On 8/7/2012 9:30 PM, mike brown wrote:
> To segue Zen/zen in with his teachings seems a more constructive thing
> to do than just outright negate (thanks for that one, Kris).
A loosely related side note: I have had some rather interesting
conversations with Jehovah' Witnesses. They seem to think I am a "man of
god"/very spiritual person/know the bible, and believe much as they do -
which I don't. I just speak using their launguage as best I can (when in
Rome), and don't speak for or against their teachings, I simply present
opportunity to look at them with fresh eyes.
Maybe this is what some Christian meas by 'the living word' and such. I
don't know. That I am not seeking 'God', or some thing that's to come
someday, and don't preach anything seems to open things up. I see this
'kingdom' they seek - in just this - suchness - not my or anyone else's
ideas of such a thing. I don't have a script, and it throws them off
theirs so we can just talk. They seem far more open to this sort of
reflecting than I'd have guessed, but maybe they're just being polite
and waiting patiently for opportunities to convert me. Somehow I think
they understand this can't happen. They like to talk anyway. Curious,
when I'm of a mind to play.
That said, its not something I like to do, it just happens sometimes.
Mostly I avoid such talk. I prefer to keep out of it, and I have nothing
for them they can't realize in silence.
Maybe some do, but prefer to express via a structure/community. "Suits
them" as you say. It suits me to see their focus on the troubles of the
world as just another expression of concern for delusion/samsara, their
'Kingdom' or 'paradise' or 'heaven on earth' to come, as a metaphorical
expression of realization, of 'Buddha Mind' - like some Buddhists use
"Pure land". But I know little of such expressions, beyond their
interdependent/empty nature.
KG
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