Re: [Zen] Re: Antwort: JUDO

[Jue Miao Jing Ming - 覺妙精明]

Got it.  Thanks, JM PS.  Often I don't get all postings either.  Frequently they arrived too late.  Oh well, that's technology... Bill Smart wrote: JMJM, For some reason when I try to REPLY to your postings using the website the text isn't copied into the REPLY space. I think that is because you are using HTML to write your postings and not text. Anyway, I've reproduced your posting below and my response follows: JMJM wrote: >Hi Bill, >Thank you for your "thoughtful" reply. My question is not on this >Buddha Nature level, but more on a everyday term. For instance, >any witness to your health? Younger looking? Any awareness to your >ego?  Any relationship improvements? Spiritual well being such as >happier, etc. JM That's a hard question to answer. I don't know how I would have turned out if I hadn't got involved in zen, so I don't know what attributes I now have that I could attribute to zen. But, I'll take a guess. I'll list some of my current attributes that I notice are somewhat different than the majority of other people, and that I have a hunch have something to due to my zen practice: - I enjoy good health for my age (62). I am overweight, but remain fairly active. People guess my age at mid-40's. - I am usually very calm and thoughtful. Not much rattles me. I am aware when my ego starts acting up (like anger, desires, disapointment, etc...) When it does I am usually able to immediately 'step back' and deal with the situation as a disinterested 3rd party. - I have always enoyed good relationships with family, friends, working companions and my spouse. A lot of people consider me a very good or even best friend that I don't consider especially good friends of mine. Many people come to me for advice. My first marraige lasted 20 years and ended amicably. I lived alone (as a bachelor) for about 10 years. My second and current marraige is 5 years old and is a strong and loving relationship. I dont think I have any spirituality. I don't need anything more than I get from shikantaza (zazen - clear mind) to bring me contentment. Sometimes I am very happy and sometimes I am sad, but that all occurs in front of a background of contentment. I am a Capricorn. My favorite color is blue and my lucky number is 3. ... Just kidding ;>)... But...as to what all parts of that self-profile above are attributible to zen - I really don't know. ...Bill! __._,_.___ Current Book Discussion: any Zen book that you recently have read or are reading! Talk about it today! Your email settings: Individual Email|Traditional Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required) Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch to Fully Featured Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe __,_._,___