Another day #today where my growing equanimity really helped me. This stage of my practice is still young, I will get to layering in benevolence soon enough. Judging from the reactions to my facial expression throughout the day, hopefully sooner rather than later.
I promise this experience is actually less distressing for me than it appears, either in my posts or in person. The feelings are the same as they've always been, how I experience and respond to them is changing. #zen#zazen#buddhism
One very clear positive is that more of the teachings I've been studying are now making more sense. This is the way of things. I've learned that a key to #zen is direct experience. Even if what that means is a bit of a puzzle itself.
This is what my direct experience is like. I am not a poet, please forgive me if how I talk about it is a bit raw. #zazen#buddhism
If I say “dogs exist” but someone else believes that all dogs I see are “wolves” and not “dogs” then as far as they are concerned I am wrong.
I could give them a book showing the differences in dog and wolf anatomy but that assumes they will accept the differences are big enough to agree that they are two different animals which they won’t unless it fits their belief of evidence or they face social pressure to accept my belief as the truth.
@withoutclass If thoughts truly are part of the physical world then why does one feel as though they are separate?
Because it is the instinct of all things to control or dominate their environment.
When we say something is not us (i.e the physical world) what we’re really saying is that it is foreign to us. It does not adhere wholly to our will and therefore we do not accept being the same as it.
But the other perspective that we are one with it is equally true.
Life is continuously trying to see how far it can push us towards the edge.
If we believe that there is a huge amount of energy required to push back against what is pushing us then there will be.
If we don’t believe there is huge effort required then there won’t be.
If one sees past the illusions, the schemes will not end there because life is continuously trying to push us away, and no matter how aware one might be, one is bound to fall into the same trap.
Btw, I’m looking to follow a few more folks who practice #ZenBuddhism.
I’m a #SotoZen newbie & just attended my first sesshin. I’d like to expand my understanding & see how other folks interpret or explore their practices! Disabled ppl especially!
I combine my dharmic studies with science/skeptic based nature witchiness. (I’m also curious about I Ching & Chinese 5 Element studies, since I deeply relate to Tarot & 4 element witchcraft.)
Finally renewed my driver's license. Of course, they still didn't have PVC cards available, and the online test was a joke, and the medical "exam" funnier. 🫠 I bet my old school nurse would've done a more thorough job!
Incidentally, I met my old #Zen Center shifu having their license renewed,, too. And last night, I met another Zen roshi, in an unplanned dinner party.
I think my universe is trying to remind me to make up more time for sitting, again.
@Zyfdnug
The medical "test" comprised of the following: asking for your medical history, eye chart reading, taking your weight, and asking your blood type.
Supposedly, a drug test is included, but except for the first time, when I got my license, I was never tested during renewals.
So, these aren't reasonable or realistic, because we still have too many problematic drivers on the road.
Once you've got your license, you keep it (unless you really) screw up. If you suggest that a re-test and medical at, say, 75 or 80 might be reasonable, the public outcry will be deafening.
Sounds like your system should lead to better qualified older drivers despite the shortcomings.