Love your clear breakdown, especially the practice of purva-paksa! I would actually quote that term when I taught Freshman Composition, and emphasize the power of the "steel man" argument. A logical fallacy is the "straw man" where we propose the weakest part of the opposing arguments and then tear it down. But a much more powerful way to engage in an argument is to present the strongest parts of the opposing arguments (the "steel") and THEN tear it down. Of course, you emphasize that true discussion is not about tearing each other down, but seeking truth. That God Himself is present is such kind of discussion. A lot less sensational but so much more profound and meaningful.
Thank you Bhakti lata. I also like the idea of understanding the motivations. For we may not understand their approach to an issue but we still may appreciate the underlining concern. I recently gave a talk called Idealism and Opportunity - Vaishnava Ethics. I found a common tension that is reflected in various ways and understanding the importance of both sides of these tensions can calm the fever of ‘the outside group’. I was thinking I should also write about those tensions here as well. Here are some examples:
Principle vs practical
Religion vs philosophy
Sensitive vs sensible (BG 17.15)
Diligent vs negligent (niyamāgrahaḥ)
Deontology vs consequentialism
Purity vs utility
These are like beans and rice, together they are a complete protein, alone not so powerful and sometime dangerous.
Like the water flows around a stone in creek due to two aspects, gravity and flexibility. Similarly the architect has the plan but engineer knows how needs to be applied to the situation on the ground.
Yes the Sanskrit word Pūjā Comes from the root √pūj (पूज्) which means to honor, revere or to respect.
This tenancy can be offered on a low level or a high level. On a high level, this tenancy is offered to Bhagavan and the representatives of Bhagavan, God and his servants.
Vajrayana Buddhism engages with politics through a unique "counter-biopolitics," using ritual practices like
Deity YogaandChodto challenge Western-influenced, state-driven, and capitalist paradigms of power. It focuses on the permeability and impermanence of the body to promote inner spiritual liberation rather than external, worldly control, often creating autonomous, communal, and, in some contexts, democratic or socially engaged structures (e.g., inhttps://www.britannica.com/topic/Buddhism/Vajrayana-Tantric-or-Esoteric-Buddhism
Puja politics" refers to the intersection of religious rituals, specifically
Durga Pujain Bengal, with political maneuvering, often involving competition between parties for community influence, public visibility, and cultural identity. It involves organizing, funding, and participating in public festivals (sarbojanin) to gain community support, evolving from historical revolts against elite-exclusive, private landlord-owned worship.
Lama Chöpa (Guru Offering Puja) is a vital Vajrayana practice focusing on Guru Yoga, merging the practitioner's mind with the Guru's enlightened mind. In the Kagyu tradition, it honors lineage masters, often used to restore samaya vows and strengthen devotion. It involves extensive offerings and visualization, often with Tsok, to receive blessings.
Kagyu Office
Kagyu Office
+4
Significance in Kagyu: Used in various Kagyu lineages (including Drukpa and Karma Kagyu) as a monthly practice or special occasion to honor lineage masters like Jigten Sumgon, founder of Drikung Kagyu.
Core Elements: The practice includes the seven-limb prayer, mandala offerings, and profound Guru Yoga, often integrated with Mahamudra to recognize the nature of the mind.
Purpose: It functions as a method for purifying obscurations, accumulating merit, and attaining realizations.
Lineage Focus: It highlights the teacher as the root of all blessings, emphasizing devotion as the swift path to enlightenment.
Haré Krishna! I appreciated the notes on reducing bias, and ending with Krishna 🙂
Love your clear breakdown, especially the practice of purva-paksa! I would actually quote that term when I taught Freshman Composition, and emphasize the power of the "steel man" argument. A logical fallacy is the "straw man" where we propose the weakest part of the opposing arguments and then tear it down. But a much more powerful way to engage in an argument is to present the strongest parts of the opposing arguments (the "steel") and THEN tear it down. Of course, you emphasize that true discussion is not about tearing each other down, but seeking truth. That God Himself is present is such kind of discussion. A lot less sensational but so much more profound and meaningful.
Thank you Bhakti lata. I also like the idea of understanding the motivations. For we may not understand their approach to an issue but we still may appreciate the underlining concern. I recently gave a talk called Idealism and Opportunity - Vaishnava Ethics. I found a common tension that is reflected in various ways and understanding the importance of both sides of these tensions can calm the fever of ‘the outside group’. I was thinking I should also write about those tensions here as well. Here are some examples:
Principle vs practical
Religion vs philosophy
Sensitive vs sensible (BG 17.15)
Diligent vs negligent (niyamāgrahaḥ)
Deontology vs consequentialism
Purity vs utility
These are like beans and rice, together they are a complete protein, alone not so powerful and sometime dangerous.
Like the water flows around a stone in creek due to two aspects, gravity and flexibility. Similarly the architect has the plan but engineer knows how needs to be applied to the situation on the ground.
I’m very strict
You equate politics to Puja?
Yes the Sanskrit word Pūjā Comes from the root √pūj (पूज्) which means to honor, revere or to respect.
This tenancy can be offered on a low level or a high level. On a high level, this tenancy is offered to Bhagavan and the representatives of Bhagavan, God and his servants.
Vajrayana Buddhism engages with politics through a unique "counter-biopolitics," using ritual practices like
Deity YogaandChodto challenge Western-influenced, state-driven, and capitalist paradigms of power. It focuses on the permeability and impermanence of the body to promote inner spiritual liberation rather than external, worldly control, often creating autonomous, communal, and, in some contexts, democratic or socially engaged structures (e.g., inhttps://www.britannica.com/topic/Buddhism/Vajrayana-Tantric-or-Esoteric-Buddhism
Puja politics" refers to the intersection of religious rituals, specifically
Durga Pujain Bengal, with political maneuvering, often involving competition between parties for community influence, public visibility, and cultural identity. It involves organizing, funding, and participating in public festivals (sarbojanin) to gain community support, evolving from historical revolts against elite-exclusive, private landlord-owned worship.
Lama Chöpa (Guru Offering Puja) is a vital Vajrayana practice focusing on Guru Yoga, merging the practitioner's mind with the Guru's enlightened mind. In the Kagyu tradition, it honors lineage masters, often used to restore samaya vows and strengthen devotion. It involves extensive offerings and visualization, often with Tsok, to receive blessings.
Kagyu Office
Kagyu Office
+4
Significance in Kagyu: Used in various Kagyu lineages (including Drukpa and Karma Kagyu) as a monthly practice or special occasion to honor lineage masters like Jigten Sumgon, founder of Drikung Kagyu.
Core Elements: The practice includes the seven-limb prayer, mandala offerings, and profound Guru Yoga, often integrated with Mahamudra to recognize the nature of the mind.
Purpose: It functions as a method for purifying obscurations, accumulating merit, and attaining realizations.
Lineage Focus: It highlights the teacher as the root of all blessings, emphasizing devotion as the swift path to enlightenment.