I like it, K. Yes, indeed. At the "center / beneath" of it all, just
"ONE / ALL". However we care to label it. "Categorization / filing /
analyzing" are just different "perspectives / descriptions /mental
construct" of this "inseparable oneness / integrated system"... jm
On 6/12/2012 8:33 AM, Kristopher Grey wrote:
Yes, pointing to this can get in the way of their whole Bodhisattva dream.
I'd go as far to say compassion is a side effect/integral aspect of
awakening. I'd say the same of equanimity. All aspects of this
realization. In other words, it's not what someone thinks it is.
Compassion is not limited to some personal sense of caring for others,
or "do gooder" efforts, or altruism. These may arise in/as
compassionate awareness, or in delusional self-serving ways. The
altruism bit being perhaps the point that raises the most ire as there
is much confusion, much attachment to such "high" ideals. It should be
clear though that altruism has an agenda, it has goals. It sees the
world in terms of givers and takers, seeking to change this for some
specific reason (good intentions and all that business) - which is not
selfless beyond their imagination.
The short version. Caring arises for/in response to. Compassion always
with/as.
When Buddha/Dharma/Sangha are seen as one, this is realized as
Enlightenment/Equanimity/Compassion - aspects of
realization/awakening. Nothing changes, we simply realize
(continually) this has never not been so. Attaining nothing, thus
everything.
K
On 6/11/2012 10:02 PM, Joe wrote:
Hi, Kris,
I tell you, it's good to have this point of agreement. I cannot tell
you how it's surprised me at times when I made this point in sangha
discussions at several zendos over four decades, just in passing, and
have been jumped on by irate newcomers, or folks who have done a lot
of "reading". Teachers, whether male or female who were doing the
moderating, usually backed me up, but of course tried also to keep
the complainers in the fold. I'm glad no one has jumped down my
throat here yet on this point! If it happens, I'll let it go, but
will appreciate that there are at least two of us here who see it
this way. Really, as many as "two"? haha
We must urge others not to "fake it", though. Danger!
Practice, practice, practice!, instead.
(don't even THINK about compassion). ;-)
Strong practice,
--Joe
> Kris quoted Joe, and wrote:
>> (Another thing, sometimes noted: Compassion is not necessarily
>> something you FEEL, but it simply operates; and, to say the least, it
>> is not always "sweetness-and-light").
> Indeed!
