In one thread in this wonderful Forum, there were some discussion about oracles; whether they are meaningful or useful in our Dharma-Practice. I was a somewhat skeptic, but some others were more than enthuisiastic. So, there was a dilemma, or sorts. Thereby, I made the following question:
_________________
Could somebody here please explain to me, why oracles are needed, in a Dharmic context?
While answering, please consider these points: Considering that the Buddha has taught the Dharma, and we can all find whatever we need (in a dharmic sense, not necessarily in a material sense), from those already existing Teachings, why would anyone need to consult an oracle? As the Buddha has given the Dharma, and that has been transmitted to us by the Sangha, especially our Lamas or Gurus, and is accessible through books, meditation and experience, what else one would need? If one has questions, out of not understanding, one can always consult the Buddha-Dharma, through either one's Guru, Sangha in general, or Dharma-scriptures, so where is the need for oracular instructions? If the oracle oraculates an enlightened Deity, the answers will naturally be the same as found in the Tripitaka and the Commentaries, as explained by the Sangha and the Guru, so in this case it would be needless to ask an oracle, and if the spirit that is oraculated is not enlightened, why ask him anything relating to the Practice, the Dharma? So where is the need for oracles, within a dharmic context? Of all the peoples in the world, only Tibetans seem to need a Dharma-Boost from oracles; the other traditional Buddhist nations do not seem to need any such observances.
So, all those who understand these oracle-things, please explain to me. If this cannot be explained, the only conclusion can be, that this need for oracularism is just a cultural thing of Tibetans, having nothing really to do with Dharma. And as you explain, please provide Sutra sources if possible. Protectors can be found in even the old Theravada Sutras, so I am not wondering about Protectors. Just oracles.
Thank you all, in advance,
ZP
___________
For some reason, nobody answered my questions, eventhough all the other issues were debated hotly. But yet, someone made a specific thread called Brilliant explanation on ORACLES! about those very "oraculary accepting" remarks, that pretty much preceded and caused my question, as if the poster would then prove something. (This new thread of course proved nothing, except the willingness of spreading uncontested propaganda, for it merely repeated the reasons for the existence of the question in the first place.) But now, ladies an gentlemen, here is the original question. Just read what is above...No need to read the propagada, against or for, this or that. Now here is a simple person-free question, or questions. I am sure you all can answer this or these, without reverting into a verbiose dharmoism. Just see, if you can answer. Easy, I'll say.
yours,
ZP
