Buddhist Geeks

Consensus Buddhism, Pragmatic Dharma, and the Next Turn of the Wheel

13 snips
Apr 22, 2025
Daniel Thorson, a writer and researcher delving into Western Buddhism and AI, joins for a thought-provoking discussion. He critiques Consensus Buddhism and explores its evolution in the West, emphasizing the tension between modern practices and traditional values. The conversation delves into the ethics of contemporary Buddhism, the challenge of engaging with social justice, and the balance of teacher authority in spiritual communities. Thorson also advocates for a 'meta sangha'—a collaborative community to enhance spiritual literacy and foster deeper connections.
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INSIGHT

Two Buddhist Movements Polarized

  • Consensus Buddhism focuses on social justice and others; Pragmatic Dharma focuses on individual attainment.
  • These two movements represent polarized, yet complementary, approaches to modern Buddhism.
INSIGHT

Suffering's Ethical Role

  • Eliminating suffering entirely is dangerous because suffering provides ethical feedback.
  • Removing suffering may eliminate vital lessons and ethical growth opportunities.
INSIGHT

Secular Ideologies Shape Dharma

  • Western Buddhism is influenced by secular materialism and humanism, shaping its modern form.
  • An adequate Dharma must explicitly acknowledge these background ideologies and help people deconstruct them.
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