Shane,
Shakyamuni (Buddha) had five teachers. They were the best in their time, and
Shakyamuni was their best student.
But Shakyamuni was not eating, and only losing strength, where his teachers
might how found it. His body was badly mortified.
So he asked a milk-maid for milk while he sat, after vowing not to rise from
his seat until he had awakened. He took the nourishment and saw the Morning
Star the next morning. He awakened.
His practice with his teachers put him on a good footing, although he almost
died.
He set the example for us of the Middle Way, between mortification and mindless
feasting. ;-)
I don't suggest a practitioner needs to fast and do mortifications.
And I don't think a teacher needs to teach you that!
A teacher teaches correct methods, and can help you fine-tune your use of them,
in person.
People can learn to fly an airplane on their own (can they really?), but most
people fly with an instructor for a time and learn the practice safely.
Then, they solo.
You will not go wrong if you learn our art from a good teacher. You can always
leave.
I suggest you give it a try. There is no obligation.
--Joe
> Edgar Owen <edgarowen@...> wrote:
>
> Shane,
>
> Take Joe's comments with a grain of salt. True Zen needs no teacher, no
> 'sitting', no temple. These may help especially those who tend to not have
> the personality to do things on their own, but they are not essential. After
> all Buddha himself had none of these. True Zen has nothing to do with any of
> this. It is simply the realization of the true nature of what is always right
> around us including ourselves...
>
> Edgar
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