Greetings This is diving at the deep end, but it may be one way to save years of angst/unnecessary thinking. There is no god called 'buddha', for buddha is everywhere and the very thing that... a. makes you breath and move b. allows the birds to fly and fishes to swim the oceans c. changes the world, eg earthquakes Where there is movement or change, Buddha is in action. The butterfly you just saw is not the same butterfly that flew yesterday. Everything changes or ages, and then crumples to dust. If so, then how can one be attached to any one thing...when it's going to change into something else sooner than the blink of an eye? The above will not make sense to the regular Joe or Mary out there. When it comes to all things spiritual, either it comes to one, or not. It could depend on personal sincerity, amongst other things. Far too often have I heard it said,"Clear/sweep the rubbish out of the head, assume nothing, and just look at what's in front of you" There are only 2 choices here... - ceremonial, institutionalized, and organized Buddhism - the informal world of zen, based on zazen Buddha be praised Mel PS. Please get a copy of "Zen Mind Beginners Mind" if you can. The more Zen, Buddha, Tao, god or any of such are explained to the new....the less they make sense. It would be best to first look at available sources in the local bookstore, or library. Knowing such basic sources allows for better communication
________________________________ From: Amy Lemmon <[email protected]> To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, 10 January 2012 10:11 AM Subject: [Zen] New to Group 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
