Thread: Secret Passage?

It is more important to give up one's attachment to material things than the material things themselves.[/b]

In my sig! I enevr actually thought about this, but it makes sense, selling all your possessions isn't going to automatically rid of your attatchment to them, unless of course you sold them all because you don't have an attatchment anymore.... Anyway, this thread is great! that quote is great!

Originally Posted by tommo

In my sig! I enevr actually thought about this, but it makes sense, selling all your possessions isn't going to automatically rid of your attatchment to them, unless of course you sold them all because you don't have an attatchment anymore.... Anyway, this thread is great! that quote is great!
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You are welcome

I noticed you quoted me in your signature. (I paraphrased that idea from my memory of a Buddhist book I had read --- "Three Teachings" by Tenzin Palmo. That idea is widely known in Buddhist circles I believe) Thanks for the wonderful compliment. I appreciate it

For completeness, I think I should add this statement too: One should also be careful to avoid the other extreme, which is being attached to the idea of non-attachment. In other words, one must try to avoid being obsessed with non-attachment also

Karuna (Compassion)

Originally Posted by tommo

Thanks Ben!
That 20-25 years of practice... I'm guessing that Geshe means - 'someone who practices long and hard'?!!!

I live in London - and yes I should look for teachers here - I'll check the ones on your list. But in all my wanderings the best teachers don't advertise - the ones who do have been quaks. When I went to Bodh Gaya (where Buddha became enlightened) all the priests and monks seemed to be selling something. However there was a cleaner in one of the temples - he was seriously holy and even glowed!

I've lived and travelled in India and also spent time in Nepal - I LOVE THE HIMALAYAS, the people, their culture, nature - so that's part of my thinking - if I have to spend time somewhere I'd prefer the mountains...
Darkmind - thanks!

They say only tramps and kings can travel. No I'm not loaded - but thanks to the current economic disparity, India is very cheap - so I'm a king there... Anyway I've given up everything to travel several times before - its always been more than OK. 'Consider the birds - neither do they reap nor sow and yet the Lord God feedeth them.' springs to mind.

Yes you're right - enlightenment is not the sole province of monks and nuns. However I get distracted in London, and although I have moments of clarity even in the city, I always find it easier to be myself in the wilderness. Also I'm curious as to what might happen if I were to meet a truly enlightened person - I have this image of been whacked on the head as I reveal my attachments. Further I'm very curious as to what a 'transmission' might be...


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That's a good story about the cleaner. I should mention it to some of my friends

Anyway, since the original statement I made was for you, I will restate what I wrote when addressing Ben (in case you didn't see it above):

"For completeness, I think I should add this statement too: One should also be careful to avoid the other extreme, which is being attached to the idea of non-attachment. In other words, one must try to avoid being obsessed with non-attachment also "


All the best in your life slimslowslider
Karuna (Compassion)