From: "Ian" > I wouldn't want to paint myself into the corner that participation is all about just discussing our ideas about Zen, while not putting them into practice in the forum participation itself.>
Zen may have nothing to do with reading Zen books, as some of the Monks would suggest; but it beats just reading their negative remarks. I would rather get my Zen ideas from a recognized & published expert than from anybody else. I think this list will work better as an internet support group of sorts. Discussion of ideas is all that we can do on the internet. I think that if we can expand our personal understanding of Zen in a positive way, it will certainly be easier to participate in an actual group with a Teacher when that opportunity comes along. Otherwise, what we had was one guy shooting down everyone's ideas and then saying "Unless you are practicing with a real Teacher (like I am), you are a bumbling buffoon totally blind to Zen." We are probably all bumblers, but it is easier to learn how to walk in a nursery with the other babies than it is with a first-grade bully kicking you down when you stumble. Besides, every Zen book has a parable about finding enlightenment when you stop searching for it. So let's forget about getting enlightened. Let's enjoy the positive effects of meditation, and the interesting ideas we find in our Zen books. Leave enlightenment to the experts! ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> In low income neighborhoods, 84% do not own computers. At Network for Good, help bridge the Digital Divide! http://us.click.yahoo.com/hjtSRD/3MnJAA/i1hLAA/S27xlB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Current Book Discussion: Appreciate Your Life by Taizan Maezumi Roshi. New or used at: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1570622280/ref=ase_actionheroesc-20/002-4507763-9442460?v=glance&s=books> Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ZenForum/ <*> 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/
