Power

[eyesoftara]

Obviously to show power of attainments is generally negative but it all depends on the motivation and situations. The story given should not be read at face value but on the motivations of the people showing off.

Attainment these powers is nothing to shout about for even ghost and gods have these powers and if one practice meditations even none Buddhist can achieve these power. What is harder and more important is the power of renunciation and Boddhicitta. These are so essential in order to help others and oneself.

[kris]

i agree with the replies above that showing the power or not, should be determined by the general perception during the time as well as the motivation.

In the ancient days, Buddha Shakyamuni Himself has used power many times to influence people to take influence them into Dharma. But in this era, most of the time, people do not believe in special powers generally. However, at certain time, special power needs to be shown. But this should only be shown with good motivation. Personally, I have seen many cases when power is shown, the people instantly gain faith in the 3 jewels.

[yontenjamyang]

Obviously to show power of attainments is generally negative but it all depends on the motivation and situations. The story given should not be read at face value but on the motivations of the people showing off.

Attainment these powers is nothing to shout about for even ghost and gods have these powers and if one practice meditations even none Buddhist can achieve these power. What is harder and more important is the power of renunciation and Boddhicitta. These are so essential in order to help others and oneself.

It is true that clairvoyance can be achieve even by non buddhist and to show power usually is negative in these age. It will attract the wrong kind of attention from the wrong kind of people. All Gurus nowadays never shows any kind of power and if needed to confirm some kind of extraordinary decisions or supernatural actions, the Guru usually ask the Protector. It is because we also tend to doubt the Guru and is a the other extreme of our mind set. So either we go ga ga when we see power or we doubt when we don't.