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Category Archives: Consensus Buddhism
One Dharma, Zero Tantra
Joseph Goldstein’s One Dharma claims in places to be a “unified theory of Dharma” that combines “all the lineages of Buddhism.” The book begins with a two-page endorsement from the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama is widely (mis)understood in the … Continue reading
Posted in Consensus Buddhism, Tantra
Tagged Buddhism, Dalai Lama, joseph goldstein, tantra
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One Dharma. Whose?
Joseph Goldstein’s One Dharma: The Emerging Western Buddhism is a manifesto of Consensus Buddhism. It is also an introduction to Buddhism, and a practice manual; but I am interested only in the manifesto aspect. This is not a review; I … Continue reading
Buddhist Geeks podcast II, and coming attractions
The second half of my Buddhist Geeks interview is now up on the web. This covers the recent history of the Consensus, and the future. Among other things, I talk about the possibility for new forms of Buddhist Tantra. I’m … Continue reading
Preventing holy wars, by consensus
Religious conflicts tend to be particularly nasty: whether holy wars that kill millions or flame wars on Buddhist internet forums. When you have The One Whole Holy Truth, anyone with a different view must be absolutely wrong and wicked, and … Continue reading
How not to argue about Buddhism
The most common unproductive way to disagree is to attack your opponent, rather than what they have to say. (This is called “arguing ad hominem”—Latin for “against the person.”) Ad hominem rarely adds to understanding—but it can be effective at … Continue reading
My Buddhist Geeks interview with Hokai Sobol
I’m excited and honored to have a podcast interview up now on the Buddhist Geeks web site. The Buddhist Geeks are doing fascinating, important work in expanding the range of Buddhist voices, and particularly in encouraging discussion of the future … Continue reading
Constructive religious disagreement
“You should not argue about religion”—much less criticize anyone else’s. That’s taboo. Everyone knows it’s not nice. Genuine religious tolerance, however, begins with understanding. Understanding other people’s religions means understanding how they are different. Respectful argument, including criticism, is the … Continue reading
Wholeness, connection, and meditation: Competing visions
For many Westerners, Buddhism is mainly about wholeness and connection. Modern life is atomizing and alienating: Multiple social roles demand that you be several different people in different places. Some of those partial-selves are false fronts; others seem natural. If … Continue reading
Are mystical experiences metaphysical evidence?
Here is an extraordinary spiritual teaching: Mystics, across many different cultures and religions, all describe their insight experiences similarly. This couldn’t happen unless their accounts were accurate. So we must believe what they say. What is extraordinary about this teaching … Continue reading
Effing the ineffable
We were walking back towards the zendo when my legs gave way. I fainted. Galli-san laid me down in the entrance to Busshari-To and shouted to Jakuda-san. I only wanted a cup of tea. They brought me inside. Everyone was … Continue reading
