Although I don't aspire to be more than an ordinary person without enlightenment, I appreciate the quote, thanks.
It was a loved one's death that really drove home this point to me: we aren't alive very long, so let's try not to be assholes to each other. It is a lower bar then service to others, but we all have to start somewhere! --- In [email protected], Rick Archer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > on 9/4/06 11:11 PM, curtisdeltablues at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > >> > Rick, thanks for responding. I would welcome an opportunity to both > >> > discuss this topic more, and to meet people who you feel represent a > >> > level of realization. My case may be somewhat different from what you > >> > stated because I myself had experiences of higher states through MMY's > >> > programs. But my understanding of what those experiences mean has > >> > changed radically. So for me to meet someone who has a self identity > >> > as a realized person, or has a deep experiential connection with some > >> > form of God, might not shift my point of view. I had them too. But, > >> > for me, that doesn't mean there really is a God. It is just life > >> > itself that give me the "wow" factor in my life. I don't feel as > >> > though spiritual experiences or perspectives add much to my life. But > >> > an opportunity to be shown my own limits of understanding is always > >> > welcome. I have been wrong so many times in my life that I have > >> > learned not to bolt any doors that I may have shut! > >> > > >> > These days I am more interested in ethics. If a person acts in a > >> > kind, loving way to others, that is good enough for me. If their > >> > belief in God helps them act that way, more power to them. I aspire > >> > to be act kindly. That takes the place of my previous spiritual > >> > aspirations. And for such a simple goal, it's consistent realization > >> > is quite a challenge in daily life. > > > Zen teacher Ellen Birx writes in her book Healing Zen: Awakening to a Life > of Wholeness and Compassion While Caring for Yourself and Others (Viking > Compass 2002) "Yamada Roshi spoke of four types of people: an ordinary > person without enlightenment, an ordinary person with enlightenment, a saint > without enlightenment, and a saint with enlightenment. Of course, the fourth > type is what we would all like to be and what the world needs most. However, > what this scheme is pointing out is that personal insight and saintly action > in the world do not necessarily go hand in hand. Insight alone is not > enough. Insight must be coupled with an ongoing effort to actualize in your > actions what you have realized through mediation practice. Insight is > actualized through service." (Page 232- chapter on "SERVICE - Doing What > Needs to Be Done). > To subscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Or go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ and click 'Join This Group!' Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
