Hey, thank you for answers :)
I understand your point of view and I will surely think on it :)
@Lal
I’m not here to defend Goenka vipassana, because I too have some opposition towards few ideas and techniques there and it is not exactly the technique I follow, just another source of wisdom among many (my first course was vipassana so I feel gratitute for first steps in dhamma). My favorite teacher btw. is Ajahn Brahm and you Lal.
I learn from a lot of teachers, not just tipitaka, because I’m not competent enough to make my own translations so I have to get help from teachers like you. I’m not THAT sure like you in this particular version of dhamma yet, since I know it for a few weeks, I’m still learning and checking how things work.
I completely don’t defend Goenka translation of sanpajano and all this stuff. I just wanted to share for consideration the idea of stream entry as fruit of eradication of kamma beeja related to apayas through samadhi and brahma-viharas practice. It seems reasonably to me, I don’t say it is right version.
It is interesting to note that it is hinduistic belief and not buddhist one. I will have to deeply consider that.
Still, I don’t think that everything which is hinduistic must be wrong or useless. I consider myself buddhist, but I also respect wisdom of different traditions.
As to “practice of jhanas leads to rebirth in lower realms later” well, could be of course. There is a difference thou to experience jhana few times, and many many times in proper way to get sankharas away. Could be that only deep ariya samadhi/jhana lead to proper eradication of course.
@Christian:
Well yeah, lets say I meant samadhi, not jhanas, to be more specific.
Also me and my friend had different experience. My experience was that I was meditating and after feeling a lot of piti or upekkha in meditation, during my dreams I had very severe nightmares that were related to my past-lives traumas.
My friend on the other hand had experiences visions of war during meditation.
General dynamics of experience was the same thou, mine just happened in dreams after meditation, and his during meditation.
I’m far from stating any absolute truth, just stating my own experience.
btw. my meditation technique includes Lal’s way of meditation mostly, but I also find “solace” in observing my visual field, which is a type of kasina meditation (but completely not like Buddhaghosa explained it).
Anyway, for example Ajahn Brahm has different take on the jhanas. If you think him incompetent teacher, then please read his biography and consider that again. For me he (and Lal) are greatest examples of dhamma living right now and I would not dismiss his interpretations easily.
I wouldn’t be so quick to tell what is dhamma and what is adhamma.
I’m pretty far from creating a schizm in the sangha xD I just offered some things to be considered, thats all.
@Lal & Christian
I see and respect and gonna deeply consider your point of view, thank you for telling me your interpretations :) I’m deeply grateful for your explorations and sharing your wisdom :)
Btw. how long do you both practice these techniques?
Perhaps the “dark night” you’re criticising has just not come yet? Or perhaps it does not come when practicing properly ;)
Only our practice will tell to some extend :) I’m very curious and wish you all the best on the path. I’m also glad your practice goes without such unpleasant side effects.
With metta