Scott Alexander examines the compatibility of enlightenment with sex scandals, using recent Buddhist teacher scandals as a starting point for broader questions about consciousness and social conditioning.
Longer summary
Scott Alexander discusses the recent sex scandal involving Buddhist teacher Culadasa and explores its implications for the concept of enlightenment. He notes that many prominent Buddhist teachers, despite claims of enlightenment, have been involved in similar scandals. The post questions whether enlightenment is compatible with such behavior, and examines various theories about why these scandals occur. Scott suggests that meditation might 'dissolve social conditioning' without necessarily replacing it with compassion. He draws parallels to other consciousness-altering practices and wonders if there are advantages to our usual state of consciousness that these practices might disrupt.
Shorter summary