Originally Posted by
markandeya 108 dasa
Pranams,
ale84 Your are right. Consciousness in the Buddhist expression of vijnana is a dependent cause on something external based on the 5 skandhas. For example if your in a silent room and a glass window breaks then consciousness of sound will arise, then consciousness of sound will vanish when everything has settled and your left with a samskara, or mental impression. So therefore consciousness is dependent on something. Then we need to understand dependent origination which is the explanation of the rebirth process. Its not dealing with metaphysics.
This is classical Theravada
To sum up Theravada, and perhaps in some ways the original words of the Buddha is that its a study of phenomena, gross and subtle, internal and external and also the phenomena which makes up the conscious world.
But even within this tradition there comes a time when one starts to question what is the existence that knows consciousness, because even when attachment to phenomena is understood and transcended in a sense existence is still there, there is no void, only an awakening that phenomena is not self with no self inherent independent existence. By this alone I do feel they realize Brahman.
Maha Boowa is pushing the limits of exploring consciousness beyond the 5 skandhas.
Its a practice, which I consider has its early roots in old Yogic sciences of meditation. Interestingly when we study the life of the Buddha he practiced with Śramaṇa's. I think they have their roots in the ancient clans of Yogis. Even to this day they say the Sadhu has four enemies, women, dogs, thorns and Brahmins.
I see no conflict in the teachings of Buddha that one will arrive at Brahman, he is teaching pure sadhanas to reach that goal, he just used some smart diplomacy and philosophy to subdue an infested corruption in the Vedic practices at the time.
So in Essence no conflict with Advaita and Buddhism in their purest forms.
Buddhism is not seperate from sanata dharma, different perfume that's all. I do have to admit that in some ways Buddhism is more suited as a global teaching than Hinduism, my core practice is devotional service to my Guru and Krsna, so I am not saying from a biased source. Buddhism can give veda and dharma to the whole world without getting caught up in its own culture. It transcenda all boundries. Its very good for Both Hinduism and abroad, but a true Hindhu will see it all as a dance of conventions, we dont get caught up in sectarianism.
Veda is more deep, more inclusive as a wide culture and expansion of siddhanta, but not everyone can cope with the variety, so we need Buddha to help get more people back to their original nature.. This my POV.
Ys
Md
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