Originally Posted by
Faux Newbie
But isn't what you are arguing, in effect, correct Christian prayer vs. incorrect Buddhist/Taoist/Confucian contemplation and enaction? None of those traditions claim you can do anything on your own without outside help.
Again, Confucius and Mencius specifically call seeing the merit of others one of the greatest teachings.
Buddhist meditation almost immediately seeks to focus on practices that erode the sense of an isolated self.
Taoism is entirely based on observing the world, not the self.
The starting point in all three traditions is quieting the mind so that one can see what is beyond yourself.
I do not know of any Buddhist scholars who would refer to Buddhism as self based.
Differences do not = correct/incorrect.
The central tenets of Buddhism is the denial of self, yes?
Deny wants and you deny suffering, no suffering and you get satori/nirvana ( cliff notes version, I know), to deny self and ego.
How is it done though?
You do it yourself since there is no deity or outside force to help you, is there?
Psalms 144:1
Praise be my Lord my Rock,
He trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle !