Sects, Anti-Sects & Non-Sectarianism.

Over 10 years ago, when I was young and ambitious, and somewhat radical, I wanted to be
anti-sectarian, to 'heal buddhism'.

But anti-sect is also a sect (sect is movement of religious protest).

Now I prefer to be just a non-sectarian buddhist.

That way I've 'healed' buddhism from my own stupidity and ignorance. 😉

For those interrested:
> Buddhist Rimé Movement, that promotes non-sectarianism and open dialogue. Different lessons for different beings, all within buddhism without splitting it into sects.
--

A nice song about religions, spirituality, sects and abuses:

Sects? ... So what?!!!

... i think that i am dangerous sectarian.

There are many truths, but i like to say 'truth is what brings together instead of separating, but honesty - especially self-honesty - is also important'.

... i hate hypocrisy, i suffered so much for so long, so i tell honest words as much as i can.

Spiritual honesty makes me to 'enlighten' most raped that way - mostly atheists.

... if/when i abuse too much, i'll die or end as pathetic misery.

... truth is challenging me, i can't handle it, so i tell non-truths. That's proof of sectarianism in my eyes.

... such failure can be perceived as a personal success. ... i think personal success is ... 'beyond-personal failure', egoism.

Human beings want to be dangerous to foes, so they won't dare to hurt them too much. Better Love, Erotics & Sex.

... i think that after sects are heresies, religions, then spirituality. i think that spirituality is Apex.

'Apex' / pl: zwieńczenie /, means 'top of pyramid', shining above requires support from below ... as fighter planes won't win wars alone, without spies/intelligence, infantry soldiers, protected airstrip, mechanics, air-traffic tower, management, strategists & far more, i think.

... i do not want to 'advance' to heresy or higher too early, i prefer de facto power, instead.

;)

About Sects.

Introduction & Motives.

... finally book arrived.

'Religious Sects: A Sociological Study (World University Library)' by Wilson, Bryan R.

... i think it's important to understand sects for any antisectarian.

... i wish to think and understand these topics deeply, to not abuse arguments presented in this book in a shallow way. i know my arguments will be criticized as well. i wish to remain & be ever-more honest with myself & others as well.

i will try to integrate my life experiences & insights with study & knowledge contained in this book, to critically present Buddhism's viewpoint as i understand it, as well as with what i got from being raised in a catholic family. i'll wait for critic, will keep reading, thinking & addressing concerns - adding more of material as is needed or neccessary.

i wish my opinions & critic of sectarianism to be beneficial, accurate & beyond-personal.

... i think that being antisectarian is my most important service for Buddhism & others - certainly it's much more important priority than sciences & arts i try to practice as well.

... regarding Buddhism & Arts, i wish to integrate antisectarianism & open-mindedness with a dharma-art-science project of mine, 'Art & Dharma Teachings' Service.

... i chose to be antisectarian on my own. my parents tried to discourage me from buddhism fearing that it's sect, that it encourages terrorism - being not sure about what is buddhism and what is islam. now i try to pave the way for others to be able to meditate without hindrances of sect-accusations, so when that energy returns to me, i'll be able to meditate again as well; already seen small results in that way as well :)

i do not want to abolish catholic church as a whole, or to stall it, just to inform, talk & help it to reform - i think that worst enemies on this front of both Buddhism & Catholic Church is ignorance, fear & stiff ideas.


About Sects.

'Sects are movements of religious protests.

Their members separate themselves from other men in respect of their religious beliefs, practices and institutions, and often in many other departments of their lives.

They reeject the authority of orthodox religious leaders, and often, also, of the secular government.

Alliegance to a sect is voluntary, but individuals are admitted only on proof of conviction, or by some other test of merit : continuing affiliation rests on sustained evidence of commitment to sect beliefs and practices.

Sectarians put their faith first: they order their lives in accordance with it. The orthodox, in contrast, compromise faith with other interrests, and their religion accommodates the demands of the secular culture.

At first glance, sects may appear to be marginal and incidental phenomena in history - odd groups of alienated men with outlandish ideas.

Yet, at times, sects have had an immense significiance for the course of history.

After all, Christianity itself was only a Jewish sect at beginning.

(...)

Religions may begin as sects, and in the Christian case the sect preceeded the church. But once established, the church anathematised all new sects.'

-- Quoted from 'Religious Sects: A Sociological Study' book by Bryan Wilson.


Religions, Sects & Social Control of Ruling classes.

'Whereas the church was hierarchic and conservative, appealing to ruling classes for whom it operated as an agency of social control, the sect was egalitarian, radical and an expression of the depressed condition of underprivileged groups.

The church, both socially and ecclesiologically, saw itself as an order established from above, whereas the sect saw itself as working up from below.'

-- Quoted from 'Religious Sects: A Sociological Study' book by Bryan Wilson.


Sects & Charismatic Leaders.

'Sects in industrial (and modern) societies, however, are less frequently attributable to charismatic leaders.

(...)

In primitive societies such a figure (charismatic leader) is almost always the source of new religious movements'

-- Quoted from 'Religious Sects: A Sociological Study' book by Bryan Wilson.


Blog Author's comments.

Do sects use foreign languages as a way of separating themselves & hiding intent from the rest of society?

i confirm, i read there are cases of sects who even stress that.


Is Diamond Way Buddhism of the Karma Kagyu School under Buddha Karmapa 17th Trinley Thaye Dorje a sect?

i think not, for our Buddha wishes us to not separate from society too much, for our leaders give lessons of how to approach other Schools & their lessons (We can take Refuge in Lessons instead of taking a Refuge in Teachers).

We speak in native language often, but also use foreign languages, because these words carry blessing or to communicate international ideas to others. Buddhism spans acros many nations, and when we use internet - it has it's own language, a mix of languages; There are secret lessons however, dangerous and misleading to unwise and untrained minds i think as well. i think they are available however to anyone who truly wishes, and is patient, wise, compassionate and dedicated.

We might have different views than other Religions, we may not even be a Religion however; we still try to be useful for ourselves & others.

We work within the society, we do not stir revolutions, World's Peace is important for us, we adjust ourselves to secular laws & rules as Buddhism always did in past.

We adhere to secular laws, we do not separate from society too much - except for occasional needs for Retreats or in a certain exceptional cases as myself - but not too far, not for too long as well; i wish to find work soon, i wish to have sane relations with non-buddhist friends as well - as soon as i am ready, as soon as i find friends who accept me as i am.

In past there was a moment of my insanity, a moment when i thought that Buddhism is a sect stirring for revolt. Now i think this is not true, it was just my own confused, ignorant & groundless thoughts & feelings, as well as the emerging (from subconsciousness) fears that i've acquired during my childhood in a close-minded family, fuelled by church-warnings-related paranoia. Now when i am calmer, when i understand Buddhism & myself better i think that Buddhism is striving for Peace. i apologize for my groundless accusations as well, both Buddhists as well as others whom i did confuse with my paranoid, confused & ignorant reactions.


for more, see if You wish: Sects.


Wishes.

May all beings have happines and causes of happiness,

May they be free from suffering and the cause of suffering,

May they always experience true happiness, which is totally free from suffering,

May they remain in the great equanimity, which is beyond attachment and aversion.


Mantras.

MAHAKALA
FIVE WISDOM BUDDHAS
OM MANI PEME HUNG
KARMAPA CHENNO

Namaste, as well.


(article to be edited when i read it enough, after i think about it).

Sects.

Introduction.

This blog's author tries to be Antisectarian.

Truth is what brings together instead of separating, therefore separation & anything that separates is Lies. Honesty is also important, however.


What is a Sect?

This depends on how we define word 'Sect'.

i think a sect is a group of religious protest, a group that separates.

i think that in most pure form, a word 'Sect' means 'Division', it's a closed group that separated themselves from other groups, to practice in solitude, while protecting their members - this is not so bad then.

i think that a far worse case of a sect 'Sect' is a person or a group that uses Harmful Sectarian Practices with regard to themselves or others. In this case word 'Sect' means basicly 'Separation' & 'Lies'.

Word 'Religion' means 'Reunion'.

In my opinion, a most common case of a Sect is a semi-religious person or group who is/are attached to a Religion or World view & exerts control over others. Even if it's only ignorance, laziness & greed this is still dangerous - for the overworked & disgraced people under him/her/them after a while lose meaning of life, try to suicide seeing no point in living anymore on these terms. This occured to me as well when i was atheist invovled with certain ignorant people from the Catholic Church.

In my opinion, a far more dangerous case of a Sect is someone or a group aware of what is a Sect, still using that knowledge & their means to gain advantage from others' work & resources. These people enslave, lie & steal, often are motivated by fanaticism, intentional malice, hatred, anger, jealousy, envy, greed & pride.


Harmful Sectarian Practices.

Sects sometimes close their members to other Ways, denying their members lessons & practices with other Teachers, with other Schools. It's separation from Absolute Truth, it's a harmful way in my opinion.

Sects have their agendas to fulfill, they Protect their ways - sometimes even illegally.

Certain sects are abusing their members: spiritually, with verbal or physical violence, materially, sometimes sexually as well.

Certain sects are addicting them to their teachers, to narcotics, or other things to keep them loyal.

Certain sects are forcing their members to work for others without or with too little of rewards.

There were cases when sects used weapons or other illegal means for their self-defense & protection.


Do Sects occur only in Buddhism?

i think the answer is: 'No', this is a common misunderstanding.

i think that many Religions or World Views have both sectarian practicioneers, as well as other, more spiritually developed & altruistic People.


Why Sects occur?

i think Sects can be formed for many reasons.

This can be a part of their way, to fulfill a certain wish or agenda, or out of greed - spiritual, erotic or material.

i think that Sects might be less spiritually ambitious people, who just want to take advantage of others or to focus on semi-spiritual goal as well.

i think that sometimes being a Sect is only part of the someone's or group's way, with goal of advancing to higher, nobler, more advanced Spiritual Ways as soon as they can.


Antisects.

Antisect is a Sect that Counters rival Sects.

Antisects can have higher Spiritual Ambitions, can wish other people Freedoms just lacking proper Wisdom or Methods to be called 'Religions' or 'Buddhism' yet, etc. This is how i understand my Antisectarian motive as well.

Antisects can be Sects who just wage a Spiritual/Worldly War on other rival Sects. These Antisects are dangerous Sects as well. This is what i do not wish to be.


Ways of countering Sects.

One should first & foremost counter sectarian tendences in himself or herself, to be true & honest with himself or herself.

Using violence against oneself or against others is not preferable means, this brings harm.

Using Wisdom & Compassion (working, sharing lessons) so sects do not have to use harmful sectarian methods & can evolve into something better, a Religion for example - is preferable.

Accepting lessons from other schools or teachers is a way of being non-sectarian, one can & should take a Refuge in a Lesson not the Teacher in this case, i read.


Related Articles.

* Introduction,
* Understanding Fear of Sects,
* Sects, Antisects, Mystical Weapons,
* Antisectarian Buddhism, Religions & Atheism,
* Regarding Religions,
* Why Antisect?
* About Sects,
* Spiritual Materialism,
* Is Lama Ole's Diamond Way a Sectarian Way?,
* Broken Papers.


Mantras.

MAHAKALA
OM MANI PEME HUNG
MANJUSHRI BODHISATTVA
KARMAPA CHENNO

Namaste, as well.

Understanding Fear of Sects.

Introduction.

i feared for long time, feared to speak as well.

now i think my understanding grew past fear & regrets, now i think that my wisdom & compassion lets me share my experiences in a sane form, without slanders, for benefit of all.

... it is a Buddhist Lesson that disturbing feelings - as fear or regret for example - dissipate after one recognizes their true nature, afterall.


Fear & Warnings.

when i had mental & life crisis, i went to a Stupa House Buddhist Center to meditate & learn, to meet new Friends as well.

i was both seduced & afraid, as company was great, yet the Catholic Church warned about Sects in Media as hell.

i think people fear of unknown & danger, especially when it's seductive & fascinating as well.

Church warned mostly about most dangerous sectarian weapon 'Freezing & Heating', but also of other ways.


Meditation.

with Meditation my mind opened, i understood & confronted my ego as well - i struggle with my ego still.

after a first few months meditators displayed me 'Heating & Freezing' method, it was a very strong experience.

at first, i thought it was sectarian weapon used against me, for my errors & sins, or a display of power at least - i wasn't sure which in fact.

i landed in a Mental Hospital afterwards, had about 5 years of bad-karma break.

then i came to meditate again, risked boldly as i felt that my life has no meaning without Enlightened Love; i was prepared to die, i was prepared to suffer with a Sect as in hell for a time - for a Love.

i met a young Buddhist woman during one of Buddhist Lectures, we meditated together, i fell in Love with her.

after a little practice i thought that 'Heating & Freezing' was a purifying experience, not a sectarian weapon - just a 'karmic backslash' instead.

now, after years, i think it's both a warning, a purifying experience, a mystical weapon use, as well as inspiration, transmissions of methods as well.


Denial.

i am denied Meditation at a Buddhist Center, now i think i understand why - even if at first i felt i was uncaringly 'ditched away to die alone'.

... Buddhist Lessons are Precious, they cost, mostly our time of a support & help; if i stayed too long the price would be too great - this would make me die.

also i understand that differing lessons are for different beings, too many of abstract lessons lead to confusion & time waste, as well as to stupidity at that.

also i know that Meditation is a Powerful Method that 'digs' bad karma from subconsciousness, one has to purify it as well.

if i faced too much of bad karma at once, it would be too much ... too many purifying experiences, too many of pains.

purifying experiences are not always painful however.


Understanding Fear.

before warning of 'Heating & Freezing' i felt i committed karmic errors & sins.

i was afraid that i transgressed too much, that i knew too much of their 'Evil Secrets', that a Sect will not let me go because of the danger i pose, as well as because of my sins.

in fact i never was a threat, and my knowledge was very shallow as well.

now i share, hoping it will Protect, both Buddhism, as well as their so-called 'Victims', sparing them both lost time.

it's not a slander, i hope, it's a Honest Truth form that explains in simple words, it's aim is to bring together people as well.


What is a Sect?

i think a sect is a group of religious protest, a group that separates.

for more, see if You wish: About Sects, Sects.


OM MANI PEME HUNG
KARMAPA CHENNO

Namaste, as well.

Sects, Antisects, Mystical Weapons.

My way.

i strive for Truth that brings together instead of separating, i try to be Antisectarian Buddhist.

Sect is separation & lies, Antisect is also a sect that counters Sects, Antisect that i will create will have aspirations to Religion as a Way, then to Science related with the Law of Cause & Effect ...

Religion is from a latin word 'Religare' or 'Reunion'.


Experiences with Mystical Weapons of the Sects.

One day in a Buddhist Center i was told that meditators will show me something.

They spoke Mantras that sounded like common words about heat & cold, i panicked.

As i tried to struggle & escape, paralysis overcame me, i felt heat & cold in turns as well; both paralysis, cold & heat lessened as i ceased then reappeared as i resumed fleeing; this happened few or more times in turns.

...


Purpose.

While i am antisectarian, i know that Sects Protect me as well.

Without Sects i would not survive.

i think Sectarian weapons are important part of self-defense in the Buddhist Way.

i think best way to neutralize sect is to serve so they do not need to use Sectarian Mystical or other Weapons; Killing them is not a very good idea, they would Reincarnate anyway.


Development.

i agreed to help in 'Heating & Freezing' Sectarian Mystical Weapon development, using Art of Magick & Light, perhaps for more as well.