DavidA

Carina, Your first post sort of reminded me of the vinegar jar. There are three monks sitting around a jar of vinegar. The first has a sour expression on his face. The second has an angry expression on his face. The third is smiling. Liota This is the way I have heard the story of the vinegar jar and explains the expressions on the faces of the monks. This is a famous picture called the “Vinegar Tasters”. The three monks represent Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism. The jar has vinegar in it, representing life, and each philosopher is reacting to the taste. To the Confucian, life is sour (sour expression). To the Buddhist, life is bitter (angry expression). To the Daoist, life is sweet (smile).

Sounds a lot like the concept of basic training I went through in the Army..remove everything that is not a soldier until a soldier appears. The process may not be pleasant..but is necessary. From the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy Daoist Philosophy Daoism and Confucianism Daoists take their hands off of life. Confucians want their fingerprints on everything. Imagine this comparison: The Daoist goal is to become like a piece of unhewn and natural wood, the Daoists call this the “uncarved block” or pu. The Daoists put the piece before us just as it is found. The goal of the Confucians is to become a carved sculpture. The Confucians polish it, shape it, and decorate it. Confucians think they can engineer reality, understand it, name it, control it. The Daoists think that such endeavors are the source of our frustration and fragmentation (DDJ, chs. 57, 72). They believe the Confucians create a gulf between humans and nature, that weakens and destroys us. Ronnie Littlejohn Belmont University

Asia/Philosophy 105 Pu How does a Daoist aim to live? As we age, society changes us; it attempts to educate us in its image. As good Daoists we must resist this. We must retain that part of us that is still child-like, that part of us that is deep inside and still filled with the wonder of life. The Daoists call this the “uncarved block” or pu (this is the pun that Benjamin Hoff is using in his Tao of Pooh). The reference is to a living tree, which is then cut down and carved into a table or a chair. We would certainly say that a chair is more useful to us than a tree, but which is happier? We are like that tree, we have been carved into a chair by society, which is happier, we as we have been formed by society, or as we were before we were "carved?" Pu is like a child.

Masao Abe explains the theology, Suzuki lays out the manifestation/practice of it in very understandable, practical & concrete terms. I HAVE found Zen mental processing applicable to shooting and to other situations in general life. There are several books of Suzuki's teachings available. I plan to read through those and the rest of Abe's writings ... right after surviving my recertification Board exam in July .... If you haven’t read “Zen is Right Here” (teaching stories of Shunryu Suzuki) it shows the humility and humor of the man. A few examples: One day at Tassajara, Suzuki Roshi and a group of students took some tools and walked up a hot, dusty trail to work on a project. When they got to the top, they discovered that they had forgotten a shovel. The students began a discussion about who should return to get it. After the discussion had ended, they realized that Roshi wasn’t there. He was already half-way down the mountain trail, on his way to pick up the shovel. One day during a tea break a student standing next to Suzuki Roshi asked, “So what do you think about all of us crazy Zen students?” Roshi said, “I think you’re enlightened until you open your mouth” After an evening lecture a man in the audience asked, “You say that Zen is everywhere. So why do we have to come to the Zen Center?” “Zen is everywhere, “ Suzuki Roshi agreed. “But for you, Zen is right here.” AND from the “Definitions”: Zen (Japanese) A school of Buddhism originating in China. That emphasizes zazen, direct insight, and actual experience of Buddhist truth in everyday activity.

The following passages are from "The Zen Teachings of Huang Po," ed John Blofeld. If Huang Po's philosophy can be put into words (which he repeatedly says it cannot) it is that man must break through all of his false concepts based on sense perception in order to see his true Self. Though others may talk of the Way of the Bhuddas as something to be reached by various pious practices and by sutra study, you must have nothing to do with such ideas. A perception, sudden as blinking, that subject and object are one, will lead to a deeply mysterious wordless understanding; and by this understanding will you awake to the truth of Zen. Then how can it ever be a matter for discussion that the real Buddha has no mouth and preaches no dharma, or that real hearing requires no ears, for who could hear it? Ah, it is a jewel beyond all price!

Thank you. "One mind" is not a concept and therefore cannot be expanded upon. Or to put it differently, the more you think about one mind the farther you wander from it. To get to know the reality of one mind, a good approach is to put your mind in a state of pondering, and allow it to remain there. As often as possible, ask your self a "good" question, like "Who am I"? Paying special attention to the quality of your mind just as the question finishes, before you begin to think of an answer. Or ponder this gem from Huang Po: "Nothing is born, nothing is destroyed. Away with your dualism, your likes and dislikes. Every single thing is just the One Mind." be The selection is taken from John Blofeld’s introduction to his new rendering of this ninth-century Chinese Buddhist classic. The Zen Teaching of Huang Po ”On the Transmission of Mind” If Huang Po's philosophy can be put into words (which he repeatedly says it cannot), Huang Po’s use of the term “the One Mind” The text indicates that Huang Po was not entirely satisfied with his choice of the word “Mind” to symbolize the inexpressible Reality beyond the reach of conceptual thought, for he more than once explains that “the One Mind” is not really MIND at all. But he had to use some term or other, and “Mind” had not often been used by his predecessors. As Mind conveys intangibility, it no doubt seemed to him a good choice, especially as the use of this term helps to make it clear that the part of a man usually regarded as an individual entity inhabiting his body is, in fact, not his property at all, but common to him and to everybody and everything else. And, of course, “the One Mind” is no less misleading, unless we abandon all preconceived ideas, as Huang Po intended. In an earlier translation of the first part of this book, I ventured to substitute “Universal Mind” for “the One Mind,” hoping that the meaning would be clearer. However, I have come to see that my term is liable to a different misunderstanding; it is therefore no improvement on “the One Mind,” which at least has the merit of being a literal translation.

Taoism teaches the technique of mastering circumstances, not trying to control them, this is often called the path of wu-wei. From the Tao of Physics: TAOISM by Fritjof Capra The actions of the Taoist sage thus arise out of his intuitive wisdom, spontaneously and in harmony with his environment. He does not need to force himself, or anything around him, but merely adapts his actions to the movements of the Tao. In the words of Huai Nan Tzu, Those who follow the natural order, flow in the current of the Tao. Such a way of acting is called wu-wei in Taoist philosophy; a term which means literally "nonaction," Wu-wei is a difficult notion to translate. Yet, it is generally agreed that the traditional rendering of it as “nonaction” or “no action” is incorrect. Joseph Needham translates as "refraining from activity contrary to nature," justifying this interpretation with a quotation from the Chuang-tzu: Nonaction does not mean doing nothing and keeping silent. Let everything be allowed to do what it naturally does, so that its nature will be satisfied. If one refrains from acting contrary to nature or, as Needham says, from "going against the grain of things," one is in harmony with the Tao and thus one's actions will be successful. This is the meaning of Lao Tzu's seemingly so puzzling words, "By nonaction everything can be done."

It’s 2011 and I have just read this Post. I realize the original Poster may not read this. From: "The Tao of Physics" Enlightenment in Zen does not mean withdrawal from the world but means, on the contrary, active participation in everyday affairs. The Chinese masters always stressed that Ch'an, or Zen, is our daily experience, the 'everyday mind' as Ma-tsu proclaimed. Their emphasis was on awakening in the midst of everyday affairs and they made it clear that they saw everyday life not only as the way to enlightnment but as enlightment itself. In Zen, satori means the immediate experience of the Buddha nature of all things first and foremost among these things are the objects, affairs and people involved in everyday life, so that while it emphasizes life's practicalities, Zen is nevertheless profoundly mystical. Living entirely in the present and giving full attention to everyday affairs, one who has attained satori, experiences the wonder and mystery of life in every single act. How wondrous this, how mysterious! I carry fuel, I draw water. The perfection of Zen is thus to live one's everyday life naturally and spontaneously. When Po-chang was asked to define Zen, he said, "When hungry, eat, when tired, sleep." Although this sounds simple and obvious, like so much in Zen, it is in fact quite a difficult task. To regain the naturalness of our original nature requires long training and constitutes a great spritual achievement. Fritjof Capra AND, “The most powerful thing you can do to change the world, is to change your own beliefs about the nature of life, people, reality, to something more positive and begin to act accordingly” Shakti Gawain.

As a student/competitor, I was taught this. As an Instructor, I teach this. From "The Zen Way to the Martial Arts" Many people practice the martial arts, in Europe, the United States, and Japan, without really practicing the way of Budo or the way of Zen. And the general feeling is that the principles and philosophy of Zen have nothing to do with the practice of the martial arts as sports. People who do not want to follow the teaching of Zen, the true foundation of Bushido, do not have to do so. They're simply using the martial arts as playthings; to them they are sports like any others. But people who want to live their lives on a higher dimension do have to understand. Nobody can be compelled and nobody can be criticized. The first lot are like children playing with toy cars, while the second drive real automobiles. I have nothing against sports; they train the body and develop stamina and endurance. But the spirit of competition and power that presides over them is not good, it reflects a distorted vision of life. The root of the martial arts is not there. The teachers are partly responsible for this state of affairs; they train the body and teach technique, but do nothing for consciousness. As a result their pupils fight to win, like children playing war games. There is no wisdom in this approach and it is no use at all in the business of managing one's life. What good to them is their technique in everyday life? Sports are only amusement and in the end, because of the spirit of competition, they wear out the body. That is why the martial arts should strive to recapture their original dimension. In the spirit of Zen and Budo everyday life becomes the contest. There must be awareness at every moment - getting up in the morning, working, eating, going to bed. That is the place for mastery of the self. Taisen Deshimaru:

Thank you. "One mind" is not a concept and therefore cannot be expanded upon. Or to put it differently, the more you think about one mind the farther you wander from it. To get to know the reality of one mind, a good approach is to put your mind in a state of pondering, and allow it to remain there. As often as possible, ask your self a "good" question, like "Who am I"? Paying special attention to the quality of your mind just as the question finishes, before you begin to think of an answer. Or ponder this gem from Huang Po: "Nothing is born, nothing is destroyed. Away with your dualism, your likes and dislikes. Every single thing is just the One Mind." be Brian, Thank you for taking the time to respond. I won’t think about the one mind. I continue to have coincidental experiences. There seems to be a theme developing. My path keeps crossing humble professionals who have a deep spiritual side, like you.

It’s 2011 and I have just read this post. Synchronicites, I didn’t know there was a word to describe these experiences. This happens to me all the time, a few examples: I got a one year old Beagle from a friend. The dog had health and training issues. I went to a natural dog food store. I discussed my dog’s problems with the storeowner. Days after, I ran into the storeowner at the bank. Later, I ran into her at the Dog Park. I ran into her at an ATM. I ran into her at the market. There were other chance meetings. I actually thought I was being stocked, she may have felt the same way. Each time we talked about my dog. This occurred over several months. The dogs health and other issues got much better. Even though I go to the same places I haven’t seen the storeowner again. She was coincidently there several times when I needed her. I wondered, if according to Shunryu Suzuki “Things go the way the mind goes” was it mine, the storeowner’s or the dog’s mind making this happen. Are there three (or more) minds? There were at least two minds involved, and I threw in my dogs mind as a possibility. I had the feeling that I wasn't the one making the coincidental meetings happen. I suspected it was the dog food storeowner. I thought maybe there was a little more to her than we discussed. Although it can't be grasped logically, there is only one mind. We touch on feeling or even knowing that when synchronistic situations occur like you described. be Brian, Your perception and insight is incredible. Sharing experiences with you is inspiring. Your thoughts lead me to more questions. If you have the time, please expand the concept of only one mind.

It’s 2011 and I have just read this post. Synchronicites, I didn’t know there was a word to describe these experiences. This happens to me all the time, a few examples: I got a one year old Beagle from a friend. The dog had health and training issues. I went to a natural dog food store. I discussed my dog’s problems with the storeowner. Days after, I ran into the storeowner at the bank. Later, I ran into her at the Dog Park. I ran into her at an ATM. I ran into her at the market. There were other chance meetings. I actually thought I was being stocked, she may have felt the same way. Each time we talked about my dog. This occurred over several months. The dogs health and other issues got much better. Even though I go to the same places I haven’t seen the storeowner again. She was coincidently there several times when I needed her. I wondered, if according to Shunryu Suzuki “Things go the way the mind goes” was it mine, the storeowner’s or the dog’s mind making this happen. Are there three (or more) minds? There were at least two minds involved, and I threw in my dogs mind as a possibility. I had the feeling that I wasn't the one making the coincidental meetings happen. I suspected it was the dog food storeowner. I thought maybe there was a little more to her than we discussed.

It’s 2011 and I have just read this post. Synchronicites, I didn’t know there was a word to describe these experiences. This happens to me all the time, a few examples: I got a one year old Beagle from a friend. The dog had health and training issues. I went to a natural dog food store. I discussed my dog’s problems with the storeowner. Days after, I ran into the storeowner at the bank. Later, I ran into her at the Dog Park. I ran into her at an ATM. I ran into her at the market. There were other chance meetings. I actually thought I was being stocked, she may have felt the same way. Each time we talked about my dog. This occurred over several months. The dogs health and other issues got much better. Even though I go to the same places I haven’t seen the storeowner again. She was coincidently there several times when I needed her. I wondered, if according to Shunryu Suzuki “Things go the way the mind goes” was it mine, the storeowner’s or the dog’s mind making this happen. My friend’s father had to be moved into a care facility, that I recommended. He went in July 1. My mother is in a different care facility, same owners. The two care facilities come together for a Christmas Party for the families. I had never met my friend’s father, but I could feel him reaching out to me. I literally had to drag my friend to the Christmas Party. I met my friend’s father there. He had and my mother has Alzheimer's Disease. At the party I found out that my friend had not visited his father since he had come to the care facility. All was good at the Party. My friend’s father passed away peacefully less than two days later. Everyone I have told this story too, except my friend, has said the father was waiting to see his only son before leaving.

So tonight I'm crossing that very same intersection, I'm almost to the sidewalk, as I notice an SUV in the right lane, that's kind of slowing down, looking like it's going to stop. But it doesn't. The bumper is but a foot from my leg... and I somehow managed to get out of the way probably faster than could have been witnessed. I look at the driver as the car cruise right past where I was, and she's not even looking anywhere near she's going. I should have looked at the driver as soon as I noticed that the car was still moving. I normally would have... be I was sitting on the park bench with a cold one. I had finished practicing archery. A gentle breeze was blowing. I could hear twanging bowstrings and thunks as arrows hit targets. It was peaceful, almost dream like. I heard a honk in the distance. People were arriving to shoot. I heard another honk, but closer. An archer was getting his equipment out in front of me. I heard another honk right above me. I looked up and saw a perfect “V” formation flight of seven Canadian Geese. They were just over the treetops and I could hear the flap of their wings. I said “Wow” loudly and was spellbound as I watched them fly. In a lot of places the sight of these Geese is not unusual, but in Long Beach, California, we don’t see that everyday. The archer glanced upward and continued to pull equipment out. His mind was occupied on his upcoming practice. Fumbling with all his gear, he rushed off to the targets. His tunnel vision\thoughts kept him from appreciating the rare beautiful moment that had passed before him. These quotes came to mind: “Zen is everywhere…Zen is right here” Shunryu Suzuki +1 “The average man only pays attention when he deems it necessary, whereas the warrior pays attention at all times.” Carlos Castenada “With your spirit settled, accumulate practice, day by day and hour by hour” Miyamoto Musashi

In my case, training to pause eventually became training to not rush. Doing something (pausing) takes time. Not doing something takes no time. That's it! Well said, reading it gave me the chills. You learn to pause by recognizing that you paused, so it is measurable. But with practice, the "pause" becomes integrated with the uninterrupted activity. So at that point it's still recognizable, but not measurable. be A revolver cylinder that I was working on popped from my grasp. The reaction started before the “Oh shit.” A hand whirled below the falling cylinder before it could hit the concrete floor. My observation was not “out of body.” I watched as if my hand was separate from my body and mind. The hand had moved on its own. The hand caught the cylinder. After I came out of “IT” the speed and precision of my hand wowed me. No anticipation, no practice, no programming, no mind, a pure reaction to the moment. Mushin. This was not a unique experience; some might not even contemplate it, to me it was a small wondrous moment of awareness.