Bob,
Yes, it's true, isn't it. I agree that models form naturally in us, and are
useful. It's when we take them beyond their sphere of use, however, that we
are misled by them. And, in Zen practice, if we are attached to *any* model,
or to anything, we're not practicing, in that interval of time while we are
entertaining a model. I'm one who discourages myself, or others, from doing
anything other than practice when we set ourselves to practice. THAT in
itself, is practice. I don't think about practice when I practice, for example.
A model of how the senses work is useful to Medical people and to Poets, to
name a few. But the building of that model is based on observations made with
the senses. Why, I'd say that's as circular as an ellipse. So the model is
not only "just" a model, but it is subjective. There is no "Outside"-Authority
to confer a stamp of independence. We're stuck with that. Or, we're only
stuck with it, and stuck BY it when we forget that such a model is formed by
the same senses that we attempt to model.
But when it comes to practice, the Zen way across all five living schools seems
to be to wake up, and then we can use everything freely. We can then use
things, our full Human inheritance, as skilful means to help others, naturally.
Some others who are not working in the Zen way think that we must first use
everything, in order to awaken. That's not what the Buddha did. And I know no
one who did that. Somebody might be able to be first, though!
Once again, good to see you here.
--Joe
> "bobthomas564" <bobthomas564@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Joe - you state "this is a model" and that is very true. There is nothing
> you can say about this internal state, and as soon as you open your mouth you
> are wrong. BUT..... you have to say something and a model, like a parable, is
> a good way to gain some level of understanding. The fact that certain
> synapses are sending signals is interesting, but from a scientific POV it
> will teach you nothing about who you are.
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