Suresh, Your subject post regarding 'masks' is also a common theme in Buddhism and zen. One of the most popular 'breakthrough' koans uses this theme:
"When you're not thinking of anything good and anything bad, at that moment, what is your original face?" - Case 23, THE GATELESS GATE This 'original face' is Buddha Nature. It's your 'face' WITHOUT any of the usual masks you wear. And again, as is all zen teachings, it's not really the multitude of 'masks' you wear that's important. What's important is that you REALIZE these 'masks' are illusory and that you are not ATTACHED to them. ...Bill! --- In [email protected], "Joe" <desert_woodworker@...> wrote: > > Suresh, > > Interesting post! > > I think anyone who has the time and concentration to concoct such an > elaborate dialog or allegory can build a practice of Zazen. Rest assured. > > Just as you do, I too have regard for what I know of the Vedas and Upanishads. > > A few posts ago, I asked you what you find in Buddhism and especially in Zen > that attracts you. I am still curious. What draws you to Zen methods? > Maharshi's method of "Who am I?" is similar in that respect. > > Like Hinduism, Christianity is a rich tradition, too; but, I have "strayed" > from Christianity to something I find much more natural, Zen practice. I can > still be a Christian although my practice is Zen, but I do not feel much > inclined to do so: I mean I do not feel identified as a Christian, unless I > am allowed to take the teachings thereof in the *very* most metaphorical and > poetic way. And, even THEN... . > > The idea of a "God" seems an unnecessary mystification. I suppose I would > not make a good Hindu, then, either. > > I find the notions of Atman and Brahman quite natural, though. But I do not > personify them. > > --Joe > > > SURESH JAGADEESAN <varamtha@> wrote: > > > > Dear Phantom > > > > We don't mind if someone wants to keep mask. [snip] > ------------------------------------ Current Book Discussion: any Zen book that you recently have read or are reading! Talk about it today!Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: [email protected] [email protected] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [email protected] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
