View Full Version : The New Age Movement
Khandro Rinpoche gives her views on the New Age movement.(3.44 minutes)
Comments relating to the video are welcome.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aR8fMNNH8es&feature=relmfu
This is a very balanced approach to the New Age Movement. I have spent a good deal of time searching in that area and I have found it quite superficial, secretive, and exclusionary on one hand and very open and down right strange on the other. Khandro Rinpoche is very kind and gentle toward this movement.
The trouble is that "New Age Movement" as a catch all for these new spiritual approaches is totally inadequate as a label, just a Buddhism cannot express all the various groups/ideologies that are included it the term.
H.E. Khandro Rinpoche makes some excellent points in this clip. New Age teachings do tend to take the approach of a "feel good" philosophy, from my limited understanding. They may focus on temporarily easing suffering while gaining momentary happiness. Yet the New Age movement does not appear to be so serious when it comes to the long-term. Newer forms of meditation cater to the ordinary person, and there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, this approach may be helpful for those who are not ready to take the next leap. As H.E. Khandro Rinpoche explains, the New Age movement is like a gateway or portal, or as I like to think of it, a stepping stone toward a more serious practice.
H.E. Khandro Rinpoche makes some excellent points in this clip. New Age teachings do tend to take the approach of a "feel good" philosophy, from my limited understanding. They may focus on temporarily easing suffering while gaining momentary happiness. Yet the New Age movement does not appear to be so serious when it comes to the long-term. Newer forms of meditation cater to the ordinary person, and there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, this approach may be helpful for those who are not ready to take the next leap. As H.E. Khandro Rinpoche explains, the New Age movement is like a gateway or portal, or as I like to think of it, a stepping stone toward a more serious practice.
Agree Abhaya:peace:
Maybe sort of port hole to misery too.
I have found them all over the place.......some rapantly superficial and thats a bad mix.:peace:
The kindness of this monk is very nice indeed.
The problem, if I may, with the "new age" movement is that it points to metaphysical realities which are fabricated and blown out of proportion, in my opinion, rather than metaphysical realities which have been discussed already.
For example crystals: They are mineral sources of energy storage.......So is the gross human body
The point: the Over hyping and stretching of credulity when it comes to "crystal power"
Ultimately, the new age movement to me is a headless corpse that isn't bothered about not having a head (authority) OR
the new age movement is a hodge-podge mixture of various things creating nothing as a final result.
In other words, the new age movement should stop "moving" altogether as it is largely based on speculation.
Thank you,
Stefos
The kindness of this monk is very nice indeed.
Khandro Rinpoche is a nun.
In other words, the new age movement should stop "moving" altogether as it is largely based on speculation.
When Buddha was still an unenlightened bodhisatta, he could have been considered part of the samana movement, which was new and experimental at that time, but rejected established rituals like animal sacrifice.
:)
When Buddha was still an unenlightened bodhisatta, he could have been considered part of the samana movement, which was new and experimental at that time, but rejected established rituals like animal sacrifice.
:)
Hi nibbuti,
Just to let you know my stance: I don't think so.
My position about the Buddha's original teachings and such have been banned by this forum practically.
If you would like to discuss this issue 1 on 1, it can continue via PM.
Suffice to say that during the Buddha's life, vedic religion had degenerated into a money making racket. For the rest of the religious context in time of the Buddha, research it out for yourself sir.
Thank you,
Stefos
My position about the Buddha's original teachings and such have been banned by this forum practically.
Hi Stephos,
I have absolutely no idea what you are refering to regarding your comment about "this forum"
However, perhaps it could possibly be something to do with you being a practising Christian and not getting all your facts right about Buddhism when you post in some of the topics here.
I think at this point I need to remind you of the Code of Conduct for this website:
If you have a query or a complaint about moderation, or the content of the posts in any topic, please do not write about it in the forums, but contact the administrators or send a private email to .....
Thank you for your consideration.
:topic:
My position about the Buddha's original teachings and such have been banned by this forum practically.
your position is repeated repeatedly on this forum, so often repeated, we ask to give it a rest... :hands:
I am new to this forum, so I'll try to tread carefully. There is more to 'New Age' than meets the eye.
Agreed that anything that stirs the mind to review life, because it is not satisfying is worthwhile...and we all have to start or reconnect with our journey somewhere!
The New Age movement is not at all about having a healthy mind.
Part of the New Age agenda is believing there is no need for teachers, practice or path! Having no Path, they say they are already enlightened = Fruition. So there is no need to practice. I have met some of these people, and have been on a forum with them for over a year and they haven't a clue how to deal with their emotions, and become aggressive very easily. They do not like to be questioned, and have strayed away from being decent human beings to becoming elitists.
They are not wrong, in Absolute terms they are correct, but they seem to deny the unity of the absolute truth and relative truth. They tell one another, “Just do what resonates with you” could be misleading, as they can easily choose an expedient habitual option, when they are is fact drowning! Quite a few 'new age' gurus are using Dharma terminology to give themselves a weighty appearance, and students are left in ignorance about how to deal with problems. This will delay any progress.
As well as that, there those waiting for 'The Ascension Masters', and those waiting for the 'Galactic Federation of Light' to arrive, and many more theories which all stop people looking within their own consciousness to realise their true nature. Most of these people mistrust ancient teachings, as mind control.
One could simply say, leave them to it, and get on with your own practice.
However, what does one do when there is a suspicion that all this has an insidious side to it?
I believe the New Age start about the time Madam Helena Blavatsky 1831-1891, and there is an occult connection!
I am suggesting that the people behind the New Age movement, know about human frailties of ego clinging, and enhance it. This is in itself..mind control!
Now the question is, for what purpose?
Tony
To explain this in more detail.
In Tibetan buddhism we speak about Ground, Path and Fruition.
The Ground is our natural essence.
The Path is our present confused state that does not recognise the Ground.
The Fruition is realising the nature of the ground and that Path never existed in the first place!
So we practice, peeling away the layers of self deception.
dhammachick
08 Jun 12, 06:21
Namaste,
As someone who was intimately involved in the occult for almost 15 years Tony, I would respectfully ask you to refrain from blatant stereotypes unless you speak from experience and can share some of that. If not for the occult, I would not have found my way to Buddhism (Tibetan Buddhism), at least not been able to embrace it and the Buddha's teachings. As mentioned above, it can be a portal (which I believe for good. It's PEOPLE and their intent, not the practises themselves that lead to misery) for seeking the truth.
Never did I encounter brainwashing in any form - I find that to be a tact that a lot of fringe sects in Christianity or Scientology specialise in. I did encounter some unsavoury types who were in it for themselves. The community tends to deal with them, quite often by publicising their frauds and rallying around anyone affected. I was a highly prevalent person in the Pagan Community in my area and found the majority of people well meaning and genuine about their path, if sometimes naive and misguided.
In metta,
Raven
Namaste,
As someone who was intimately involved in the occult for almost 15 years Tony, I would respectfully ask you to refrain from blatant stereotypes unless you speak from experience and can share some of that. If not for the occult, I would not have found my way to Buddhism (Tibetan Buddhism), at least not been able to embrace it and the Buddha's teachings. As mentioned above, it can be a portal (which I believe for good. It's PEOPLE and their intent, not the practises themselves that lead to misery) for seeking the truth.
Never did I encounter brainwashing in any form - I find that to be a tact that a lot of fringe sects in Christianity or Scientology specialise in. I did encounter some unsavoury types who were in it for themselves. The community tends to deal with them, quite often by publicising their frauds and rallying around anyone affected. I was a highly prevalent person in the Pagan Community in my area and found the majority of people well meaning and genuine about their path, if sometimes naive and misguided.
In metta,
Raven
Hello Raven,
That is your personal experience. Occult means hidden. There is occult in Tibetan Buddhism. What I'm talking about IS very sinister.
It is to do with population social engineering. If you want detail I can supply them. You only have to look at what is happening in the world, every aspect of human life IS being messed with. What is happening is very subtle.
Tony
dhammachick
08 Jun 12, 12:18
Hello Raven,
That is your personal experience. Occult means hidden. There is occult in Tibetan Buddhism. What I'm talking about IS very sinister.
It is to do with population social engineering. If you want detail I can supply them. You only have to look at what is happening in the world, every aspect of human life IS being messed with. What is happening is very subtle.
Tony
Namaste,
So you're talking about the occult in Tibetan Buddhism? You need to specify cause you started out talking about New Age. I'm well aware of the meaning of occult and it's origin and derivative.
And yes please I'd be interested in details. You can PM me if you don't want to post here. Although others may be interested in these details too.
In metta,
Raven
Namaste,
So you're talking about the occult in Tibetan Buddhism? You need to specify cause you started out talking about New Age. I'm well aware of the meaning of occult and it's origin and derivative.
And yes please I'd be interested in details. You can PM me if you don't want to post here. Although others may be interested in these details too.
In metta,
Raven
Hi Raven,
New members aren't able to access our personal messaging system as soon as they join the group - to find out more about this, please see 'Help' information at the top of the main page as well as 'Forums and Personal Messaging Guidelines' under the Code of Conduct
with metta
Aloka
I am new to this forum, so I'll try to tread carefully. There is more to 'New Age' than meets the eye.
Agreed that anything that stirs the mind to review life, because it is not satisfying is worthwhile...and we all have to start or reconnect with our journey somewhere!
The New Age movement is not at all about having a healthy mind.
Part of the New Age agenda is believing there is no need for teachers, practice or path! Having no Path, they say they are already enlightened = Fruition. So there is no need to practice. I have met some of these people, and have been on a forum with them for over a year and they haven't a clue how to deal with their emotions, and become aggressive very easily. They do not like to be questioned, and have strayed away from being decent human beings to becoming elitists.
They are not wrong, in Absolute terms they are correct, but they seem to deny the unity of the absolute truth and relative truth. They tell one another, “Just do what resonates with you” could be misleading, as they can easily choose an expedient habitual option, when they are is fact drowning! Quite a few 'new age' gurus are using Dharma terminology to give themselves a weighty appearance, and students are left in ignorance about how to deal with problems. This will delay any progress.
As well as that, there those waiting for 'The Ascension Masters', and those waiting for the 'Galactic Federation of Light' to arrive, and many more theories which all stop people looking within their own consciousness to realise their true nature. Most of these people mistrust ancient teachings, as mind control.
One could simply say, leave them to it, and get on with your own practice.
However, what does one do when there is a suspicion that all this has an insidious side to it?
I believe the New Age start about the time Madam Helena Blavatsky 1831-1891, and there is an occult connection!
I am suggesting that the people behind the New Age movement, know about human frailties of ego clinging, and enhance it. This is in itself..mind control!
Now the question is, for what purpose?
Tony
To explain this in more detail.
In Tibetan buddhism we speak about Ground, Path and Fruition.
The Ground is our natural essence.
The Path is our present confused state that does not recognise the Ground.
The Fruition is realising the nature of the ground and that Path never existed in the first place!
So we practice, peeling away the layers of self deception.
I was involved in Ceremonial Magick/Chaos Magick for quite a few years and I can relate to dhammachick/Raven that this lead me to the Buddha's teaching. Much of what is taught in this area, if you pay close attention, is grounded in Buddhist teaching. Of course the average person has no idea that this is true. I also agree that most of the groups are innocuous and mean no harm to anyone.
I also agree with Tony that you can trace this back to Madam Blavatsky. Another huge influence was Alister Crowley. The ethical statement of Paganism "and it hurt none, do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law" is a re-wording of Thelema's (AC's church) "do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law". The teachings of many groups are very secret and only the initiated have access the deeper "truth".
This type of secrecy is a bit scary and can lead to a desire to delve further into organizations when you truly have no idea what they are about. As far as Mind Control goes, that is only possible if you give up your skepticism and solely rely on what others tell you. This can happen in any tradition or religious group. I'm going to sound like I lack compassion here, which I do not, if you give up that kind of control to another you probably deserve what you get.
I have seen friends get involved in groups that are like this and seen their family's spend tens of thousands of dollars on interventions that never work. Ultimately, they have to "come to their senses" and pull out of the group themselves. My take is that the blame falls squarely on the shoulder of the membership. If the membership were not willing to give up their freedom to the group it would never exist in this way. To come back to Buddhism on this, what draws people into it, including me, is a desire for power either over people or their environment. The Four Noble Truths addresses the clearly.
Hands Palm to Palm,
Rhysman
Am i mistaken, or do I remember that the Buddha never broached the topic of personal behavior without an invitation? Did the renunciates go around proselytizing, or did they only offer teachings after the gift of food, or other kindnesses invited it (by the cultural traditions of the time) ? Did the Buddha not advise his students that there is a agent of deception in this world ? (Mara)
There is no need to go 'rescuing' those who are learning the hard way. In the end we are responsible for what we think of others. If we think ill of them, we pay in karma. If we despair for the world, we pay for that. If we despise any activity of others, we pay.
Let us remember the lessons in which we have enrolled: be neither attached nor despising, nor indifferent. Only feel compassion for those who are wandering on paths we have eschewed. The proper focus for our practice is our own conduct, feelings and thoughts.
:hands:
Am i mistaken, or do I remember that the Buddha never broached the topic of personal behavior without an invitation? Did the renunciates go around proselytizing, or did they only offer teachings after the gift of food, or other kindnesses invited it (by the cultural traditions of the time) ? Did the Buddha not advise his students that there is a agent of deception in this world ? (Mara)
There is no need to go 'rescuing' those who are learning the hard way. In the end we are responsible for what we think of others. If we think ill of them, we pay in karma. If we despair for the world, we pay for that. If we despise any activity of others, we pay.
Let us remember the lessons in which we have enrolled: be neither attached nor despising, nor indifferent. Only feel compassion for those who are wandering on paths we have eschewed. The proper focus for our practice is our own conduct, feelings and thoughts.
:hands:
I'm sure compassion has it's purpose.
Here is an interesting saying about Compassion:
"The teaching of Buddhism on Great Voidness and Great Compassion is not rightly understood by most people. These two are, actually, one entity manifested in two aspects. But to the Sangsaric beings, these two are seemingly irreconcilable since in many characteristics they seem opposed, the wisdom seems 'cold' while the compassion is 'warm'; the Voidness has no object while the Compassion demands an object, etc. Only the Buddha and enlightened beings can merge the two, or, more accurately speaking, realize and unfold the identicalness and simultaneous-existing-nature of the two."
From the Mahamudra Vow ( http://oaks.nvg.org/bue20.html ).
I found it very inspirational.
Am i mistaken, or do I remember that the Buddha never broached the topic of personal behavior without an invitation? Did the renunciates go around proselytizing, or did they only offer teachings after the gift of food, or other kindnesses invited it (by the cultural traditions of the time) ? Did the Buddha not advise his students that there is a agent of deception in this world ? (Mara)
Well spoken :hands:
Traveller
08 Jun 12, 23:49
Speaking as someone who has been involved in occultism and new age thought in the past I have no time for it. Magic is about power and the lust for power the same as any other desire binds you to the wheel. Whatever reason you have for wanting to manipulate reality even if your motivations are the highest your still trying to gain something and that desire to gain creates karma and its fruit. I have a human life and despite my past misdeeds I have been fortunate to encounter the skillful means given by the Buddha - that's all I need.
dhammachick
09 Jun 12, 04:35
As far as Mind Control goes, that is only possible if you give up your skepticism and solely rely on what others tell you. This can happen in any tradition or religious group. I'm going to sound like I lack compassion here, which I do not, if you give up that kind of control to another you probably deserve what you get.
I have seen friends get involved in groups that are like this and seen their family's spend tens of thousands of dollars on interventions that never work. Ultimately, they have to "come to their senses" and pull out of the group themselves. My take is that the blame falls squarely on the shoulder of the membership. If the membership were not willing to give up their freedom to the group it would never exist in this way. To come back to Buddhism on this, what draws people into it, including me, is a desire for power either over people or their environment. The Four Noble Truths addresses the clearly.
Hands Palm to Palm,
Rhysman
Namaste,
I'm totally with Rhysman on this 100%
Am i mistaken, or do I remember that the Buddha never broached the topic of personal behavior without an invitation? Did the renunciates go around proselytizing, or did they only offer teachings after the gift of food, or other kindnesses invited it (by the cultural traditions of the time) ? Did the Buddha not advise his students that there is a agent of deception in this world ? (Mara)
There is no need to go 'rescuing' those who are learning the hard way. In the end we are responsible for what we think of others. If we think ill of them, we pay in karma. If we despair for the world, we pay for that. If we despise any activity of others, we pay.
Let us remember the lessons in which we have enrolled: be neither attached nor despising, nor indifferent. Only feel compassion for those who are wandering on paths we have eschewed. The proper focus for our practice is our own conduct, feelings and thoughts.
:hands:
This. _SO_ this.
In metta,
Raven
dhammachick
09 Jun 12, 04:36
Hi Raven,
New members aren't able to access our personal messaging system as soon as they join the group - to find out more about this, please see 'Help' information at the top of the main page as well as 'Forums and Personal Messaging Guidelines' under the Code of Conduct
with metta
Aloka
Namaste Aloka,
Thanks for the heads up on that :)
In metta,
Raven
BuddhaInTraining
10 Jun 12, 15:33
There is a saying: What does not kill me only makes me stronger. I think this can be translated into Buddhism. What does not disrupt the path to enlightenment can only strengthen your footsteps.
This is a subject that interests me a great deal.
As I mentioned in a post elsewhere, I do come from a christian background--way in the back-background. That said, I think our spiritual/religious/moral history, no matter how far into the past it may have fallen, will have some influence on us as we grow in understanding.
Life is movement, as Sylvia Boorstein said in her book It's Easier Than You Think,
"We are verbs, not nouns, experiences unfolding, stories telling themselves as sequels to other stories previously told."
If not for my transition decades ago into the realm labled "New Age" I seriously doubt that I would have had the privilege of learning of the Buddha and his teachings.
I see H.E. Khandro Rinpoche's gentle (as another poster has labeled it) assessment of the extremely varied group of individuals who people place into the New Age category, the very essence of compassion as I understand it. When I compare her reasoned response with some (read many) hysterical pronouncements on the subject from the christian leaders in America I am once again reminded why Buddhism has held my interest, if not my full attention, for so long.
The New Age movement is not at all about having a healthy mind.
Tony, though I've no doubt you are sincere in your recitation of what you think the New Age movement consists of, could we not agree that what we think is considerably less than what we can prove?
Part of the New Age agenda is believing there is no need for teachers, practice or path!
I feel that in both the above quotes you seem to see New Age as a singular thing rather than the recognizing the plurality that it is.
Though it seems you have had some experience with segments of those who have been linked by a predominately christian society (in the US at least) as New Age, is it wise to extrapolate your experience to include the entire body of this movement?
I am suggesting that the people behind the New Age movement, know about human frailties of ego clinging, and enhance it. This is in itself..mind control!
Here, you seem to be describing what most would classify as a cult. Cults are not exclusive to any particular faith or philosophical practice, and are, in almost every case, the exception rather than the rule.
Sorry if I sound too critical. Truth be told, I think some of us old hippy, New Agers just have this auto pilot thing that can't help but try to offer a clearer definition of what New Age actually means. ;)
:peace:
I cannot fault Rinpoche.
I personally have no time for new age, new agers etc I see no difference between consumerism in a very material sense and consumerism in pseudo-spiritual sense.
The religio/spiritual communities of all religions are rife with spiritual materialism (a phrase coined By Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche) including Buddhism however with the safeguards of established teachings and qualified teachers this spiritual materialism can be minimised and eventually vanquished.
With the absence of these safeguards spiritual materialism abounds...and this is not the only poison that goes unchecked!
A excert of C T spiritual materialism here... http://www.sacred-texts.com/bud/tib/cutting.htm
Thank You
Tony, though I've no doubt you are sincere in your recitation of what you think the New Age movement consists of, could we not agree that what we think is considerably less than what we can prove?
I feel that in both the above quotes you seem to see New Age as a singular thing rather than the recognizing the plurality that it is.
Though it seems you have had some experience with segments of those who have been linked by a predominately christian society (in the US at least) as New Age, is it wise to extrapolate your experience to include the entire body of this movement?
Here, you seem to be describing what most would classify as a cult. Cults are not exclusive to any particular faith or philosophical practice, and are, in almost every case, the exception rather than the rule.
Sorry if I sound too critical. Truth be told, I think some of us old hippy, New Agers just have this auto pilot thing that can't help but try to offer a clearer definition of what New Age actually means. ;)
:peace:
If you look up ALBERT PIKE, he wrote a blueprint for three world wars, plus the breakdown of all theistic and non theistic religions.
Tony
If you look up ALBERT PIKE, he wrote a blueprint for three world wars, plus the breakdown of all theistic and non theistic religions.
Tony
:confused:
I must admit, I was hoping to learn a bit more about your thoughts on the points I raised rather than being directed to search out a third party's take on subjects of war and religion.
However, I do understand that life can be hectic and we can't always spend the time we might like in discussion.;D
:confused:
I must admit, I was hoping to learn a bit more about your thoughts on the points I raised rather than being directed to search out a third party's take on subjects of war and religion.
However, I do understand that life can be hectic and we can't always spend the time we might like in discussion.;D
I have spent 18 months investigating this subject. I took me 15 hours a day for three months to even start to get my head around it, checking and rechecking. So it's a huge topic, as it touches on every area of our lives. Whatever I said, you would have to verify for yourself. This forum is probably too narrow for such a discussion, and I would love to discuss it with you.
It's more than corporate control of the population, it's about social engineering. It's about all that is happening in the world...now!
People are being misdirected to believe all sorts of fantasy, which is mixed up with 'truth'.
if your mind set is not open, then this will be difficult to understand. There are those that know all about ego, emotions, and the development of an "I", and use it against others.
We can talk more if you are still interested, but it's not a simple subject as others here think!
Tony
It's more than corporate control of the population, it's about social engineering. It's about all that is happening in the world...now!
People are being misdirected to believe all sorts of fantasy, which is mixed up with 'truth'.
if your mind set is not open, then this will be difficult to understand. There are those that know all about ego, emotions, and the development of an "I", and use it against others.
Ah. I think we may have been talking past each other due to a misunderstanding of my original post.
It wasn't my intent in any way to say that there are not those who would use human weaknesses/desires/emotions in order to gain the upper hand. No, not at all.
Rather, I was trying to point out that, to me at least, it isn't wise to paint with so broad a brush any group or situation. As we would not likely refer to all chirstians as arrogant, all Muslims as jihadist, all involved in this political party as selfish, all in that political party as giving, etc. it is no less important that we not refer to all who have been labeled New Thought as shysters and frauds out to control the world. ;D
As I mentioned, having been amongst those labeled New Age I've no doubt I may be more sensitive than some when I see statements that sweep hundreds, and even thousands of divergent philisophical views into a big pile claiming they are all one entity.
.
To paraphrase, didn't the Rightly Self Awakened One say: do not hastily abandon your former religion or philosophy for the sake of my teachings, but test them and prove them and rely upon your own understandings. ?
Isn't that the way we all learn, from infancy to old age? What is learned that is not learned by personal investigation, practice and understanding? There are many of the Buddha's teachings in many of the New Age Movements. Might it not be considered as valid a beginning point as any other?
The real danger lays in condemning others, their practices and their values. It is not our practice to sit on the high seat and judge and condemn others. If one wishes to discuss the New Age Movement, talk about crystals, or auras, or cleanses, or how those things are like and unlike what the Buddha taught. This is of benefit to others.
:bow:
I wanted to talk more about this subject.
It has a direct connection to buddhism because it is about consciousness, or rather the misdirection of consciousness.
To understand an aspect of NEW AGE, one has to have read BRAVE NEW WORLD by Aldus Huxley of the Fabian society, to understand what is termed the NEW WORLD ORDER. Huxley's book is more than a novel, it is a blue print, for social engineering. This social engineering is done by the media and drugs (food).
There is much more to it than this, but I'm trying to keep it simple. Huxley's was a soft approach, his friend George Orwell's 1984 was a violent approach to social engineering. He too was from the same stable – the fabian society, as are most politicians!
It does not matter who is in power, this is only a 'game' going on to deceive the public. All this and much more, is to turn human consciousness away from looking within, into the hysteria outside.
Just look at what is going on in the world, this is no accident!
The NEW WORLD ORDER thinks of you as 'sheeple'. It is all about control, mind control. Did you know that there are two laws on this planet: the law of the land and the law of the sea. The law of the land in common law (ancient natural law) the law of the sea is (commercial law). There are two of 'you'
one is a common man, the other is a corporation to earn wealth for (?). You are a commodity.
Look up 'Strawman'.
To achieve this they must also dumb down society. This is done by the media, entertainment, drugs, food and water, and even religions. To test this, just try and have a conversation with anyone, it will go nowhere, and they end up talking about themselves and trivia.
If I talk to buddhists about this they will repeat some cliché about 'their' practice, and do not seem any compassion for the world around them.
Those behind this global 'oneness' know all about human 'ego' and self image, this is what they play on....and it's working.
The Buddha's teaching counteracts all this by taming the mind. If you do not control your mind, someone else will do it for you!
We have to wake up, in many ways.
Kindest regards
Tony
There is a nice little saying..follow the money.
A about thousand years ago there was a tribe in the Turkish/Sumeria region called the Khazars. They became the Ashkenazi. Gradually they came to the German region called Frankfurt. They again changed their name to the 'Red shield'. Red shield in Germany is Rothschild.
You control a society through the movement of money. We are talking about banks.
Who owns the Federal Reserve which is a privates bank..Rothschild! Who dictates US and British policies...Rothschild. And who has the same directors as Goldman Sachs...Rothschild.
Who control the banks.....probably the Mara!
Funny old world isn't it?
Tony
Some conversations just aren't worth pursuing.
There is a nice little saying..follow the money.
A about thousand years ago there was a tribe in the Turkish/Sumeria region called the Khazars. They became the Ashkenazi. Gradually they came to the German region called Frankfurt. They again changed their name to the 'Red shield'. Red shield in Germany is Rothschild.
You control a society through the movement of money. We are talking about banks.
Who owns the Federal Reserve which is a privates bank..Rothschild! Who dictates US and British policies...Rothschild. And who has the same directors as Goldman Sachs...Rothschild.
Who control the banks.....probably the Mara!
Funny old world isn't it?
Tony
None of this talk of mind control, money, banks and US and British policies has got the remotest connection to what I think of as 'new age' in the UK ...such as crystal therapy, stained glass and home made trinkets, folk tales at Glastonbury, herbal remedies, 'Peace and Love,' meditation, holistic healing, organic food, and so on and so forth.
What an interesting discussion! Thank you! I agree with all those who have pointed out how generic the phrase "New Age" is...but I'm using it here because I don't really know what else to call it at the moment :dontknow:
My view of all this is a little different to the one Aloka-D has just expressed: it includes the candles and fairies and crystals - but for me, it goes much wider those benign trinkets. I've been doing a bit of research into the New Thought and New Age beliefs that are being propagated, and am prepared to entertain the idea that there could be something insidious going on… It's big business now, and spirituality is another product in the consumers' supermarket. And I am also prepared to consider that there could be an element of deliberate mind control.
My main interest lies in the new spirituality - it has been called Neo-Advaita by the many scholars and practitioners (such as Dennis Waite, James Schwartz and Allan Jacobs) who are now raising their concerns. The main issue seems to be that the teachers of this New Tradition set themselves up as gurus, with claims that they have reapplied "the Self", overcome their egos and have awakened to their true nature. Their teachings revolve around cherry-picked sound bites from the ancient wisdom of the non-dual traditions such as Zen, Taoism, Dzogchen and Vedanta.
Much of what these gurus say contains truth within it, and one could take the benevolent view that it offers seekers an easy-to-understand entry point.
But….and this is the worry!… there is an obsessive emphasis on the aspect of emptiness that veers towards nihilism. Students are told such things as:
There is no teacher and no path
It is not necessary to engage in self-enquiry, or any other form of practice
Meditation is a delusional activity
Everything "just happens", and there is no cause and nothing to do.
A constant repetitive denial of one's identity and a conceptual understanding of what the ego is, is all that is required
There are many, many people out there who are interested in spirituality these days, and the choice that they encounter is vast. I'm not suggesting that these choices should be curtailed - but I don't think it would do any harm for us, as students of the Dharma, to perhaps be a little more aware of the "trends" and current "fashions" out there.
Practitioners of the ancient traditions are being labelled as dogmatic victims of doctrinaire mind-control systems.
New Age spirituality is being sold as New! Improved! Re-Packaged! with all the unnecessary hard work and boring bits removed.
Hart The neo-advaita stuff is really quite worrying as is it's misapplication of non-dual language etc I can see why it is appealing in an instant gratification society......microwave realisation. Very worrying.
:hands:
The Thinker
23 Jun 12, 13:44
I would say that the so called Old school Cultivating is a lot better then this new age things.
And Cultivating is maybe the hardest path that a human can endure. and to try to make it more easy would actually in my view make it twice as hard to come to the ultimate goal in a cultivating path :)
The thinker
Bopshibobshibop
23 Jun 12, 16:43
New Age teachings do tend to take the approach of a "feel good" philosophy, from my limited understanding. They may focus on temporarily easing suffering while gaining momentary happiness.
New Age teachings seem like a hodgepodge to me, a mess of trendy beliefs that have nothing in common except they are colorful, exotic and generally hopeful.
Do New Age teachings have any essential features in common? If so, what are they?
Bopshi
New Age teachings seem like a hodgepodge to me, a mess of trendy beliefs that have nothing in common except they are colorful, exotic and generally hopeful.
Do New Age teachings have any essential features in common? If so, what are they?
Bopshi
Hello Bopshi
New Age is definitely a mish mash of personal ideas and beliefs drawn from science, psychology, psychics, self-help, holistic health, and Eastern and Western spiritual traditions (among other places!)
But from what I've heard and read, I do think there seem to be a common thread: the "religion of the self".
Everything comes down to the individual - personal experiences, thoughts, inklings, dreams, fleeting feelings are paramount and held in great worth. One trusts no one but oneself. One is one's own teacher, and looking to anyone else in order to learn something is tantamount to giving away your own power: there is huge cynicism expressed towards traditional methods of teaching.
People are calling themselves "awakened" and "enlightened" at the drop of a hat, and truly believe that there is nothing more to be done. One of the most popular phrases that is trotted out is "Place no one above your head"… it seeks to establish spirituality free of any dogma.
Stephen Batchelor has written about this:
'Today the fear of invasion is more one of psychological and social breakdown than of external invasion. instead of Theosophy, there is now the New Age, another resurgent Gnostic/Romantic fantasy that claims Buddhism as its own, just as Mani did in the Third century and Mme. Blavatsky in the 19th. The Dharma will remain unheard as long as its voice is drowned out by the clamour of these irrational and eclectic yearnings'.18
Bopshibobshibop
23 Jun 12, 19:19
Hello Bopshi
But from what I've heard and read, I do think there seem to be a common thread: the "religion of the self".
Everything comes down to the individual - personal experiences, thoughts, inklings, dreams, fleeting feelings are paramount and held in great worth. One trusts no one but oneself. One is one's own teacher, and looking to anyone else in order to learn something is tantamount to giving away your own power: there is huge cynicism expressed towards traditional methods of teaching.
People are calling themselves "awakened" and "enlightened" at the drop of a hat, and truly believe that there is nothing more to be done. One of the most popular phrases that is trotted out is "Place no one above your head"… it seeks to establish spirituality free of any dogma.
Stephen Batchelor has written about this:
Thank you for your thoughtful reply, Hart.
I get your point. You're probably right, and so is Batchelor, in my opinion. Nevertheless, on the whole I'm more worried about People Magazine, Fox News and rampant consumerism.
Cheers,
Bopshi
Thank you for your thoughtful reply, Hart.
I get your point. You're probably right, and so is Batchelor, in my opinion. Nevertheless, on the whole I'm more worried about People Magazine, Fox News and rampant consumerism.
Cheers,
Bopshi
We are of one mind, Bopshi!
And for me, at the risk of sounding melodramatic, I would definitely add the clandestine and seemingly benign "New Spirituality" to that list...;D
Goofaholix
23 Jun 12, 20:02
I get your point. You're probably right, and so is Batchelor, in my opinion. Nevertheless, on the whole I'm more worried about People Magazine, Fox News and rampant consumerism.
Not to mention News of the World. I agree with you, however the problem with the New Age movement is the tendency to claim Buddhism as it's own so in the west people sometimes don't understand the difference between the two and assume anyone into Buddhism is a new age type.
Buddhism is becoming fashionable, this will only serve to water it down.
Bopshibobshibop
23 Jun 12, 20:32
Hello Bopshi
New Age is definitely a mish mash of personal ideas and beliefs drawn from science, psychology, psychics, self-help, holistic health, and Eastern and Western spiritual traditions (among other places!)
But from what I've heard and read, I do think there seem to be a common thread: the "religion of the self".
If I may be so bold, the other common thread is pure silliness.
If healing crystals or floral perfumes could cure cancer or tuberculosis, medical scientists would have figured that out a long time ago. There would be no more cancer or tuberculosis.
If astrology could identify your lucky days, word would get around. Race tracks and gambling casinos would have gone bankrupt a long time ago.
If it were possible to communicate with deceased loved ones on the "other side" then we would not fear death so much.
If tarot cards could...
Well, I guess I've made my point. I won't beat a dead horse.
An afterthought -- I suppose the most extreme New Age believers hope they can outsmart dukkha. They have this in common with naive Christians who believe God will protect them. But dukkha never sleeps.
Bophsi
There is a very serious problem here.
This is to do with Buddhism and the New age agenda. We have to understand the western mind, the eastern mind, and dogma. Quite often I here Rinpoche's talk about western 'speed', and the audience laughs.
The Rinpoches do not understand why this speed has occurred. It is not just selfish modern humans, it is caused by.................debt! This creates anxiety, fear, busi-ness...and exhaustion. All this keeps people distracted from having time to look into their own true nature. So people turn to entertainment.
The New age agenda is about mis-directing consciousness. This is only one of many areas that people are being deceived. If you want to control a population, you do not use guns, but ideas!
The only way the Dharma can be destroyed is from within. If we keep our view too narrow, we will lack compassion for all. Unconditional compassion.
If we do not take a deeper look we are guilty of ignorance. I have found that understanding this can enhance practice, as we have to be aware of inner and outer demons. To understand the light, we must also understand the dark.
The new age might look light and fluffy.....!?
Tony
NB. We may view this differently because of the traditions we follow.
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