Do streamwinners experience the 1st jhana?

[Michel]

I believe all religious texts, including the Pali Canon are simply anthologies of religious literature that were inspired by common sources, thus there is no "word of god" or "word of progenitor" in any mainstream religious literature. Also, all religions have corrupted the translation and interpretation of the literature that is associated with their progenitor, who was a mystic. Thus, we must always exercise critical thinking and insight born of deep meditation.

Why don't we start from scratch. If all you guys are arahants why don't you develop and teach a Dhamma according to your own understanding using contemporary language. Why do we need the Pali Canon, etc., which have all been corrupted?

[Jhanananda]

Would you say that all arahants are infallible in their understanding of the Dhamma, that they all have the same understanding of it?

It seems reasonable to me that all arahants are infallible in their understanding of the philosophy (Dhamma/dharma/tao) that leads to enlightenment.  Thus we can conclude that the perceived differences might be either cultural, or evidence that one or more so-called enlightened are not enlightened.

Why don't we start from scratch. If all you guys are arahants why don't you develop and teach a Dhamma according to your own understanding using contemporary language. Why do we need the Pali Canon, etc., which have all been corrupted?

This is a good question.  There are several answers but the following will due for now.

Without a context, then few will follow.  Thus, if the enlightened can refer to past mystics for reference, then his/or philosophy is strengthened.  Most past mystics referred to past mystics.  In fact I cannot think of one who did not.

[Jhanon]

I believe all religious texts, including the Pali Canon are simply anthologies of religious literature that were inspired by common sources, thus there is no "word of god" or "word of progenitor" in any mainstream religious literature. Also, all religions have corrupted the translation and interpretation of the literature that is associated with their progenitor, who was a mystic. Thus, we must always exercise critical thinking and insight born of deep meditation.

Why don't we start from scratch. If all you guys are arahants why don't you develop and teach a Dhamma according to your own understanding using contemporary language. Why do we need the Pali Canon, etc., which have all been corrupted?

You both make good points. The Buddha referenced Jainism and Vedic texts if I remember correctly. These teachings have to build off each other.

We are already in the process of "starting from scratch." But before we can start from scratch, we have to understand how it's been done in the past. Jhananda's GWV website goes a long way toward accelerating this process for each new mystic that joins the sangha.

I have begun to make efforts in "starting from scratch", as can be observed in the supernatural faculties list on it's respective thread. Everything posted on their is from my direct experience, which is why it's probably confusing at first to most. I'm using terms not normally used in mystic teachings, and explaining the subtle supernatural faculties in a way I've never seen before. So it will naturally take time to develop. This is quite close to "starting from scratch" in my view. It will serve to help develop the spiritual dictionary I'm also working on.

One step at a time. It has to flow naturally, like the list did for me. Now it's just the task of explaining and refining the language I used so the big picture begins to show. Maybe someone else or all of us will settle on a new core discipline language, like the N8P, but expressed optimally for this age. Something like Jhananda's "self-aware, rigorous...contemplative."

In a nutshell: We are already doing what the authentic sanghas and teachers of the past did to help others find the stream. At least that has been my drive for quite a while. To translate and optimize the Dhamma for westerners of this age.

[Cal]

Hmm, yes. Michel, I think in future posts I will reference the suttas. It will kill 2 birds with one stone. I can reference it as well as be more clear in what im trying to say (lol) and perhaps, learn what I may be missing. Also, tailor the response/post to the audience, which is primarily Buddhist, so that they may find more direct, solid, guidance.

Good point, sir! 

Also, Im no Arahant.