Shikantaza too “advanced”?

[RichardH]

The charge of cult-like behavior is tricky. My sister was a devotee of Tomo Geshe Rinpoche (the original not the new fake one) and I got to know a New Kadampa teacher named Kelsang Tharchin. One school was not more cultish than the other,.... there is some frank Guru worshiping going in both and the conflict between them is over an initiate protector deity that was declared a demon by one school, therefore condemning the other school as demon worshipers. Tibet was no Shangrila . One of my favorite Tibetan teachers was Trunpa (never met him) who also apparently engaged in some pretty outrageous behavior. Also , I have been involved with a Zen sangha or two that could be very much a cult-like warpfield... and even, to my eyes, abusive. So, it is tricky.

Gassho Daizan

[Hans]

Hello,

maybe we can all agree that it might be a good idea to do some extra research and stick to some rather non-controversial approaches/groups in the beginning, until one has enough experience and general knowledge to truly choose for oneself.

@ Monkeyfish: I am not implying you did anything wrong by the way.

Gassho,

Hans Chudo Mongen

[Ishin]

Hmmm

I can see where both sides are coming from in this interesting and I feel important "cult" debate. This is my first sangha, as as a newbie looking in I would be glad to know about potential problems within certain groups. Though my life experiences and personal wisdom keep me fairly safe, I can see how some more impressionable individuals could get into trouble. Surely there is a middle way of looking out for other's safety and not participating in non-right speech. I do feel it is a duty of experienced individuals to warn others of known issues, as long as we are discussing abuse perhaps. Just as in any other area of life.

Gassho
C