Merle, it's a lifetime habit here, or I was born that way.
Observational and experimental scientists, and artists, LIVE like this, I
think. The world shows us a lot to impress us and give us insight into Nature
and into beauty. These contacts and insights affect our expression, whether
scientific (papers) or artistic (paintings).
But formal Zen Practice is aimed at a little different development.
I think the usual dependable appreciations we have are enhanced, and are more
frequent, and deeper, as our doors of perception are swept and clarified, but
the main purpose of formal practice is to perfect our Character, as Yasutani
said.
Another way to say this is to say that the purpose of formal practice (of
Methods) is to open the Heart of Compassion. This does not come with a
"Free-and-Easy" style, allowing to come what may: That's a kind of Russian
Roulette, really.
It requires practice. That's what our sect is all about, making available the
methods of correct practice, and giving practitioners a safe environment in
which to practice them intensively... and of course to "take them home" after
we have facility with them, and have had considerable guidance by a very
natural person, an expert of methods: a zen teacher.
Not everyone has the opportunity or means for this practice! But, it should
NEVER be discounted or dispensed with because of unavailability, or teachers
being only at a great distance from us: there are BOOKS!, practical books.
I still recommend Kapleau's, THE THREE PILLARS OF ZEN, and Sekida's, ZEN
TRAINING.
You (and yours!) have a treat in store, if you do not know these books yet, and
especially if you have not yet put "them" into practice.
Speaking of horses, they say you cannot make them drink. ;-)
--Joe
> Merle Lester <merlewiitpom@...> wrote:
>
> indeed joe.".horses for courses" as the saying goes..
> .many a time insight is an instant flash of lightening striking when you
> least expect
>
> the idea is to be ever alert, ever ready "to grasp the donkey by the tail" so
> to speak
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