Marsha to Andre, (for consideration): While awakening, realization or enlightenment seem to transcend the subject/ object dichotomy, Buddhist wisdom has always participated in the Intellectual Level., at least it seems to me.
Andre: Well Marsha, I can only refer you to Annotation 132 and 133 in which Pirsig states his essential intention about the MOQ (which is after all an Intellectual Pattern of Value). That Buddhism has also, always participated in/at the intellectual level (and beyond) is no surprise no? This seems to me to directly undermine the SOL because its 's' and 'o' are to be understood very differently from the SOM s/o dichotomy.... the Cartesian chism right? Mind - Matter,Objective over Subjective? Nagarjuna employed the dialectical method to arrive at the Middle Way. Is this then SOM? The MOQ was arrived at through an inductive/deductive process. Is it also then SOM? As far as Buddhism is concerned I prefer to contemplate and experience the First and the Second Principle. i.e DQ/SQ. Marsha: Btw, it is my understanding that there is very little sign of a renewed interest in Buddhism in China. Do you see it differently? Andre: This is probably right Marsha. As you probably know, during the Cultural Revolution Buddhism was persecuted by the State. Many monks slaughtered and or forced to do labouring work and temples torn down and burned. It are mainly the older folk following traditional Buddhist rituals and spiritual celebrations though it must be noted that some Buddhist Festivals are National Holidays as are some of those celebrated by other minority cultures here. The younger generation is in a transition period away from the traditional spirituality, securities and family ties though many know and participate in them either through personal conviction or as a sign of respect towards their (grand)parents. I think it is fair to say that money, and the emphasis upon economy growth are rapidly engrossing tradition in its drive to modernize. A shame really as Buddhist Chinese tradition (and the Tao philosophy of course)have a wonderful spirituality about them and are to be considered essential to 'existence'. To 'modernize' does not necessarily mean to 'civilize'. Still, do not underestimate Chinese resilience. Their culture goes very, very deep and they do have a wonderful way of combining the 'old' with the 'new'. There remains this (to my Western eyes) 'weird' harmony in this 'madhouse' called China, where sometimes you surrender, smile and say to yourself: 'Yep, I still have a lot to learn (about what is important or not...in other wo rds what reveals Quality)'. Moq_Discuss mailing list Listinfo, Unsubscribing etc. http://lists.moqtalk.org/listinfo.cgi/moq_discuss-moqtalk.org Archives: http://lists.moqtalk.org/pipermail/moq_discuss-moqtalk.org/ http://moq.org/md/archives.html
