The Stream-entry Buddhist Blog
Long-format Pāli Canon-based Teachings and Essays
by Upāsaka Michael Turner
(f.k.a. Anagārika Pasannacitta)
Buddhist Therapist, Life Coach, and Dharma Trainer
— One-on-One Buddhist Training by Request —
|
⚲ this post has been pinned to the top of the blog
Becoming a Stream-enterer is hard. Here's how to do it.As a teacher dedicated to guiding my students toward spiritual progress, I sent a detailed letter to a middle-intermediate Dhamma practitioner and meditator explaining why I am dismissing him from my program. In this letter, I explain the importance of correct and sufficient practice and I outline and detail the harmful nature of the various Wrong Views he subscribes to that are hindering his spiritual progress, such as his attachments to violent entertainment and modern interpretations of the Dhamma, his desire for shortcuts to enlightenment, his reliance on "insight meditation" (vipassana), and his clinging to the myth that the jhānas equate to stream-entry or any other stage of Buddhist enlightenment. I also took the opportunity to explain what Buddhist renunciation truly means for those who are dedicated to achieving stream-entry, a.k.a., awakening; and the critical importance of yonisomanasikāra in the development of Right View and progress along the Buddhist path.
Teacher's Note
Why I am sharing this private letter publicly? In short: because people want awakening, but they are going about it all wrong. I am sharing this letter with others not only because it brings light to what Buddhism actually is — beyond the misrepresentations of Buddhism that are overwhelmingly prevalent today — but also because it serves as a clear manifesto of the approach that I follow in my instruction of the early Buddhist texts (EBT) to my students; with the emphasis being on learning and cultivating the views and practices that slope them toward stream-entry, or beyond. My intention is to provide potential future students with a clear understanding of what they can expect from me and my guidance as someone who successfully coaches veritable stream-enterers. While reading this, it is absolutely necessary to understand that what I teach, and how I teach it, reflects my understanding of where each of my students are along the Buddhist Path and what each one of them needs to hear and do in order to make further progress toward nibbāna. I don't teach them how to get to stream-entry or arahantship as much as I teach them how to make continuous progress from where they are on the spectrum of spiritual development, gradually taking them to higher and higher attainments along the Buddhist Path. In support of that, I don't teach "generally" to any of my students; I teach precisely to each of my students based entirely on their individual needs and abilities. Accordingly, I am holding the student that this letter is directed at to a set of standards that are uniquely appropriate to his level of experience, his current place along the Path, and his personal hindrances — these standards should not be taken to apply to all (or any) of my other students. For additional information on my approach and my teachings, please see this page. (the student's name has been changed for confidentiality)
2 Comments
Understand Meditation Dukkha Ñāṇa & The Dark Night of the Soul
This article is about stream-entry, also known as awakening. However, to effectively address this topic, I will first introduce a concept referred to as the "dark night of the soul," an idea that the meditation industry has adopted to describe the emotional or psychological distress practitioners experience after a period of intensive meditation or following a profound spiritual awakening attainment (stream-entry) and the potential pitfalls and dangers of attending extended vipassana meditation retreats. We will explore the Buddha's approach to teaching enlightenment found in the suttas to understand the roles of meditation and the jhānas, along with their connection to stream-entry, the "dark night of the soul," and the "dukkha ñāṇa" phenomena. If you are sincerely interested in attaining stream-entry, this article will be of value to you on your journey.
Everything is made up of Earth, Water, Fire, Air (and Space) Elements – even in the 21st CenturyIn this teaching we dive into the details to review the Four Elements of physical formations, what they are, and how they are relevant to 21st century Buddhist practice and cultivating our understanding of anattā, the Buddhist concept of Nonself.
Vedanās: A Complete Guide to Feelings in Buddhism (and How to Actually Use This Teaching To Be Happy)
by Anagārika Michael Turner (Anagārika Pasannacitta) 
What are vedanās (feelings) in Buddhism? Definitively clearing up this oft-misunderstood subject and understanding how to apply this teaching in everyday life to practically lay the foundation for contentment, peace of mind, and actual progress toward nibbāna.
Vedanā Series Overview — PART 1 —
What does the Dhamma-Vinaya have to say about monastics who employ wrong speech when sharing or discussing the Dhamma? Is this ever OK?In this short "dharma bite," I answer this single question. 
What is Karma really? Is our life predetermined or do we have agency? And what does it have to do with who we are or what we experience?
'What is karma' explained by a Buddhist teacherIn this short article, we will cover what Karma is and what it isn't; how it relates to destiny and free-will; and, its relationship to your happiness and your peace-of-mind.  In this Q&A, we will learn about how Buddhists view and approach the teachings on kindness, tolerance, acceptance, and patience with others.
The Altruistic Intention: What People Get Wrong About Buddhism, Enlightenment, and Bodhisattvas.11/2/2020 
What everyone gets wrong about The Altruistic Intention explainedIn this article we will (1) learn about the Buddhist Altruistic Intention: what it is, what it isn't, and how it applies to Bodhisattvas and to your practice. We will also briefly (2) review what Buddhist enlightenment is and what it means to be "enlightened." 
Stop meditating wrong.In this article, we will cover what's wrong with western meditation, how to fix your practice, and why it's so important to attaining Awakening and Enlightenment. 
Buddhist Renunciation explained by a Buddhist teacherIn this short article, we will cover what Renunciation is and what it isn't for lay-practitioners; how to cultivate it; and, why it's so important to attaining Awakening and Enlightenment. (Note: after you read this article, if you wish to learn more about what Renunciation means for deeply dedicated Buddhist practitioners, read this.) 
Struggling to understand Emptiness? Read this.Emptiness is an challenging topic for the uninitiated and it presents an almost impossible learning curve to beginners who are just starting to explore the Buddhist path. In this article we make some sense out of it and understand its place in your practice toward Buddhist Enlightenment. 
Embracing Life by letting go of DeathWhat is the point of thinking about death? Is it morbid or is it useful? And how can it be used by non-Buddhists to cope with dying, death, or loss? |
The Teacher
Michael Turner, teacher and former Buddhist anagārika.
"The only thing that prevents people from awakening, stream-entry, and directly experiencing the stages of enlightenment is incorrect instruction and/or insufficient practice."
– Michael Turner Hello! My name is Michael Turner (my Dhamma name is Upāsaka Pasannacitta).
I am an Early Buddhism mentor, ariya-puggala (sakadāgāmi), therapist, coach, Buddhist precept holder, and I spent eight years living and working as a Buddhist anagārika, a pre-monastic renunciant. I work with dedicated Buddhist practitioners of all levels, from beginners to advanced, to help them attain measurable progress toward happiness and nibbāna. This kind of one-on-one training is uncommon for most lay practitioners. If you are interested, please visit my coaching page or training page to learn more, or contact me to discuss becoming a Buddhist trainee today. Categories
|
If you are currently experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings of personal crisis, it is crucial that you receive immediate support from professionals who specialises in crisis intervention. For those in urgent need, please contact your local suicide prevention or personal crisis hotline. These services are usually available 24/7 and provides free and confidential support for individuals in distress. Your safety and well-being are of utmost importance. The services offered here are not psychotherapy or a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or therapeutic advice and do not replace the services of licensed healthcare providers such as doctors, psychologists, psychotherapists, etc. Once you are in a safe and stable place, we can explore how Buddhism can support your ongoing personal well-being and growth journey.
most of my buddhist students are donation-funded - you can fund a pro bono student by making a small donation
Zelle® is preferred as there are no fees deducted from your donation, but PayPal, Wise, and Bitcoin are also gratefully accepted.
Those for able to use Zelle® I can be found via the email address in the image below:
Those for able to use Zelle® I can be found via the email address in the image below:
Preferred Method
|
|
Wise (formerly Transferwise)
|
bitcoin address
3Gc5pZjd8TQMYEWSChDS744dt1u9Yu8JPi
Alternatively, you may help me become a better teacher, practitioner, and person:
If you would like to assist me in my studies or support my life as a devoted Buddhist please consider donating a dhamma e-book from my Amazon wishlist, found here:
If you would like to assist me in my studies or support my life as a devoted Buddhist please consider donating a dhamma e-book from my Amazon wishlist, found here:
my amazon.com wishlist
|
Michael Turner is a sakadāgāmi and a former Buddhist anagārika. He is also a deeply accomplished stream-entry mentor, applied-dharma coach, and Buddhist therapist. He emphasises and teaches the practical application of the Buddha's teachings in our everyday lives to overcome the problems that stand in the way of making measurable progress toward Buddhist enlightenment and he is particularly adept at explaining them in ways that can be easily understood and practiced by Western Buddhists. He has been meditating and cultivating the views and techniques that generate indestructible resilience, inner-strength, and direct experience for almost 30 years and has helped countless numbers of students and peers enhance and course-correct their practice to make veritable progress along the path toward Nibbāna.
|
My Stream-entry Coaching Manifesto
do good. be kind. help others. be peaceful.™ |
"beingpeacefully"®, "the stream-entry buddhist"™ and all logos/slogans are trademarks in the united states and/or other countries.
website by michael turner — beingpeacefully sp © 2013, 2025 — all rights reserved.
website by michael turner — beingpeacefully sp © 2013, 2025 — all rights reserved.