are vows involved with this as well. It's an endless journey and a very peaceful one. Namaste
2007-05-20 02:34:30 · answer #4 · answered by Yogini 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Initiation is just another word for permission to take on some of the more of the esoterical practices. Usually its by a particular blessing ceremony.. In the Karma Kagyu school of Buddhism its called Wonkur..
2007-05-20 02:44:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try www.buddhanet.com
2007-05-20 02:34:57 · answer #6 · answered by S K 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yogini, your name turns me on.
2007-05-20 02:37:17 · answer #7 · answered by Honest christian 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋