Various thoughts on sectarianism and conformity.

A potential PHD topic is sectarianism in Tibetan Buddhism. This is a pretty sensitive subject in some ways, but also one that can't really go untouched. A few times in D'sala I felt it was the elephant in the room.

My own exeriences of it really come from a position on vulnerable insecurity. When one lacks certainity based on experience rather than internalising, it is easier to externalise and project this onto the world. By talking down others views and convincing others of the 'rightness' of ones own view there is a fake sense of confidence built up. Like anything that is false and built up, it is bound to end in tears.

Add groupthink to the situation and the disaster multiplies. As Shantideva says "nothing good will come from the meeting of two fools". If sectarianist views are taking root in one group, it can affect the whole group like a cancer. This is where conformity comes in.

Conformity is generally the seemingly easy option. No only in "spiritual" circles, but political ones too. And it is never a good thing. Buddha taught to examine his teachings and not simply accept them.

On the more worldy side I found some interresting blogs this week where various self-indetified Anarchists where trying to convince others that their Anarchism was the true path as it were, and sadly lots of commenters were agreeing as part of the community rather than challenging the basis of the initial argument which was simply dogma, with no real authority backing it.

Back on the religious front there is an awesome quote in the Hagakure. It sort of sums up some of my limited understanding of sectarianism.

"The Way

It is bad when one thing becomes two. One should not look for anything else in the Way of the Samurai. It is the same for anything that is called a Way. If one understands things in this manner, he should be able to hear about all ways and be more and more in accord with his own."