Meditation is not enough
Meditation is not enough |
- Meditation is not enough
- Sex 'Addiction' Is a Real Disorder, Study Suggests
- 5 Reasons To Workout Right After The Alarm Clock Rings
- Early Morning Buddhist Inspiration - 10/10/2012
- Meningitis Death Toll Hits 11 as Cases Continue to Mount
- GE Recalls Front Load Washers
- Graco Recalls Classic Wood Highchairs
- Buddhist literature
- Dude, where's my soul? Can't find it anywhere.
| Posted: 10 Oct 2012 12:00 PM PDT
Last night at a Dharma study group that I meet with on Skype, we looked at the Meghiya Sutta. Meghiya was an attendant of the Buddha, and one time when the two of them were together, Meghiya asked if he could go off and meditate in a lovely looking mango grove that he'd spotted when he was off on his alms-round. Meghiya had thought that the mango grove would be the perfect place to meditate. The Buddha asked him to wait, though, since he would be left alone. Presumably he wanted the company, or might need Meghiya for some practical reason, or perhaps he thought it would benefit Meghiya to stay with him. But Meghiya was very insistent about going off to meditate. He kept asking and asking (parents are very familiar with this!) and the Buddha eventually said (and I imagine him with a wry smile on his face), "Well, Meghiya, what can I say when you talk of practising meditation? Do what you think it is time for." Meghiya's obsessing with the mango grove as a perfect place to meditate sounds like a kind of spiritual materialism. It's like when you or I might get really excited because we have a new meditation app on our smartphone, or a new meditation bench; surely now our meditation practice will really take off! So Meghiya goes off and has a terrible meditation. He's assaulted by craving and ill-will. This isn't surprising. He'd been craving to go off to the mango grove to meditate, and he took his craving with him. Of course that's wat he experienced in meditation! And he'd been anticipating having a great meditation, and when we have expectations like that and they aren't fulfilled, we tend to get frustrated and angry. So he goes back to the Buddha and expresses his puzzlement about what's gone wrong. In response, the Buddha outlines five things that lead to the heart's release (enlightenment). These are:
The Buddha makes it clear that this is a progressive list, and that spiritual friendship is the foundation of all the rest. So there's a teaching here for Meghiya. Meghiya had become obsessed with going off and having great meditation experiences, but he hadn't been a friend to the Buddha. He hadn't taken the Buddha's needs into account, and instead had followed the path of self-centered craving. Also, he'd been with the man who was arguably the greatest spiritual genius the world has ever seen. And what does he want to do? Go off and meditate in a pretty spot in the countryside! Talk about skewed priorities! Think of the opportunities that he had for learning in the presence of the Buddha. Think of the opportunities he had to transcend his craving-based desires by staying, and being helpful, and practicing lovingkindness, taking another person's needs into account as well as his own.  Explore meditation with Bodhipaksa's Wildmind: A Step-by-Step Guide to Meditation (signed copy). The Buddha counters with "virtue" (Right Action and Right Livelihood), "talk that is serious and opens up the heart" (Right Speech), being energetic (Right Effort), and insight (Right View and Right Intention). It's as if he's saying — sure, meditation is important, but it's not enough. You need the other six factors of the path as well. And the key to successfully practicing all the factors of the path is, perhaps surprisingly, friendship, or kalyana mittata. Getting enlightened, as I've said before, is a team sport. We need other people to inspire us and to support us, and we also need them in order to transcend our own self-clinging — something Meghiya had forgotten, and which we'd do well to remember, especially with the rise of the various "mindfulness-based" approaches that treat the practice of meditation in isolation from the other factors of the path. Read More @ Source
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| Sex 'Addiction' Is a Real Disorder, Study Suggests Posted: 10 Oct 2012 10:00 AM PDT
The idea that someone can have a sex addiction has been controversial, but a new study suggests that it is a real disorder, and lays out rules that could be used in deciding who has it. Hypersexual disorder, as sex addiction is formally known, is under consideration for inclusion in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) — the bible of mental conditions. But first, researchers need to agree on how to define this disorder. For example, under one proposed definition, a person who simply has frequent sex would not be diagnosed with hypersexual disorder, said study researcher Rory Reid, an assistant professor and research psychologist at the University of California, Los Angeles. But a person whose sexual activities are excessive, frequently used to cope with stress and interfere with their ability to function in daily life may meet the criteria for the disorder, Reid said. The definition also needs to hold up in the real world, so that health care professionals can consistently apply it when diagnosing patients. In the new study, researchers found that professionals could use the proposed symptoms of hypersexual disorder to separate people into two groups — those who have a disorder, and others who don't. In addition, health professionals with varied backgrounds, including psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers, generally agreed about how to interpret the definition. The researchers emphasized that they are not trying to turn common behaviors — such as having a lot of sex, or watching pornography — into disorders. Rather, people with hypersexual disorder report feeling out of control, and act on their sexual urges while disregarding the repercussions. "They might consider the consequences momentarily, but somehow feel their need for sex is more important, and choose sex even in situations where such choices might cause significant problems or harm," such as job loss, relationship problems or financial difficulties, Reid said. The results of the study will be sent to the American Psychiatric Association — the organization in charge of putting together the DSM. APA reviewers will then determine whether hypersexual disorder will be included in the next edition of the manual, to be released next summer. In the study, hypersexual disorder was defined as "recurrent and intense sexual fantasies, sexual urges, and sexual behavior," that had lasted at least six months. Diagnosis requires that these sexual fantasies, urges and behaviors cause the patient distress, or interfere with some aspect of the patient's life, such as the patient's job or social life. To be classified under the disorder, these behaviors must not be brought on by drugs or alcohol, or another mental disorder. The researchers interviewed 207 people who had been referred to a mental health clinic, without knowing the reasons for their referral. One hundred fifty-two people had been referred for sexual behavior problems, while 20 were referred for substance abuse, and 35 for another psychiatric condition. Using the criteria for hypersexual disorder, 134 of the patients referred for sexual problems were diagnosed with hypersexual disorder and 18 were diagnosed as having another psychiatric condition or no condition at all. Having a diagnosis of hypersexual disorder was closely linked to patients' scores on separate questionnaires designed to assess sexual behavior, impulsively and susceptibility to stress. In 92 percent of cases, the professionals agreed on who should be diagnosed with the condition. The vast majority of patients who were referred for substance abuse problems (19 out of 20) or another psychiatric condition (32 out of 35) were diagnosed with their respective conditions, and not with hypersexual disorder. Doctors also asked patients to report which behaviors were most problematic for them, including masturbation, pornography viewing, sex with consenting adults, cybersex, telephone sex and frequenting strip clubs. The majority who were diagnosed with hypersexual disorder said masturbation and pornography viewing were problematic. Some patients reported losing jobs because they could not refrain from these behaviors at work, Reid said. Patients are likely to say that they engaged in these behaviors despite efforts to try to control them, and with disregard for the physical or emotional harm to themselves or others, the researchers said. To answer critics who argue hypersexual disorder could be used as an excuse to be unfaithful, Reid said the disorder would not absolve people from the consequences of their behavior. "Having a disorder didn't help them avoid consequences, such as divorce, but it is advantageous for them when they want to get help and change," Reid said. Future research is needed to determine whether people with hypersexual disorder have changes in their brain that are similar to the changes seen in people with addictions, Reid said. In addition, studies should determine the prevalence of the condition in the general population, he said. If hypersexual disorder is added to the DSM, it will be included in the appendix, Reid said. The inclusion of disorders in the appendix is provisional, and requires further research, Reid said. Pass it on: Hypersexual disorder is one step closer to becoming an official psychiatric condition. Follow Rachael Rettner on Twitter @RachaelRettner, or MyHealthNewsDaily @MyHealth_MHND. We're also on Facebook & Google+.  Read More @ Source 
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| 5 Reasons To Workout Right After The Alarm Clock Rings Posted: 10 Oct 2012 08:00 AM PDT  RING RING RING... RING RING *WHACK!* That would be me rage hitting my alarm clock. Normally followed by me rolling over with my blanky and snuggling up to my dog. Well that routine changed. How do you spend the first 5 minutes of your day? Denying that it's morning? Laying around? Snuggling with your honey? That's what I used to do, until I got smart. The following might sound painful (like fingernails on a chalkboard), but I've got to share it - If I didn't you'd be missing out on one of life's big secrets. The Secret to Productivity So what's this amazing secret? Something you must pay for before finding out? Of course not... it is simply that - I have learned that AM exercise is one of the largest boosters to productivity! A morning workout wakes you up fast and sets the stage for the rest of your day. You'll want to shovel a healthy breakfast into your mouth first for added energy, but as soon as you're done - pump it up! Too early for the gym? Don't worry about it. Don't have an hour of free time in your morning routine? That's okay. You can get the added benefits of sunrise exercise just by doing something for 20-30 minutes. Jog around the block, do tae-bo with Billy Banks, or a simple push-up/sit-up/pull-up routine will suffice. The idea is to shorten the amount of time from when you wake up and when you start to groove it! It takes most people 55 minutes or longer to wake up. Being sleepy is unproductive - you can minimize that time by quickly getting your heart pumping and blood flowing. It has been proven that people who workout in the morning are more likely t! o stick with it. While exercising in the afternoon might sound like a good idea - once the working day is over, do you really feel like exercising? 5 Reasons to Workout in the Morning
So if you're convinced by now, good! Set the alarm for 4:30 am, hop in bed and hav! e at it! ! No... I'm just kidding... that's not how it works. At least not for me - if you want to start incorporating a morning workout into your schedule, I recommend you do it gradually and take things one step at a time. Start by waking up 30 minutes earlier each day - then doing the workout every other day - then finally going into the full fledged routine. When I started doing this I found two things to help the most. 1. Putting my alarm clock away from the bed. It forced me to get up and didn't allow my "sleep mode" robotic arm to turn it off. 2. Having everything ready - it is just so much more motivating knowing your shoes, water, towel, and speedos (just kidding) are all laid out and ready to help you greet the day. Being productive ensures you get the most out of every day you live. If your mornings are slow - I encourage you to evaluate your waking routine and see if you can incorporate a jolt of exercise energy! Are you lazy in the morning? - Or do you currently experience the productivity boost from an AM workout? Share your experience and tips below!
Do you have a bucket list? Here are 101 things to do before you die. Includes a tutorial on how you can create your bucket list too!      Read More @ Source 
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| Early Morning Buddhist Inspiration - 10/10/2012 Posted: 10 Oct 2012 06:00 AM PDT  "We work on ourselves in order to help others, but also we help others in order to work on ourselves." ~Pema Chödrön       Read More @ Source 
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| Meningitis Death Toll Hits 11 as Cases Continue to Mount Posted: 10 Oct 2012 04:00 AM PDT
The number of deaths from fungal meningitis linked to steroid injections has risen to 11, up from the eight deaths reported yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said today (Oct. 9). Two of the new deaths were reported in Tennessee, bringing the number of fatalities there to six. The other was reported Michigan, bringing that state's total to three. The number of reported cases of fungal meningitis rose to 119, from the 105 cases reported as of yesterday, the CDC said. Tennessee has the most cases, with 39. For the first time, a case was reported in New Jersey, which now joins Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia in reporting cases of the fungal infection. The deadly outbreak is linked to steroid injections produced by the New England Compounding Center in Framingham, Mass. The sickened patients received injections into their spines as a treatment for lower back pain. [5 Meningitis Facts You Need to Know] The center has voluntarily stopped distributing its products, and has shut down operations. An investigation of the facility revealed fungal contamination of its drugs, according to the Food and Drug Administration. The type of fungal meningitis in the outbreak cannot be spread from person to person, the CDC says. The number of cases in the fungal meningitis outbreak is still increasing because some people who received the contaminated injections before they were recalled could still develop symptoms — they can take up to four weeks to appear. In other cases, people may have fallen sick sometime in the past several months after receiving an injection, but doctors are now better able to identify the cause of their illness. Symptoms of fungal meningitis include fever, new or worsening headache and a stiff neck. Some patients with the condition have had strokes. Meningitis is a swelling or inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord (which are called the meninges). Meningitis can also be caused by bacteria, viruses and brain surgery. Pass it on: Deaths from a rare form of steroid-linked fungal meningitis have reached 11. FollowMyHealthNewsDaily on Twitter @MyHealth_MHND. We're also on Facebook & Google+. Read More @ Source 
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| Posted: 10 Oct 2012 03:00 AM PDT
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with GE Appliances, of Louisville, Ky., announced a voluntary recall of about 62,000 GE Profile™ Front Load Washers. Hazard: The washer's basket can separate during use and break the washer's top panel, posing an injury hazard to consumers. Incidents/Injuries: GE has received 19 reports of washer baskets separating, including 10 reports of top panel breakage. No injuries have been reported. Description: This recall involves GE Profile™ frontload washing machines with model numbers beginning with WPDH8800, WPDH8900 and WPDH8910. All serial numbers with these models are included in this recall. The washers were sold in gold, red and white colors. The model number is located on the washer's right side near the bottom and behind the door near the door frame visible when the door is opened.
Sold at: Best Buy, Lowe's, Sears, The Home Depot and other department and retail stores nationwide, from July 2008 to August 2011 for between $ 1,199 and $ 1,599. Manufactured in: China  Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled washers and contact GE for a free repair. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact GE Appliances at (888) 641-9739 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.geappliances.com/products/recall. Read More @ Source 
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| Graco Recalls Classic Wood Highchairs Posted: 10 Oct 2012 02:00 AM PDT
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with Graco Children's Products Inc., of Atlanta, Ga., announced a voluntary recall of about 86,000 Graco Classic Wood Highchairs in the United States and 3,400 in Canada. Hazard: The high chair's seat can loosen or detach from the base, posing a fall hazard to the child. Incidents/Injuries: Graco has received 58 reports of the high chairs' seats loosening or detaching from the base. There have been nine reports of children falling as the seat detached from the base, resulting in reports of bumps, bruises and scratches. Graco has received one report of a concussion in Canada. Description: This recall involves all Graco brand Classic Wood Highchairs sold in three wood finishes. The high chair has a top seat, bottom leg assembly and removable tray. The high chair is sold with a beige fabric seat cover. Model number 3C00BPN, 3C00BPN TC, 3C00CHY, 3C00CHY TC, 3C00CPO or 3C00CPO TC is printed on a label on the underside of the seat assembly. Sold at: Babies R Us, Burlington Coat Factory and other retail stores nationwide and at Target.com and Walmart.com and other online retailers between September 2007 and December 2010 for about $ 130. Manufactured in: China Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled high chairs and contact Graco for a free repair kit. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Graco at (800) 345-4109 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and, or visit the firm's website at www.gracobaby.com. Note: Health Canada's press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1692. Read More @ Source 
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| Posted: 09 Oct 2012 10:00 PM PDT We must recognize that the discourses of Buddhism should not be taken as just 'literature', at least not in a Western sense. But then what do I mean by literature? I shall limit the definition to a more modern meaning. Literature refers to an imaginative composition such as a novel or poetry and drama. Looking at the discourses of the Buddha as a literary product that the careful, educated reader will eventually find the meaning to is not going to happen. Almost the same, we cannot back engineer Buddhism just by reading and studying its discourses. Taken as a whole, the discourses of the Buddha tell us about the mind of someone who has attained a peak experience who, for example, does not regard the psychophysical body as his self or âtman. Obviously, the peak experience of the Buddha and the discourses that arise from it, have to chime. This excludes at least two expectations we might have when taking up the Buddha's discourses. First, reading and interpreting the discourses of the Buddha without a peak experience will be of little or no benefit as far as Buddhism is concerned. Second, having a peak experience that does not chime with the discourses of the Buddha has no relationship with the Buddha's enlightenment. 
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| Dude, where's my soul? Can't find it anywhere. Posted: 09 Oct 2012 08:00 PM PDT I've been looking for my soul everywhere I can think it might be. No sign of it. I've gone through the drawer where I put stuff that I figure I might need someday, but don't want to throw away. Nope. No soul. Our garage is filled with places it might be, lots of boxes filled with long-forgotten crap. But I don't remember putting my soul into storage there. So I'm left with talking to myself. Or to whoever might be listening who could help me out. Dude, where's my soul? (If this allusion doesn't make sense to you, your taste in movies is too elevated. Lower it, dude.) For a long time I've been on a soul search. After all, back in 1971 I was initiated into a mystical/religious practice called Sant Mat which promises to unite soul drops with the ocean of God. There was a lot of talk about "soul" and "spirit" (universal side of soul, basically) in the teachings. But not much guidance about how soul could be recognized. Eventually I gave up soul-searching, as evidenced by this and this, among other soulless blog posts. My previous post, though, got me to pondering this whole soul-business in a fresh fashion. Here's part of what I quoted from Jan Westerhoff's book about the nature of reality. To put the point in a different way, suppose someone offered you a drug that completely destroyed your self while leaving all your beliefs, desires, preferences, and so on intact. Would there be anything wrong with taking it? It would certainly be preferable to a drug that destroyed all our beliefs, desires, preferences etc. and left our self intact. Substitute "soul" for "self" in that quotation and you'll see why I'm having so much difficulty finding my soul. By many accounts (especially of the Eastern philosophy variety), it's supposed to be something different from mind and matter, something spiritual, ethereal, pure. Christians seem to look upon soul a bit differently, but there's a problem with every notion of "soul" that I'm aware of. Westerhoff described it nicely through his thought experiment. If soul is different from mind and matter, would you be willing to trade everything mental and material that you're conscious of now for whatever might be left over once you're "soul"? (Note: I'm not implying a strict divide between mental and material; my view of mind is that it's what the physical brain does.) Let's say you're deeply religious. You love God. Or you love your guru. Or you love Jesus, along with the angels which accompany him. Regardless, you love something divine. That love is precious to you. It's a big part of what makes life so satisfying. Your mental life. Your emotional life. Your thoughtful life. So if soul is different from mind, and you choose to discard mind and matter for whatever "soul" might be, say goodbye to those love-feelings. Also, goodbye to your perceptions of whatever/whoever you love. And goodbye to being able to know their presence in any sort of material way also, since soul is supposed to be something non-physical. Do you see the problem with believing that you are, or have, a soul? There's absolutely no evidence that it exists, apart from abstract concepts in holy books and theological teachings. The life you actually live is filled with mental and physical experiences -- perceptions, feelings, thoughts, intuitions, sensations, etc. Subtract all that out and what are you left with? Do you know? Have you any experience of being conscious without any experience? (If you believe you have, I'd like to ask how you can know what something is like that has no qualities, and thus nothing to like. Or, dislike.) Soul is a fantasy. Soul is a concept dreamed up by religious authorities who want to control people by making them afraid that if they don't follow the precepts of a certain religion, they'll lose their soul. To which I say, I can't lose what I don't have. No one can. But if you believe you have, or are, a soul, feel free to show it to me. If I know how to recognize it, I'll take another look in my garage. 
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Meditation is a cool means of transformation, and essential as part of our practice, but the Buddha offered much, much more.
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