[Case]
> The goal of a vision quest was not to
> seek oneness with the absolute. Rather it was to
> gain spirit power from
> animistic spirits. Mandelbaum says this directly...
I don't think and do think all vision quests of
all Amerindians are for gaining spirit power from
animistic spirits. I don't think so due to the
symbolism from what a Zero Chief, a teacher of the
Medicine Wheels which are reflections, that is
symbols, of the universe so one will be able to
discover ones' self. It is based on experience.
Hyemeyohsts Storm is in the spiritual lineage of these
Zero Chiefs. I also said I do think all vision quests
are for gaining, etc... due to the Medicine Wheel not
only being symbolic, but also literal (the importance
of animals were the metaphor and literal seem to
merge, but I'm not speaking for all Amerindian
traditions just of one I'm familiar with from reading
three of his books).
A quick explanation of the Medicine Wheel is its'
a symbol of each of the four directions, plus a
center. An example of one direction, south, is
representated by a mouse and a color: green. The
mouse sees close, this is true, and also a metaphor
for 'seeing ones' heart'. Another direction is east
represented by eagle and a color: yellow. The eagle
sees far, this is true, and also a metaphor for
'illumination'. The center is spirit. This is the
same as Black Elks mountain which is the center of the
world. It is a mountain that is everywhere.
Everybody can climb this mountain. These are more
metaphors. Here is a link to the Zero Chiefs',
Hyemeyohsts Storm, website of a story called 'Jumping
Mouse'. This is a story that he learned from his
spiritual teacher. This link also can be linked back
to the Home Page of this Zero Chief, which gives a
short autobiography. This journey in Amerindian, Zen,
MoQ, and owl sitting on a branch at night, is a
journey of true self. An experience of who we are.
Sure not all Amerindians have these kinds of
teachings, and Zen has had its' problems historically,
at times, with getting rid of thought something the
6th patriarch, Hui Neng, advocated against which he
saw in some Zen sects during his time. This Zero
Chief said it took him time to learn these ancient
teachings from his teacher. The vision quest
according to him is about seeing past anger and fear
to notice ones' true self. Coherence according to
Mark is a way to explain the MoQ when either chaotic,
stuck (static), or cohering. People have throughout
time have tried to wipe clean and rid the 'fog' that
has seemingly prevented people from seeing ones' true
self. These are not new journeys. Hui Neng says
ones' true self does not need wiped clean. A senior
monk, before Hui Neng was entrusted as the 6th
patriarch said:
"Our body is the Bodhi-tree,
And our mind a mirror bright.
Carefully we wipe them hour by hour,
And let no dust alight."
Hui Neng responded:
"There is no Bodhi-tree,
Nor stand of a mirror bright.
Since all is Void,
Where can the dust alight?"
The senior monk was not given the title
patriarch, Hui Neng was as the 5th patriarch knew Hui
Neng understood. These quotes of senior monk and Hui
Neng were found at this following website:
http://zen.thetao.info/read/huineng.htm
Here's the link to the story of Jumping Mouse as
follows:
http://www.hyemeyohstsstorm.com/sevenarrows/emouse2.htm
true self: a story from the caves
thanks.
evening light,
SA
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