In the Time of No Buddhas

“Pratyekabuddhas are said to achieve enlightenment on their own, without the use of teachers or guides, according to some traditions by seeing and understanding dependent origination. They are said to arise only in ages where there are no Buddhas and the Buddhist teachings are lost.”

Given the current state of the world I think it fair to comment that we do not live in harmonious times. Acquisitional materialistic hedonism with a  fair quota of internet followers seems to be the goal. Wherein lies eternal bliss and happiness… People are busy, distracted and very self-absorbed.

One of the things that has struck me as an outsider is that in Buddhist circles there is discussion as to what is best a Pratyekabuddha, an Arhat,  a high degree  Bodhisattva or a fully enlightened Buddha. These intellectual comparisons are typical of comparison mind and the sort of conversations one might have after a spliff or two. They are not sourced in direct personal experience. There is lofty speculation and transference of mundane prejudice. It all sounds a bit “attached” and “grasping”  to me. It is a bit “top trumps”.

There is another element in Buddhism which I struggle with. People place a lot of stock in getting a “teacher” or even a “guru”. It is all very passive, handing over development and liberation to an exterior person who will hold your hand and do all the work for you. There is evidence that guru-yoga can lead to problems where advantage can be taken of devotee. If you don’t get enlightened you can always blame the quality and skill of your “teachers”.

The availability of texts is at an all-time high and anyone serious about study should find it possible. Though the draw of a Sangha may offer social comfort it might well also be limiting due to the need for social and group compliance.

I am not sure that I am reading this right. It seems that the resurgence in interest in Buddhism following the Tibetan diasporas has weakened a little. Upcoming events are likely to lead to the loss of the Dalai Lama and there is a moot point as to where the world will look.

We could say that we are in the time of no Buddhas. During which the responsibility for evolution must rest within, for each person, without the over reliance on external teachers or gurus

We may need to find our own ways...