On 8/3/2012 5:15 PM, mike brown wrote:
It's not just the literature, but those who profess to understand far
more than they really do. There's a world of difference between those
who practice and those who merely know about Zen.
"Don't know" - is to me perhaps the essence of Zen teaching - and it
permeates all I read and hear. Advaita says 'Neti, neti...' Neither are
negations.
It's difficult, if not impossible, to find religious work that can
actually make you burst out laughing (Not including the American
Christian Right - but for all the wrong reasons).
I once experienced this so, now I see it was my own perceived lack.
Granted, some 'flavors' are quite dry, or obscure, or worse - but is as
much cultural as anything. Western texts in particular (since westerners
accept the east as mysterious, not the west require an understanding in
ways no taught in modern schools. They were never meant to be read on
only a literal level. Most speak on three levels at once. The 'deeper'
levels often making light of the other levels, to make an even more
subtle point. All in plain sight, be we have largely lost the historical
context and mythological background to unlock what is hidden in plain sight.
>As you say, these are just personal reactions, shared in
con-verse-ations.
Re-act, now there's something to get some insight wisdom on!
>My (worthless) reaction to this lovely nun, is she wrote detailed
tech manuals for imagined mechanisms - and delivered them as lengthy
sermons. Instructing, as she was instructed. All very useful, so very
very useful... This is this, that is that. Do this, don't do that. 1,
2, 3... A, B, C... I'm sure it all works for those interested in
work(s), and serves those who are interested in service(s), but it's
all so very damned religious! *L* .
Any more religious than Dogen's instructions on how to sit in zazen or
cook in the temple? If I begin a martial art, I wouldn't fancy my
chances on being pushed into the ring and told to just breathe and
observe what happens. Sometimes we need training before we can let it go.
>It adds to my understanding of what is meant by Hinayana and Mahayana
- but Ekayana resonates (and Vajrayana's more fun). No choice to make
in this. I'm not a Buddhist - just a wanderer - who sometimes enjoys
their company.
I find Mahayana far more religious than any Vipassana retreat I've
been on.
Inside, a temple is home. Outside, a temple is a religious structure.
My academic background is in social work and law.
Human engineering then. Bad addiction, even if directed only to
self-control.
I'm probably the laziest and irresponsible person you know.
I seriously doubt that, but if I were of such a mind I might take that
as a compliment! ;)
KG
