Buddhism

Arsenetatters

BoysOwn said:

The Buddha taught that desire is the root of suffering. I find it difficult to understand why Sangharakshitta is held in such high esteem when he was unable, or unwilling, to control his desires which inevitably led to the suffering of others.

I’m really on the fence with this one but it is good to get it out in the open and discuss it.
Is it possible that he didn’t thing it was wrong? As far as I am aware he had a 6 month relationship with a younger man and also ‘sexual relations’ with other young men who were part of the Sangha/Order. Yes the attraction might have been his status as leader but it is of a time when these things weren’t questioned in the way they are today. For example, when I was a University lecturer in the early 90s it was apparently ok to have relationships with students but you had to declare them so someone else could mark their work. Today that would horrify people.

eaststandmike

Blimey the way this thread is going it will be closed by the mods. If a thread about wellbeing and meditation is closed we are fooked 

Bighands

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BoysOwn

Fair play eastandmike. I have derailed the thread somewhat so I'm bailing. Best wishes to all.

Arsenetatters

BoysOwn said:

Fair play eastandmike. I have derailed the thread somewhat so I'm bailing. Best wishes to all.

Not sure you detailed the thread, it’s part of Triratna that won’t go away. 

I’d be interested in what your practice is at the moment and if you belong to a sangha at all? I’m guessing that you’re a Buddhist of quite a few years and value your views, and others. 

Nothing wrong with ‘right speech’

BoysOwn

Thanks arsene. Not attending a Sangha currently but like the look of Plum Village. Particularly their structure of meetings which encourages sharing of experience. May join an online session and hopefully move on to in person meetings.