In Conclusion
My final thoughts
This chapter is part of Vipassanā in Jhāna: A Personal Narrative and Practical Guide, by Gary Buck.
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In Conclusion
Reading Time: about 2 mins. 350 words.
There is considerable disagreement about what the Buddha taught. Many of these disagreements arose within a few centuries of the Buddha’s death, by which time there appear to have been a variety of different sects that disagreed on details of his teaching. And although the Pāli Canon is the oldest extant teaching, there appear to have been other versions of the Canon, now lost. All of which suggests that we should not be too dogmatic in our views.
As should be very clear by now, one of the most controversial areas of disagreement is jhāna. There is much debate about what jhāna is, and much debate and disagreement about how it should be incorporated into our practice.
Based on my own experience of meditation, I believe that I have something useful to contribute to that debate. Not only have I had quite extensive practical experience, but based on those experiences, I have come to a variety conclusions about jhāna, and how it should be used in vipassanā practice. I now hold quite definite views. I think it is useful to express those.
I am absolutely convinced that, if possible, vipassanā should be practiced while in jhāna. That I do not doubt.
But among the many other views I have expressed, I am aware that some of those are likely to be right, and also aware that some are likely to be wrong. I understand that. But which is right and which is wrong? Readers must decide that for themselves.
In writing about these things, I fear I may have caused offense to some people. That was not my intention. I have no desire to cause offense, nor to criticize anyone, and if any people do feel offended, then I ask their pardon.
To repeat what I have said many times, for me the Buddha’s path is not one of devotion, nor of belief, but is a path of inquiry. We all have to work out our own salvation.
May all beings be successful.
May all beings be liberated.
May all beings be happy.
End of my book: Vipassanā in Jhāna: A Personal Narrative and Practical Guide.
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