Anita,

The stillness allows the mind to drop off. Staying aware, we can experience the source of the life force or the truth of ones nature. When one thinks, the person is caught up in this mind, in this ego. And so we have this constant monologue. Sitting still, I become well aware of my mind, my ego talking, thinking, … sometimes inspiration comes and many good thoughts flow in. I get caught up in them. Lost in thoughts. More practice and the peacefulness grows. Practice allows the moments between thoughts become longer. The depth of the stillness …

Maybe you have heard of Koans. A famous one is “What is the sound of one hand clap?” The purpose of the Koan is not to get an answer to the question. But, to allow the mind to focus and thus allow concentration to become one pointed. It becomes like a ball of wax exploding from a blast of heat. For some this results in the opening of the mind’s eye. Insight into Nirvana. Kensho. But, it is not an easy thing to do.

How can stillness and concentration result in this thing called enlightenment? I do not know. There are many methods, meditations. And some produce great results and others don’t. It may be because of the person or personality? I just do not know. You probably know more than I do about the Dharma and enlightenment. Well, wishing you a good practice.

Tommy

Anita,

Comparing an awakened person to a tree, I wonder what it means that “the root is kept hidden from plain view”, do you know?

I have not seen that part of myself. But, I do understand what it refers to. The root is where the life of the tree ultimately resides. And, it is the source of the manifestation of its force (life, mind). It is hidden from view means that our true self is hidden from plain view. Thru stillness, we can come to know this.

In my practice, I have had moments where the mind has let go of thoughts and there is quiet. One might think that it would be quite boring to having nothing. No game to play or words to think over. But, the quiet between thoughts takes on a focus of its own. I can sit for thirty minutes and not realize it until I try to get up. The legs take a punishment. But, I think I do not sit right. Maybe a pillow to boost the backside would help. Sorry off topic.

I have found that in Zen, the Dharma always points to the truth of oneself. However, many get stuck watching the finger point the way rather than look at where the finger is point at. Me being one of them.

Dear Anita,

The pain was intense. It hurt at the kidney and along the renal path to the bladder. Once I felt it in the bladder, there was always the urge to go the bathroom. I think it has finally passed. Thanks for your concern.

There is a Zen story of a woman who suddenly one day thought she had lost her head. She looked everywhere for it. All her friends told her head was where it always was. She did not believe. Finally, a person who had seen this condition before, took a stick and hit her on the head. She then realized where her head had been all the time she thought it was lost.

Too many, they do not see the parallel between this woman and a disciple of Buddha. Before one encounters Zen, mountains are mountains and rivers are rivers. When one encounters Zen, mountains are not mountains and rivers are not rivers.  When one awakes, nothing externally changes. Mountains are mountains and rivers are rivers. I think Dogen said that.

Four Noble Truths of the Buddha.

Life is Suffering

The reasons for suffering

The possibility of escape from suffering

The eightfold path to escape suffering

Hello Elements, that looks interesting. Have you spent any time yourself doing those things. Meditation? Mindfulness?

My wife has predicted dire situation ahead and has planted many vegetable seeds to hedge against the coming summer time grocery prices. I personally hope for better but with war in Russia and other world news, I thinks she has a point. So, it is do not argue with the wife and help around the house as much as possible.

@Helcat, no apologies necessary. You are a good person and try to be helpful. Many people need that kindness. Brian’s position has softened due to your (and others) efforts.

• This reply was modified 3 years, 3 months ago by Tommy.

@Helcat, I can see you are a good hearted person. My intent was to mirror what was given to me by Brian. Those were the boundaries set by him. Not only from this post but others included. I meant what I said. What goes around comes around. It is a good thing to learn if one wants to “getting along in society, when one is not normal”.

I have no pity for those who claim to be “not normal”. Also, no sympathy for those who cried out for help and reject anyone along the way. That I will leave that for those (psychotherapists) who are paid by the people who claim to be “not normal”. That kind of mind set does not need to be reinforced by pity or sympathy from me.

Personally, I will speak to anyone who wants to have a conversation. I am not the one who said, “I really would rather someone not talk to me at all than say a few meaningless phrases out of obligation. I am not disrespectful to someone unless I say something disrespectful.” That was a quote from Brian. I am more than willing to hear others’ opinions as long as they are willing to have a conversation. But, conversation means a a two way communication.

A few meaningless phrases, “Nice weather we are having?” “Good to meet you” People say it to be nice. Brian would rather be honest and not say those things. Whether one means it or not, it is the “norm” in society to be polite. It is what getting along means.

• This reply was modified 3 years, 3 months ago by Tommy.