Is ‘Buddhism Bliss’ losing its relevant here?

Aik TC SG

I believe the moderators of ‘Buddhism Wisdom Bliss’ are not given the rights to ‘lock out’ any threads that are deem inappropriate, irrelevant to the subject matter that is intended of the initial posting; or when slandering take place due to difference in opinions; or when discussion turn into unnecessary chatter; or when individual of other Faiths decide to use the forum for proselytizing purposes as well as when individuals decides to used it for other self-serving purposes. It seems that the moderators have only the right to delete single posting that they deem undesirable.

If anyone have visited the Buddhist forum site ‘Buddhism Without Boundaries’, they would have notice that the Administrator and Moderators of the site would not hesitate to 'Lock out’ any original thread once it get out controls such as when situation described above develops.

Initially one may find their decision rather arbitrary in nature and the threads need not have warranted such drastic actions. But when one look at some of the postings in 'Buddhism Wisdom Bliss’ and how they eventually turn so totally irrelevant to the initial intend purpose of the posting; it is certainly necessary to give the moderators of the site the authority to ‘lock out’ any threads that they deem to be undesirable or becoming irrelevant. I believe if this is not done, ‘Buddhism Wisdom Bliss’ will eventually lose its relevant as a site for information and discussion on matters relating to Buddhism. Also, over time it may slowly lose its readership and contributors as well.

Weychin SG

Buddhism without Boundaries as you suggested, is one environment to discuss Buddhism, Buddhism Wisdom Bliss is another. I've learnt quite a bit from here, and realised there's more to learn. I've also learnt somewhat to be more accomodating without compromising my beliefs.

Your suggestion hold some reason, but we are practising Buddhism in an open society. I do not relish the idea of having a "closed" forum .Buddhism by it's very nature, inclusive. Probably the most blatant and unsusceptible to reasoning should be censured and lock out. Quibbling over semantics should also be minimised, I think.

I also wish people who are not yet Buddhist to understand Buddhism in the current context of other belief. I also think there is a wish for interfaith discussion. Respect comes from understanding and must be earned! But this is purely hope and speculation on my part! You should here it straight from the horse's mouth !

An Eternal Now SG

aik tc the forum revivalist

Aik TC SG

It is just a concern for the future of the site. If the majority of readers accessing this site feels, and are as accommodating as you, then I think this is a non-issue and each reader will have to filter out what they feel is irrelevant or misguided.

By the way AEN, my apology for missing out the word ‘Wisdom’ on the subject heading.

Aneslayer SG

I understand, l oblige. No more reactions.

sinweiy SG

yea, when i use to be in esangha, it was pretty strict. i do lock those that slander the sangha, especially toward certain known masters. then the admin ever delete the thread. since i seldom follow up some of the lenghty thread due to work schedule, ppl can use pm to inform us? oh i see Aik TC became a Moderator! :) yea can help check. not enough active manpower.

geis SG

think im of the opinion that stricter rules are better.

first, people who are really interested in learning the Dharma will get good guidance from this forum. remember when i first came here to learn, the posts were mostly beneficial and timely.

second, by stopping irrelevant postings, the chances of slander of the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha is lower. many a times we see fuel being added into irrelevant discussions which end up in negative comments.

ultimately what most practitioners want is a platform to clarify, learn and discuss the important tenets of Buddhism. but if required, rules must be enforced.

this community is not unlike the sangha. even if physically its not, the spirit and attitude can be.

Aik TC SG

Yes, I do thinks so too that AEN do need more helpers to monitor this site, especially on threads that are lengthy or those that attracts numerous postings spreading over days or even weeks. Such postings would require greater attention on the contents that is in the comments.

Weychin SG

Let me play the devil's advocate:-

Enforcement: As long we are mindful and not closed by dogmatism.

How are schisms caused? Views? And what of cultivation ? Within a closed context or open context? Reinforcing beliefs or extending wisdom? What is Buddhism? An organised set of dogma ?

And there will times, I will choose not to be irritated by "idiots", they disturb my sense of equilibrium, but why have I lost it in the first place? But what have I really attained it in the first place? I mean inner equilibrium? Since arisen,should I shut them out, or engage?

But questions, if relevant, is being best served by answer.

Especially the fundamental difference of No Self and External Agent. There will always be claims that religions being the same, yes, the sameness of aspiration but what of the concepts or goal. And the philosophies developed to reconcile of beliefs and reality. Where, and how far does the cultivation of our practices bring us? Achieving world peace and harmony is important, what the endgame? Inner peace, how deep, returner or non returner?

How lucid our answers are depends on our clarity on the subject. It helps the replier a process to refine his understanding.

Controversial interjections is not constant.It rains and then its stops, a light drizzle or a heavy storm, no one situation being permanent only in duration. As a site grows, it will attract more people, with varied outlooks, with different abilities and learned backgrounds.

When there are two position being contested, tenability of the two positions will be examined, and also validity of the points raised . Thus, ones' views will be reevaluated leading to a deeper understanding and humility.

And yes, there are a clash of personalities which will cloud issues, but with mindful commentaries, it can be mitigated.

There are many a good posting by different contributors which makes this forum relevant. There will be Theravadan, Mahayanist replying, but all will be Buddhist.

However, I hope to see more commentaries and debate by persons who would then be in a better position to educate others on the wisdom of Buddhism. I would call these aspiring teachers, leaders of men, our future Arhats, Bodhisattvas and Future Buddhas.

An Eternal Now SG

Yes aik tc, more helpers are necessary. As I am doing full time ns now stay-in combat unit (I can only surf net from my phone during my limited free time) and also taking care of other forums like the tao bums (as xabir2005)* I don't have much time to moderate. My bunk mates already wonder what I am always up to with my phone typing endlessly lol. *i am engaging in an almost eighty plus pages and still growing debate with others who had experiential insights. I'm trying to lead them to the realization of the two emptiness.

Susanteo2011 SG

i willing to be moderator............i get paid by the hour, right ?

Aik TC SG

Let me play the devil's advocate:-

Enforcement: As long we are mindful and not closed by dogmatism.

How are schisms caused? Views? And what of cultivation ? Within a closed context or open context? Reinforcing beliefs or extending wisdom? What is Buddhism? An organised set of dogma ?

But questions, if relevant, is being best served by answer.

How lucid our answers are depends on our clarity on the subject. It helps the replier a process to refine his understanding.

And yes, there are a clash of personalities which will cloud issues, but with mindful commentaries, it can be mitigated.

There are many a good posting by different contributors which makes this forum relevant. There will be Theravadan, Mahayanist replying, but all will be Buddhist.

Nicely written, can I also conclude you are a true believer for open discussion, free expression and individual responsibility as well?

Aik TC SG

Why not co-op people like Weychin and Dawnfirstlight as Moderators as well?

sinweiy SG

i'm fine.

esangha used to have different sects seperated

2009novice SG

Why not co-op people like Weychin and Dawnfirstlight as Moderators as well?

nice...! i support

lol :)

geis SG

Nicely written, can I also conclude you are a true believer for open discussion, free expression and individual responsibility as well?

i beg to differ. not that i oppose free expression and individual responsibility, but i trust the ability of our moderators to stop unfruitful and harmful discussions that may serve to confuse new readers.

most of the regular posters here are mature practitioners and can choose to ignore posters who are here to get attention. however there may be new practitioners who might be confused by a unfruitful debate and lose interest in practice.

most of the debates here are fine. just a few needs more active moderation, which AEN has demonstrated often when he deleted some posts. hope the other moderators can help in this aspect.

Dawnfirstlight SG

Why not co-op people like Weychin and Dawnfirstlight as Moderators as well?

I can't because my knowledge is limited. Frankly speaking, sometimes I don't quite understand what you guys are talking about, especially about emptiness ha ha............. However, I can alert moderators what to delete if there is a need.

sinweiy SG

era now different. now more democratic, more rude, 目中无人, and ego centric as compare to the humbleness of the past. children/youngsters now also like that. politic also becoming more self centered. need to change teaching method. to have equal power as compare to the unequal caste system is getting overboard in too equality. too equality also no good.

Amitayus48 SG

Your bunk mates probably feels :boring having another phone or IT fanatic. Is best that you enjoy with your ns and mates to your fullest potential free from phone. Browse through the forum only when all your company that you happily enjoy with are having their own time with their lovers...