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TommyParticipantWhen younger, I use to read the Reader’s Digest. In it was a section called, “Laughter The Best Medicine”. Of all the animals on this earth, there is only one that can laugh. Humans. There is no real rhyme or reason for it. But, it does make one happy. I like to be happy. Thanks for the comments.
TommyParticipantPeter,
You make a valid point. Zen disciples are left with many questions when the answer to a Koan is both yes and no. And it can be also not either yes or no. The point being the answer comes from within oneself when one drops the thinking mind. Yes, to being conscious but also need the thinking mind to make decisions and live this life we have. The difference is as Anita said. To live with compassion and have the wisdom to do what is right. This brings a better world for all of us. The story of the stone or the sound of a bell or even a smack on the forehead is all about giving what is needed to stop this thinking mind and lets us see the truth that surrounds us. Personally, I thinking that I have only fooled myself into believing that the truth is easy to reach for I have been just sitting for many years with only seeing myself and my thoughts setting the boundaries of this life.
Tommy
Story of the smack on the forehead. A monk spoke with the Zen master reciting that the world is an illusion and duality is a false idea. Hearing this, the Zen master smacked the monk on the forehead. And the monk became angry. The Zen master said, if all is illusion then where does this anger come from. Upon hearing these words, the monk became enlightened. I have smacked myself many times but I only get dizzy. No enlightenment.
TommyParticipantDo you feel isolated from others as well as yourself? That is a shell or wall that separates one from the expression of tears. It is something like a person who sees one’s parents but does not recognized them. One knows who they are but it just does not match. The link is missing. The emotional connection is not there. Of course, I could be wrong??
TommyParticipantAnita,
You are kind. I truly do not remember what I was trying to say. Only at the time, it felt like it was an awesome truth. Well, fell flat. And can only think it must be my inherited dementia. In runs in my family on my mother’s side. And, although I got the bald head from my father’s side of the family, I do not think I escaped the silliness that is meant to come to my mind. Still, you have kind words for me and I appreciate it. And, I like the spin you put on it. Compassion really is what makes life better for everyone. Thanks,
Tommy
TommyParticipantImmigration visa for a married spouse. If you are a citizen and if this is the one then get married. Then apply for his immigration visa. Before 9-11-2001, this could take up to 6 months to get approval. Now it can take up to three years or more. Covid-19 is also making things take even longer. If he is able to work here and stay for an extended period?? then his story doesn’t make sense to me. But, I do not know everything that is going on here (and maybe you also may not know). After five years living here on a visa, he can apply to become a citizen.
However, I am thinking about what Anita said. She makes very good observations.
TommyParticipantAnita,
Thanks for words of inspiration. Will try again. Maybe I do have to lose weight and get back into better physical shape.
Tommy
TommyParticipantAnita,
Sorry, do not mean to unload my problems here. Just looking for inspiration to continue my efforts on practice. It is tough without a teacher and sangha to help along the way. And like you, I do not want to read more books. So, life’s little problems seem to be bigger than they really are. And, yes, you are helping people. Typed words or not. It is the reaching out for human contact. An understanding ear, a verbal pat on the back, encouragement to go on, a second opinion, even sound advice when least desired are all things that help. They provide compassion where it is needed most. Not too many can do that without it taking its toll on oneself. Oh, got to go. Wife is calling me.
Tommy
TommyParticipantAnita,
Hi, you do understand. And, you’ve got a sense of humor. Real mouse??? Anyway, I have been slacking off my practice. For many reasons which all seem silly to me now. So, thought I might come here to see if there is any inspiration. Unfortunately, life and its problems have gotten the best of me now. Still, it is good to hear you are here helping people.
Tommy
TommyParticipantAnita,
Yes, I started to fall asleep at the keyboard with my hand on the mouse. Must have done it accidentally. You put the idea of nonself into an easy to understand form. I can see there is much I can learn from you.
Tommy
TommyParticipantAnother element of the concept of nonself might be helpful here.
An assembly of parts, an aggregate of stuff, all put together to create what we call ourselves. Take it all apart and what we thought was ourselves, it no longer exists. I call myself Tommy. But that is just the name of the nonself created thru this feedback loop that is my body. When death comes, Tommy will no longer be. What was here before Tommy will be here after Tommy. That is Buddha nature. Many of these experiences I have had are simply steps along the way. Some become traps because I wish to linger there. Wish to recapture the bliss and feelings of being part of the whole. And so the experiences fade with time, without practice. I know it is selfish to want to feel happy and joy but still I want it. I suffer the ills and pains from such activities. That is life.
TommyParticipantAnita,
Okay, now I am thinking you do know more than me. You’re just being nice. These things I said here are just the basics. And, it has always been my belief that the basics are what everything else is built upon. Anyway, I wish you the best on your journey.
Tommy
TommyParticipantAnita,
It is not to say that thinking is bad. We need to be able to function in this society. Meditation is not to stop thoughts. But to let go of thoughts. I was told it is like letting the mud in water settle then one can see to the depths. The more one tries to push the mud down then the more the mud stirs up again. Meditation is also not just relaxation. The mind needs to focus to one point concentration. Awareness is not allowed to slacken. No one can just stop their thoughts. So, there is no failing. We are what we are .. thoughts, ego, self. Just trying to be more aware, more mindful. One is not silencing the mind rather it is allowing the mind to fall away and staying very aware.
Humility? I thought I was just being honest? I do not try to do or be less than I am. And, I do not think you should either. I have read your posts here and you do good work. I know a little and there are many others who know more. But, I like simple and I try to put things simple. Like, thinking=ego.
TommyParticipantAnita,
I am no teacher and what little I know is more dangerous than helpful at times. And, there is no way to simply put this cause I really do not comprehend it all. First, you know the person or mind is a creation of the body. The body is a sum of parts and the parts has a mind or a person or self or ego. It is what we call ourselves or what we believe ourselves to be. So when the body dies so does this ego. Buddha described it as the make up of the personality or the five skandhas.
One is form or the body. It contains the five senses. An example would be to see or hear something. Two is the feelings or sensations one has from experiencing the five senses. Often sex is associated with love. Sensation has feelings related to it. Seeing one’s home has a feeling of safety, of relaxation. Three is perception or the way one sees the world. It allows one to relate to the world. We know what a person is because we have perceived a person before. Four is the mental formations or what opinion we develop about the person we perceive. A parallel would be the senses and feelings (emotions). Five is the consciousness. A general awareness of the world about themselves.
Supposedly the five skandhas are like a fluid and flowing all the time so everything changes over time. Don’t ask me. I have very little understanding about this. My mind shuts down when it comes to complicated thoughts about self. I just think of ego as what I believe myself to be. What feels fear in the face of danger. What feels happiness and joy when good things happen.
Sorry, I can not really give you a good answer.
Tommy
TommyParticipantAnita,
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
TommyParticipantYeah, my practice has been on and off over for almost 45 years. I am 62. When life is good, my practice slackens. And, there is a huge break. When I get to the point life wants me to return to practice, I take it up and the return is much harder each time. Like the mind learns to fight back. Still, I keep trying. “Mindful restores” is a nice term. I think of it as when sitting at the bus stop or on the bus or waiting in the emergency room, there is the moment to use to refocus the mind. No time wasted. Thanks for replying. It is a nice community here.
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This reply was modified 2 years, 1 month ago by
Tommy.
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This reply was modified 2 years, 1 month ago by
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AuthorPosts
Though I run this site, it is not mine. It's ours. It's not about me. It's about us. Your stories and your wisdom are just as meaningful as mine.