And how do we begin to use compassion and awareness as our jumping off point? Part II
Seems like a fair question, doesn't it? But it would seem that in the blogging world (especially) where words flow like wine and everyone has a voice (and I like that) that discussion of things metaphysical, of God, of Christian, Pagan and Buddhist and of philosophical thought brought forward throughout all of history, has become too cerebral for me.
In High School, I had general math studies. Although I don't remember anyone taking such a course, I would suspect that algebra and calculus was available to those that were college bound upon graduation. When I returned to college some twenty years later, a basic understanding of algebra was a requirement. I had to take intro, then basic, and finally the big kahuna, Algebra I.
Recent blogger discussions remind me of my lack of skill in algebra and the depth of metaphysical/philisophical meanderings. Although I enjoy the thoughts of others, such as the green man Zeteticus, or those of Kay among many others, I am reminded that poetry is the deification of reality in my world.
As stated by a philosopher (of course!) "philosophy is a battle against the bewitchment of our intelligence by means of language."
I enjoy the language but I cannot speak it.
K.I.S.S. was made for people like me.
When I began this blog it was titled, Tao & Zen; a little rain must fall. I was losing my high paying job, my title, my sense of identity, and I thought, "Everything in life comes to you as a teacher. Pay attention. Learn quickly."
I didn't.
And that was okay (sort of...well not really. I'm lying) but the blog changed to This Being Human...as I was trying to accept that;
...This Being Human is a guesthouse. Every morning a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meaness. Some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all! Even if they're a crowd of sorrows who violently sweep your house empty of its furnitiure. Still, treat each guest honorably, he may be clearing you out for some new delight..
It has been, and still is, a complicated (more so than it has to be) process to return to basic practice. Where life unfolds, not from "I" but just unfolds. As I told someone recently, things seemed to get terribly messy when I began to "study Buddhism". I am reminded of the person who said, "When I became a Buddhist, everyone in my family was very troubled. When I was as Buddha, no one minded at all."
In High School, I had general math studies. Although I don't remember anyone taking such a course, I would suspect that algebra and calculus was available to those that were college bound upon graduation. When I returned to college some twenty years later, a basic understanding of algebra was a requirement. I had to take intro, then basic, and finally the big kahuna, Algebra I.
Recent blogger discussions remind me of my lack of skill in algebra and the depth of metaphysical/philisophical meanderings. Although I enjoy the thoughts of others, such as the green man Zeteticus, or those of Kay among many others, I am reminded that poetry is the deification of reality in my world.
As stated by a philosopher (of course!) "philosophy is a battle against the bewitchment of our intelligence by means of language."
I enjoy the language but I cannot speak it.
K.I.S.S. was made for people like me.
When I began this blog it was titled, Tao & Zen; a little rain must fall. I was losing my high paying job, my title, my sense of identity, and I thought, "Everything in life comes to you as a teacher. Pay attention. Learn quickly."
I didn't.
And that was okay (sort of...well not really. I'm lying) but the blog changed to This Being Human...as I was trying to accept that;
...This Being Human is a guesthouse. Every morning a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meaness. Some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all! Even if they're a crowd of sorrows who violently sweep your house empty of its furnitiure. Still, treat each guest honorably, he may be clearing you out for some new delight..
It has been, and still is, a complicated (more so than it has to be) process to return to basic practice. Where life unfolds, not from "I" but just unfolds. As I told someone recently, things seemed to get terribly messy when I began to "study Buddhism". I am reminded of the person who said, "When I became a Buddhist, everyone in my family was very troubled. When I was as Buddha, no one minded at all."
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Comments
Rowan - Glad to see you again...And thanks!
Kay - I so enjoy your blog and what you have to say. I'm not sure if you should try and escape the bug or just try to remember not to get lost in words and language. The simplicity that life can offer is often difficult to convey on a blog. But life is not always simple, is it? So we speak and share from where we are...and I value that - value you...thanks!