Re: [Zen] Re: Detach from form
Buddhism is not pessimism or demotivating, thinking so is a misunderstanding. It may seem so because many ancient and modern monks and nuns seem to live a reclusive life without need to strive in this busy world. It might seem so because of the teachings of Middle Way, which seem to discourage anything active such as determination and perseverance that you mentioned. But this is not true. In different scenario and environment the practice is different. Modern people, laymen have to work for a living. A true Buddhist works hard, because he knows that's his responsibility to be fulfilled. Buddhism is not a dead dogma, it is alive, can be applied to everyday life, including your work. As you might agree, on the path to enlightenment, or even to maintain consistent daily practice, requires determination. To become Buddha one must excel oneself, to surpass one's weaknesses or bad habits. And from this perspective, those good qualities that you mentioned are essential to Buddhism. Desire for enlightenment is different from desire for sex and money that make one's life unbalanced. Don't fall for the philosophically correct interpretation of Buddhism, which may tell you that all those good qualities are also extremes to be abandoned in the goal of Middle Way. Al [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: donald hwong Contentment is not satisfaction and not joy. Contentment is a state of want-nothing. if we could put our best foot forward to let go our reaction to the effects of all existing forms, not be affected by it, just accept as is, we end our suffering. If we want nothing, then why will we want to put our best foot forward? I think if Buddhism had become the predominant religion of the world, we would all be living in huts and caves right now. That might not be a bad thing, but to some degree buddhism is demotivating and defuses desire, ambition, determination, perseverence, and many other qualities that are essential for success in society. Is Buddhism for people who are vegetables, or is it just a tool to reduce stress? - Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out.
Re: [Zen] Re: Detach from form
Hi Al, When we are in sync with the universal life force and wisdom, we are one with the One. We become the One. We would be able to flow in the Big River without hinder naturally course. Determination, desire, ambition are human framework, which is but a tiny framework of the universal framework. Chan is to be with the whole and NOT be just partial. In order to reach that stage, we begin by empty the mind and let go of the ego and most importantly cultivate our Chi. Without the Chi, there is no life force. Without life force, or just sit, meditation becomes just a mental balancing act, we called it Withered Chan. Meditate and don't think. JMJM Al [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: donald hwong Contentment is not satisfaction and not joy. Contentment is a state of want-nothing. if we could put our best foot forward to let go our reaction to the effects of all existing forms, not be affected by it, just accept as is, we end our suffering. If we want nothing, then why will we want to put our best foot forward? I think if Buddhism had become the predominant religion of the world, we would all be living in huts and caves right now. That might not be a bad thing, but to some degree buddhism is demotivating and defuses desire, ambition, determination, perseverence, and many other qualities that are essential for success in society. Is Buddhism for people who are vegetables, or is it just a tool to reduce stress? - Check out the hottest 2008 models today at Yahoo! Autos.
[Zen] Re: Detach from form
donald hwong if we could put our best foot forward to let go our reaction to the effects of all existing forms, not be affected by it, just accept as is, we end our suffering. Putting our best foot forward (effort), and contentment are almost contrary motivations. It is difficult to be content and yet to care and to try? Current Book Discussion: any Zen book that you recently have read or are reading! Talk about it today! Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] * 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/
Re: [Zen] Re: Detach from form
Hi Frazier, I am not sure you are making a statement or a question. Allow me to respond as follows. It takes awareness of our five skadha to be detached from all forms. This awareness if a state of calmness without any effort. Contentment is not satisfaction and not joy. Contentment is a state of want-nothing. No different than the state of calmness and awareness. There is no conflicting forces. Because there is no force in being calm and aware. It is the state of mid-way. Or Ding in Chinese. Only then we could be in sync with the universal wisdom and inline with all the future causes. JMJM Frazier [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: donald hwong if we could put our best foot forward to let go our reaction to the effects of all existing forms, not be affected by it, just accept as is, we end our suffering. Putting our best foot forward (effort), and contentment are almost contrary motivations. It is difficult to be content and yet to care and to try? - Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join Yahoo!'s user panel and lay it on us.
Re: [Zen] Re: Detach from form
From: donald hwong Contentment is not satisfaction and not joy. Contentment is a state of want-nothing. if we could put our best foot forward to let go our reaction to the effects of all existing forms, not be affected by it, just accept as is, we end our suffering. If we want nothing, then why will we want to put our best foot forward? I think if Buddhism had become the predominant religion of the world, we would all be living in huts and caves right now. That might not be a bad thing, but to some degree buddhism is demotivating and defuses desire, ambition, determination, perseverence, and many other qualities that are essential for success in society. Is Buddhism for people who are vegetables, or is it just a tool to reduce stress? Current Book Discussion: any Zen book that you recently have read or are reading! Talk about it today! Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] * 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/
