The mention of Lao Tzu and Confucius brings to mind the ground upon
which Ch'an took root - and how this has shaped the practices/teachings.
To greatly over-simplify:
Zen may appear at times inwardly Taoist, outwardly Confucian. At other
times the reverse. Zen is unconcerned with such appearances.
By this, I am also pointing to the nature of all such appearances
commonly discussed and debated (such talk appearing to me to be more
about Zen Buddhism [or all forms of Buddhism] - than Zen realization -
but this only appears so). Some common/familiar themes emerge, some
apparent contrasts, others apparently complimentary (a short set as
example, in no particular order):
West/East
Chaos/Order
Samsara/Nirvana
Ordinary/Divine
Path/Attainment
Deluded/Realized
Householder/Monastic
Sudden/Gradual
Meditation/Sutras
Etc./Etc...
The fodder of forums such as this.
Ordinary mind sees separation between these forms, and identifies with
them more/less, seeking to find it's way - thus forming/borrowing a
''path'- or perhaps falling into the void by mistaking "/" as the
'middle way' - mistaking forsaking for equanimity (accepting 'no-self'
as rejection of form rather than realizing empty nature of form).
Buddha mind realizes all appearances as suchness, as abiding... Thus
ordinary mind/Buddha mind are one.
I do not claim to be a [Zen] Buddhist , thus have no more than passing
interest in these (10,000) things - and see them as no help or
hindrance. Merely points of reflection, offering nothing less than
bewildering clarity revealed in all it's murkiness.
There is no point I'm trying to make, no position I advance, nothing I
offer, no one I address this to.
You know who you are. The path begins and ends here.
What would you intend otherwise? What else would you expect?
Questions not seeking answers.
Pass the Sake.
K
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