Criticism v Discernment

We all have a problem with judgement. However, the Buddha kindly said, “Not too tight and not too loose.”

Let’s take Dzogchen: it’s called the fast path with little hardships. This doesn’t mean that we don’t notice that it is a fast(er) path than others.

As has been stated before, there are nine levels /vehicles /yanas of understanding and perception, each using the same words but each having a different meaning. None of these are wrong, as they are complete in themselves, but until enlightenment, our understanding can always be refined.

The problem occurs when we reflect on our perception, and express it. This can bring us into conflict with others, as our very presence – or expression – can upset them, as they may not see things the same way and are following a different yana or tradition.

As an example:
From a Hinayana point of view, the negative emotions are to be avoided, and antidotes such as compassion are used when anger arises. This, of course, is a temporary measure as the emotion will return. Merely saying, “this is a temporary measure” will upset some. The hallmark of a yana is how easily we are – or are not – controlled by emotions.

From a Vajrayana point of view, the emotions are seen a medicine: the emotions are transmuted into the wisdoms. Intense emotion is therefore important, as are intense intelligence and compassion.

From a MahaAti/Mahamudra/Dzogchen point of view, the negative emotions have never existed. This will also upset some, as they feel they need their emotions to exist.

So it’s easy to see that discussion is ‘difficult’ between the vehicles.
It can be amusing to try, but we get nowhere …unless we wear robes 😉 !

Compassion can take many forms. Kindness can take many forms. One man’s meat is another’s poison. First we must be compassionate about our own past, noting our lack of capacity. Of course, we criticise ourselves, but through reasoning we can refine that criticism to discrimination, and then to discernment. Through criticism, discrimination and discernment, we learn. “Not too tight and not too loose.”

There is no right or wrong: whether it (the view) is beneficial or not it is a personal matter, and what suits us.

We are the way we are through our karma.
If others do not like our karma,
that’s down to their karma.
It’s a sort of karma-dance….
“Dances with Karma”.

🙂