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Buddhist-Meditation-Systematic-and-Practical

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Chapter XVI<br />

HOW TO RECOGNIZE AND TREAT ALL SORTS<br />

OF MEDITATION TROUBLES AND HOW TO<br />

KNOW FALSE REALIZATIONS<br />

As the listener <strong>and</strong> transcriber approached the<br />

yogi's hermitage, they were absorbed in discussing<br />

being both a bhiksu <strong>and</strong> a bodhisattva. Bhante noted<br />

that many Mahayana texts clearly state that unless<br />

one is first a bhiksu, it is almost impossible to find<br />

the correct time <strong>and</strong> environment to practice<br />

bodhisattva life. The transcriber pointed out that to<br />

many in the West these ideals seemed opposed to<br />

one another. Bhante replied that the fault lies here<br />

with the Theravada who makes so little of the<br />

bodhisattva ideal while stressing the bhiksu life<br />

directed at the arhat attainment. The transcriber<br />

added that part of the blame must lie with Western<br />

pseudo-Zen, which often fails to take into account<br />

the backbone of strict monastic life in Chan (Zen).<br />

Reflecting on this attitude of trying to get<br />

"something for nothing," we came to Mr. Chen's<br />

hermitage. When we had entered <strong>and</strong> were seated,<br />

the transcriber noticed various foods arranged on a<br />

bench. He said, "Mr. Chen is going to have a<br />

fire-sacrifice." "Yes," said the yogi, "tomorrow is<br />

Christmas Day, when I make a special sacrifice<br />

551

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