--- In [email protected], "ryhorikawa" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: <.snip.. > Bill, made a profound point in this recent posting. Brother, are you saying that > "Individual enlightenment" is an illuson? Are you implying that in the > Buddhist paradigm of inter-relational existence/mutuallly dependent > existence/ the "net"/"network' of causality, "singular or individual > enightenment" really is impossible? That there can only be "matrix" > enlightenment?... and this can only "happen" when the suffering of all sentient > beings is allevited? If you are, this is quite mind-boggling ... If this is the case, > then the presence of the Buddha Sakyamuni would actually lead right back to > "position" of your wife, Kai, on the nature of our world. :-) Now, that's a "Zen" > circle :-)!! > > Gassho, > ryhorikawa > Ryhorikawa,
First of all remember I asserted that Buddhism is a teaching tool. Buddhist terms, concepts and all dharma are metaphors. So are zen terms and concepts. They are all used to try to say what cannot be said. Also I want to re-emphasize that although I have read a lot of Buddhist literature and scripture, it was done incidently to augment my zen practice. I am not a Buddhist scholar. What I say is only my understanding of Buddhist doctrine and may not be an orthodox interpretation. I do however believe I am well-grounded in zen, although I do not try to make a distinction of where Buddhism stops and zen begins. I believe them to be an amorphous continuum but that statement also is a metaphor. There can be no `individual enlightenment' because in the end there are no `individuals'. Buddhist dharma says `no self' and `no liver of life'. Your `self' and `sentient beings' exist only in your mind. Suffering exists only in your mind. Shakyamuni Buddha and all Buddhas exist only in your mind. There is no enlightenment to attain. Everything is perfect just as it is. Zen practice leads you to first an awareness of this, then to a realization of this, and finally to a practice of this. But, I thought your concept of "..Buddhist paradigm of inter- relational existence/mutuallly dependent existence/ the "net"/"network' of causality.." was a really, really cool metaphor! Keep them coming! Gassho...Bill! ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Fair play? Video games influencing politics. Click and talk back! http://us.click.yahoo.com/u8TY5A/tzNLAA/yQLSAA/S27xlB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Current Book Discussion: Appreciate Your Life by Taizan Maezumi Roshi 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/
