Edgar, Okay, I'll play along. I'll re-read your post below and post my responses line-by-line:
--- In [email protected], Edgar Owen <edgarowen@...> wrote: > You mistake intent. Maybe, maybe not. > I agree, and have all along, the rational mind is not necessary to > REALIZE Buddha Nature.... Okay. No problems so far...except I notice you're using the word 'realize' and I'm using the word 'experience'. > But it is necessary to get to the point where one CAN realize > Buddha Nature... Nope. One only needs to be sentient to be able to (as in 'can') experience Buddha Nature. I looked up the word 'realize' and it seems to have at least three different meanings that might be the cause of our disconnect here: 1. know and understand something: to know, understand, and accept something 2. be or become aware of something: to be aware or conscious of something, or to become aware of something 3. achieve something: to fulfill a specific vision, plan, or potential 1. I reject the assertion that you can 'realize' Buddha Nature as in definition 1. 2. I agree that you can 'realize' Buddha Nature as in definition 2. 3. I might also agree that you can 'realize' Buddha Nature as in definition 3, but would have to think about that some more to be sure. > Why? Because one either uses the rational mind either to > 'practice' Zen which you guys insist is the way,... When I use the term 'practice zen' what I am referring to is the ongoing exercise of integrating Buddha Nature more and more seamlessly into my daily life. The focal point of my zen practice is zazen (shikantaza), but also includes any other activity I do - including using my 'rational mind'. I will say thought that the stronger my practice becomes the less I use my rational mind. > ...or to study the true nature of the world of forms which I > espouse. I don't understand what this means: "...study the true nature of the world of forms..." I don't think I do that because I to me the world of forms is illusory so doesn't have a 'true nature'. We just create them. But as I said I'm not certain what you mean by that. If you'll give me an example I'll reconsider my answer. > Reread my post below. That is what I'm saying and have > always said..... Been there! Done that! ...Bill! ------------------------------------ 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/
