Q&A

A) Which of the following statement(s) is/(are) incorrect?

1) True renunciation is having one foot in the selfish and self-benefitting mundane world, the other foot is on the path of liberation.

2) Renunciation is closing down and shutting off from life.

3) You could say that renunciation is the same thing as opening oneself to the teachings of the present moment.

4) Raising true and stable renunciation is the precondition of practicing supramundane Dharma

5) For many Westerners the idea of renunciation makes them feel terrible; they feel as if it is the “SUFFER path to Enlightenment” and usually don’t like the idea of “Renunciation” and “Discipline”

6) When you give up attachment to everything, there is nothing meaningful or enjoyable left to life.

7) The four thoughts that turn the mind in order to generate renunciation are the preciousness of human life, impermanence, the infallibility of cause and effect, and the suffering of samsara

8) Renunciation is realising that what we have already is good, we all have enormous potential of warm heartedness and a clear mind.

9) From the Mahayana point of view, true renunciation of samsara is giving up our job, our families, even coffee, tea and chocolate and ensure we never dream about them again.

10) Renunciation is giving up attachment. Giving up attachment is liberation.

11) If we can abandon our attachment to the belief of all phenomena as truly existing, we will not have strong afflictions like the five poisons of greed, hatred, ignorance, pride, and jealousy.

12) Renunciation also means removing your veils, your shields, your layers of armour, your one way mirror and opening oneself to ones own special innate qualities and inspiration

B) General food for thought/ Discussion questions:

1) Do you think that the idea or practise of renunciation is something new to Westerners?

2) What influence do you think that science and technology has/ has had on renunciation?

 

This chapter is part of: Introduction Course - Part 1: Renunciation