Hi Amy, Welcome to the group! If you're really interested in finding out more about Buddhism (and particularly Zen), then you're very fortunate to have stumbled onto this forum as there are some highly educated and experienced Zen practioners here.
Your question about "cutting attachments", and the effects of doing, so is a very common one for people when first learning about Zen. Cutting attachment to your daughter, for instance, doesn't mean anything like you stop loving her or caring about her. What it means is that you cut any attachments to any preconcieved notions regarding her (That she will always be around, that she will always be healthy, that you will see her everyday, that she will always be close etc.). In Buddhism, you'll learn quickly that nothing stays the same - that everything is in flux and not permanent. So to our relationships with our loved ones. Many people find this situation pessimistic and negative. But not so! Take your daughter once more. When she was born, you probably found yourself picking her up numerous times per day. For year after year. It probably felt that you'd always be picking her up - you become attached to the idea that she'll always be there and be dependent on you. And then one day it was the last time.. You didn't know it was going to be the last time, but it happened. And so we learn that our attachments to ideas and wishes end. And we also learn from Zen to recognise how precious life is from moment to moment and so to be fully awake to these moments. Hope that helped! Mike --- On Tue, 10/1/12, Amy Lemmon <[email protected]> wrote: From: Amy Lemmon <[email protected]> Subject: [Zen] New to Group To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> Date: Tuesday, 10 January, 2012, 10:11 Hi! I am new to this group and fairly new to Buddhism. I am learning but I feel like I need others to talk to, others with more experience and education than I. My family has been on a spiritual journey for awhile. I am very drawn to the Four Noble Truths, The Eightfold Path and The Five Precepts. I am not really sure where to even start to continue my education of Buddhism, so any advice on that is wonderful? Here is the biggest hang up that I seem to be having ... everything I read refers to letting go, cutting attachments, etc... I am perfectly fine with this in regards to material objects ... I do not need them BUT when it comes to the people I love I have no desire to release myself of attachment (per say). I am struggling with where love and passion comes from if you have no attachment to anything. Maybe someone (or a bunch of people) could give me some thoughts on this. My oldest daughter (age 16) is also struggling with this. In her words "if I am not suppose to have any attachments to anything than why does anything I do matter?" I am sure that I will have lots of questions and I thank you all for opening this group and being kind. I look forward to seeking more information. With peace, love and kindness, Amy Lemmon [email protected] Blog: Six Flower Mom
