Bill wrote:
"As you've probably learned by now I do not agree with your assertion
that zen addresses things spiritual, but hope we will get more of a
chance to discuss this important point further."
I replied to Bill from the aspect of the Pagan concept of the "The round
of the Year" a simple appreciation of how the year is culturally
structured and the pleasure I and many others get from the various
natural events that mark its passage.
Let me be quite clear I am an Atheist, God and the associated memes are
a construct of humanity little different from Robin Hood, Hamlet, Red
Riding Hood and all the other fabulous creatures that inhabit the sphere
of myth.
I am a Pagan/Heathen in that those descriptors best capture the sense of
being attuned to the natural world and all that goes on in it. The
problem we all face is that words mean one thing to the author but they
have to get into the mind of the reader who can and often does have a
different set of references and definitions enough said there but a
fascinating area that amused me for many years.
I use Zen and in particular Shikantaza as a tool, the same way I use any
of my numerous other skills, but in this case it is not my hands that
are at work but my mind. It seems to have the effect of sharpening my
mind by enabling it to come to a focus and concentrate on whatever I am
working on or over. In this day and age the clamor and strife bombard
our mind with stuff that is of benefit to those originating it, but of
little or no benefit to those receiving it. To have a silent mind that
can be focused is a very valuable asset.
I suspect that Bill also read my reply to Merle but missed the aspect of
the question that I replied to. she asked: "charles does the pagan
believe in spirituality and souls?"
I took this as a question about the general beliefs of Pagans as a
whole. I have known a number of Pagans in my 70 plus years and so I
replied in general terms about what I knew of their beliefs, not an easy
task and I picked my words carefully as both Spirituality and Soul are
somewhat nebulous and ill defined (hardly surprising when one considers
how they are used and misused)
Let me be quite clear, so you know where I am coming from, I have no
time or energy available to spend on the chase for spirituality as I
consider it simply a chase after mind concepts that have no use or value
to me. As for a "Soul" a great meme for getting cash in the collection,
but of no utility to an atheist.
I use Zen as a tool, I put up with the semi-religious trappings it has
accumulated over the centuries, but like water they wash over me and the
sun dries them off until the next exposure. Like almost anything else
it has attracted those who have found a way to extract economic (in the
broad sense of the term) advantage that does not mean they have improved
Zen, just added another layer one has to dig through to get to the
underlying aspect that has real lasting value.
Metaphorically I have a hide akin to that on a rhinoceros and I expect
that the above my well test its capacity, so be it, an honest exchange
is always a way of clarifying my own position.
I should be weaving so I leave this area awaiting the next salvo to arrive.
Charles also known as Aurochs and that's no bull!
------------------------------------
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