Comment

Moderator Comment by John on December 25, 2014 at 11:28pm

Thanks for the compliment Richard!

Comment by David Allen on December 23, 2014 at 1:29am

In the context of Gautama Buddha's reputed final description of his translation of experiences that was his life, that is quite a compliment and I thank you.

The elegance of his reputed words is wonderful. My translation of his reputed words is "separation is not lasting (dieing), It takes much work to realize your own salvation and live.", and fits comfortably within me.

I must (at the risk of looking a gift horse in the mouth) ask for clarification on self-reliant. I whole heartily agree that we find our own salvation within ourselves, but I can't do it alone. I need the "processing" power of every perspective that can possibly coexist (within the understanding of our society (which evolves toward enlightenment as we do), to speak as one voice. That does not mean we should have the same perspective (it wouldn't work that way). The truth demands diversity, none of us alone, or in splintered groups, can even begin to comprehend true beauty (truth). It takes all of us, and more, in cooperation for that one voice to speak truth.

Comment by Richard Ihle on December 22, 2014 at 10:51pm

“Behold, O monks, this is my last advice to you. All component things in the world are changeable. They are not lasting. Work hard to gain you own salvation. Do your best.”—Gautama Buddha
Warm seasonal greetings and rich blessings for the new year, John and David! In the context of the reputed last words quoted above, it is my own view that you two may already be among the very least likely to ever need the advice of a Buddha or anyone else in order to know that you should work hard, do your best, and continue to be a self-reliant “Disciple of the Transcendent.”

Comment by David Allen on December 22, 2014 at 5:10pm

Knowing something is where the problem starts. As soon as I "know" , I quit looking, I quite learning (eventually). To know something means your understanding of it is complete. There is only 1 thing I have certainty enough to say I know it (it creates an oxymoron, so it has to be incomplete), and that is I know nothing

In knowing nothing, you look on everything with new eyes, maximizing potential for learning.

Isn't that how you would describe the best disciple?

God is a word that signifies "the top spot", "the truth", the alpha and the omega, (however that applies), it doesn't specify.

I am more familiar with some perspectives over others. So I describe things in terminology most likely to highlight differences in what I say, with how I say it. I think that makes it easier to understand my meaning, my truth.

isn't that how it works (given we are limiting our communication to language)?

After all, we're just sharing experiences so we both may gain new perspectives.

Moderator Comment by John on December 21, 2014 at 2:03pm

I think you misread the post. The disciple probably does not think he needs Buddha least. However - in fact he does need the teachings least - he already knows them.

Buddhists don't believe in God, so the disciple couldn't care less nor need God the creator.

Comment by David Allen on December 20, 2014 at 8:48pm

I would disagree. We all need our "God" equally, so anyone who feels/thinks their need is least is mistaken.