Gnosticism and Buddhism (ritual, mystic, hell, experience, spiritual)

[NuGnostic]

To me the Gnostic ideas of searching for your spiritual Gnosis,seems to me to hold definite similarities to the Buddist ideas of searching for enlightment,also the Buddha taught that excistence is suffering and I know although I don't agree with this that,historically some Gnostic sects believed the material world was evil or even hell itself.What are your opinions as fellow Gnostics on this.

[Engyo]

Originally Posted by NuGnostic

To me the Gnostic ideas of searching for your spiritual Gnosis,seems to me to hold definite similarities to the Buddist ideas of searching for enlightment,also the Buddha taught that excistence is suffering and I know although I don't agree with this that,historically some Gnostic sects believed the material world was evil or even hell itself.What are your opinions as fellow Gnostics on this.

As I posted to Scarlett in another thread, "dukkha" can mean many things besides the english "suffering". Here is a link to the post:
http://www.religiousforums.com/forum...588#post322588 Post #7

I hope this helps; to simply say that "existence is suffering" in english does not cover teh subject anywhere nearly enough.

[anders]

Originally Posted by Engyo

"dukkha" can mean many things besides the english "suffering".

To further illustrate this point, I'd like to mention that the almost proverbial Pali-English Dictionary uses two full pages (out of some 700) to explain "dukkha". It can be applied to most everythng disagreeable, from torture through the loss of a loved one or mere absence from one's love to the discomfort caused by gnat bites. But obviously, its meanings are too profound to cover in a few words. Accordingly, many writers don't translate it but use "dukkha".

[Buttons*]

I used to think that Buddhism and Gonsticism were almost hand in hand, but I dont think they acctually are. Then again I havent studied Buddhism. They both seek "enlightemnment" but I think they're talking about two completely different ways of dooing it...

[Halcyon]

Originally Posted by Buttons*

I used to think that Buddhism and Gonsticism were almost hand in hand, but I dont think they acctually are. Then again I havent studied Buddhism. They both seek "enlightemnment" but I think they're talking about two completely different ways of dooing it...

I'd say that they both seek the same goal, and both do it in a similar manner. Just the method is explained differently, which reflects the cultural environment of the writers.

[Buttons*]

Originally Posted by Halcyon

I'd say that they both seek the same goal, and both do it in a similar manner. Just the method is explained differently, which reflects the cultural environment of the writers.

well, fine then...

[MysticSang'ha]

Hello, everyone! I've only been a member since yesterday. *waves*



I'd like to echo what others have been saying about the misinterpretation of dukkha. One might also venture to say that even boredom, complacency, or confusion might fit into this category. "Suffering" is often times inferred to be placed in the extreme emotional spectrum, but it is fundamentally seen as an obstacle to the Pure Light. Dukkha covers a much broader range of experience, and it is the first of the Four Noble Truths. Yet, you are still free to disagree with the Buddha's teachings. No harm done by disagreeing.



Of course, I am still learning, too, despite having studied Buddhism for over ten years.



On topic: I see varying similarites between Gnosticism and Buddhism (however, one must remember that there are varying belief systems within each of these schools, too - there are marked differences between, say, Nichiren and Zen Buddhism).........that the goal is to be liberated from the "wheel" of samsara. At least in sanskrit terms. I've only studied briefly Sophian Gnosticism, so I can't with confidence state clearly the similarities and differences, but I do see somewhat of a thread between the two.




I like this forum. Take care, everyone.




Peace,
Mystic

[ChrisP]

Originally Posted by Buttons*

well, fine then...

hehehe buttons* sticks her neck out and *WHACK* the badger blade comes out!

[Buttons*]

Originally Posted by ChrisP

hehehe buttons* sticks her neck out and *WHACK* the badger blade comes out!

you best watch where you stick YOUR neck Chrispy... *evil glare*