Samana/ascetic - discussing the meaning with regards to receiving alms

[Akaliko]

@christie

It seems you are trying to say something, but in a very generic way about various “dangers” and I am not sure how any of that is relevant to my own situation.

Ah, well I was trying to be subtle and kind. Sometimes a word to the wise is enough they say!

The danger I see is that although you describe yourself are a “relative beginner” you then proceed to present yourself as an expert, in things such as Pali, monasticism Buddhist culture and even making claims about attaining the very highest meditation states:

For example, all the literature and guidance on jhāna states do not adequately prepare oneself for the actual experience, particularly the higher levels or non-sensual (eg. arupa) states. I remember when I first experienced them, I was surprised that there is no elation or joy, or sense of accomplishment associated with them. I was glad I did not read a lot of the literature on the subject, I suspect I would have ended up very confused and possibly it may even hinder my progress.

Source.

(Incidentally, please see the forum’s policy on making claims about meditation - these are in place because of the danger of incorrect or unscrupulous people adversely influencing others by presenting themselves as attained)

Another danger I see for less informed forum members is that you make authoritative sounding statements which are totally incorrect such as:

@christie

I believe a samaṇa would be a relatively rare occurrence today. I understand a Buddhist bhikkhu would not consider himself a samaṇa.

Or

@christie

I would think any Buddhist practioner calling themselves a “samaṇa” isn’t probably understanding what the middle path truly is,

The second quote above is after I offered you an example of it’s actual use., But you get to decide that even if it is used then they aren’t practicing properly?

Monastics frequently chant the ovada patimokkha (the heart of the Buddha’s teachings for monastics) which features the phrase:

No true renunciate injures another,
Na hi pabbajito parūpaghātī,
nor does an ascetic hurt another.
Na samaṇo hoti paraṁ viheṭhayanto

Both the terms samano and pabbajito here are used referring to the monks. There is a whole history and culture of using this term to describe monks.

As for your disbelief that you linked alms giving with economic consequences:

@christie

I am not sure I actually made any comment along those lines. Perhaps you can quote exactly where I made these “several comments”? Otherwise it is hard to defend something I didn’t say.

Here you go:

@christie

However, I also notice that Buddhist countries such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand are also some of the poorest and under-developed countries, and that these countries have received more than their fair share of violence, suffering and political upheaval. I can’t help but wonder whether the practice of giving alms may result in a net deficit to society as a whole.

In my post above, I gently tried to point out the wrong views you had mentioned —no need to defend them again here. I did it out of concern for others who might read what you’ve said and become confused about things like almsgiving, refuge, meditation etc.

Best wishes once again.