Talk:New Kadampa Tradition/Archive 11

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I would like to put forward the following for approval:

The modern definition of cult is a religious movement that uses mind control techniques intentionally harming the adherents so that the leader(s) can get fame, companionship, political influence, wealth, praise, resources and worldly pleasure.

Until we define cult clearly any happy healthy religion that anyone deems strange will be labelled a cult. The new kadampa tradition is not a cult because it does not have the intention to harm people. The funds are not to get the leader fame but are to get fame for the Gelugpa instructions. If the leader wanted fame he would be basking in the crowds on a weekly basis enjoying adoration. Instead he is in his room 50 weeks of the year translating as much scripture as he can into English before he dies. If he wanted wealth he would give many people chances to make public offerings. He would spend money on buying himself a nice big house. Doesnt the fact that he doesnt have his own mansion speak for itself? Many Lamas had palacial residences. Nor does he wear fancy clothes of high lamas such as pandits hats. As for praise when you praise a Lama if you see a glowing smile of gratitude & a blush you feel encouraged. This is the response of someone who enjoys praise. But with the leader of the NKT I can tell you from my own experience all you get is a blank look. It does nothing for him. The glow comes when he starts to talk about Buddhas teachings. This is what he loves, not praise. Resources you have show what your interests are, where your heart lies. My room is filled with computer games. I buy lots of things I dont need & keep them out of attatchment. Resources can be also making social connections with powerful people. Lamas who seek such things will increase social circles meeting famous people. Many cult leaders have done this. Nazis were a political cult of sorts. Fanatical people using mind control to gain adherents. Hitler spent a time gaining social connections to increase his power & reputation. He shook the hands of famous people & enjoyed it. Then he called upon those alliances as resources. Not having social meetings trying to get people to like you and gain influence over them is a good sign. To meet an important person & show them how much love, compassion & humility you have is the act of many cult leaders. Worldly pleasure can be anything from sexual exploitation to getting waited on hand and foot.

I myself am a follower of this tradition and have seen various events in the past some good some bad. The New Kadampa tradition is in BETA mode as the term internet people use. It is still evolving. For me it provides very good facilities to study & practice authentic teachings given by an authentic & fully qualified lineage holder of Buddhism. It has everything I need there is nothing not there. The teachings are not a mixed up mish mash of new age twaddle and they are in English which is also important. When I see the occassional hiccup I dont care much because the quality of the Buddhism is very high & authentic. The NKT has spread itself very thin in order to give as many people access to Buddhism as possible. This results in things not always running well. Whether this is good or bad remains to be seen. But the intention of the organisation & its leader is very wholesome in general. Inexperience of new people put in responsible positions does lead to bad decisions being made. But the followers are taught on a weekly basis traditional teachings that it is wrong for a guru/teacher to pursue fame praise wealth & that they should live as a simple monk. They are also taught it is against Buddhism to harm others at every class. So any bad decision making due to inexperience will with time gradually become less heard of in this organisation, as followers of it gain experience with age & learn from their own mistakes. There have been many changes in the last 20 years as I have seen from them as they recieve feedback. And now with the internet the feedback proccess is becoming a strong influence. This is my knowledge of the NKT I hope it helps. Seekingpurity (talk) 00:56, 9 November 2009 (UTC)