Hi K, The challenge for any communication is due to its sequential nature, while Chan needs to be communicated in 10,000 ways at the same time. :-)

On 6/12/2012 8:55 AM, Kristopher Grey wrote:

Appreciate that jm, as I didn't express it very well - or perhaps perfectly - as there was no intention/expectation - just the expression. ;)

K

On 6/12/2012 11:49 AM, 覺妙精明 (JMJM) wrote:

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!




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