Here is an e-mail from my friend, FYI

Various states of mind, Compassion, Spirituality, Bodhisattva, Kegon

These are posts are taken from the club: life-philosophy-management in August-September, 2,000. The themes include: Various states of mind, Compassion, Spirituality, Daisetz, Bodhisattva, Kegon, etc. (Total number of pages: 38)

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Various states of mind, Compassion, Spirituality, Bodhisattva, Kegon *

Salt and Pepper *

Various States of Mind *

Spirituality is the Engine *

Spirituality, Compassion and Wisdom *

Organization and Growth *

Salt and Pepper

<<From Me>>

Here is an e-mail from my friend, FYI. (Please note that the areas I skipped in the Sharif's book seems to have a tie to "not changing the notion of self" as my friend describes here.)
-----

Kio, you might find this amusing. It just came into being.

Salt & Pepper:

Let there be a distinction. Call it the existential distinction, for
when it comes into being the distinction comes to life. Let Salt and
Pepper represent that distinction. What follows then is an attempt to
define that distinction in such a way that one who does not know the
distinction to be defined can not say that they know what that
distinction is.

There is a distinction that can not be known until it is known, and when
it is known, another meaning of know comes into being. Something that
was not known has become known, and in becoming known places all prior
knowing in a different light.

When that distinction comes into being, a change takes place. A fair
question is one of what has changed. There is only one metaphor that
captures the change within it, that being the notion of a change of
place. In the metaphor of a change of place, a change of place can only
be interpreted as a movement of the whole person. In the most abstract
terms, the change may be stated, unqualified, as a different way of
looking at things.

Any other metaphor allows the notion of a change within the whole
person. For instance, to take the change as in the state of mind is not
to address the question of whose mind. In other words, any metaphor that
allows one to say, "This is what I must change," is a misleading
metaphor.

When the metaphor is confined to a change in place, one who has not
changed their 'place' has no ground to place their understanding of the
metaphor upon. To say to such a one that they must change where they are
has no meaning. A change in place may be translated to a change in
ground, but then, the notion of a whole change must be reintroduced.
Once the notion of a whole change is introduced, the notion of self must
be introduced.

{At this point I called xxx in to read what I had written. She said
that she began to read it sentence by sentence, recognized what it was
about, shifted to reading the whole of it several times until the
picture came into focus, and then went back sentence-by-sentence. I was
given the Ok to proceed.}

The change of place is translated to a change of ground, suggesting a
change in one's self at the ground of that self. The change of ground is
a change of self and a change of self, in line with the metaphor from
which it evolved, must be a whole change. The change may then be stated
as from the Pepper-Self to the Salt-Self, or from Pepper to Salt. This
defines the meaning of Salt & Pepper. The change in place/ground may
then be seen as the change in perspective that allows the statement that
there is another way of looking at things to make sense within this
metaphor complex.

When this change is reflected upon, the metaphor polishes itself to the
point of becoming picture clear, and any change chosen as the metaphor
to represent the picture must include a reference to the whole change.
For instance, if the metaphor is one of 'focusing,' unless the metaphor
includes a reference to the whole change in the one doing the focusing,
the metaphor may be seen as deriving from Pepper. Or again, if the
metaphor refers to a change in self, the distinction between a change of
self in Pepper terms and the change of self from Pepper to Salt must be
addressed. If it is not, the metaphor belongs to Pepper.

The bottom line is this: Any metaphor that does not reference itself in
relation to the distinction between Salt and Pepper is not addressing
the distinction between Salt and Pepper and may be assumed not to derive
from knowledge of that distinction. No other judgment is implied. Either
one knows that distinction or one does not.

Here is another E-mail that I received, FYI.

====
Kio, just for laughs, you might lay this metaphor business on your
Taoist Master and see whats to see. Here is some more. The words are
moving today.

Another place metaphor. This metaphor connects the two places that are
Salt and Pepper. Assume Salt and Pepper are two places separated by a
gate and that Salt can only be accessed from Pepper through the gate.
Since the movement from Pepper to Salt is a whole change, Pepper can not
pass through the gate. However, for the metaphor to work, there must be
a passing through; therefore, in passing through the gate, Pepper
becomes Salt, which means that Pepper is negated and that its negation
brings Salt into being. In logical terms, the gate represents an
absolute disjunction. Salt is the absence of Pepper and Pepper is the
absence of Salt.

A variation of that metaphor would assign the presence of Pepper as the
error and the presence of Salt as the seeing of, and the dissolution of,
the error. But please note that the seeing does not dissolve the error,
but rather that the dissolution allows for the seeing. One can not see
the error until the error no longer is, and if one does not see the
error, one is the error. But please note that this derives from the
metaphor and is the application of the whole change to that metaphor.

<<From Wilbro>>

Was the master telling the monk that he had the answer and that there was no more need for a master? Was the master pointing out the error of seeking? Were the tears for those who saw the master's answer only in terms of practicing compassion? Were the tears for those who still needed a master, be it a Zen master or a Christ? Does my guess show how ignorant I really am?

Kio, that you would stoop to placing such trash on your site pains me deeply. Whoever wrote that Salt & Pepper piece is obviously either caught up in a delusion of the worst sort, or guilty of worst possible scam, that of toying with the very being of a seeker. I would guess, from the irony of the fact that all references about the metaphors refer to the metaphors themselves for confirmation and that the whole of it begins with "Let there be," that what we have here is someone pulling a fast one, i.e., playing the seeker for a sucker. I mean, the lack of compassion for a seeker of the truth is evident. To tell a seeker that what the seeker is seeking can not be found is beyond cruelty.

There is still the possibility that the writer is, in fact, a true believer, and that what appears as humor is only the semblance of humor. I get the picture of a hermit who lives alone in a single room cave pretending to be worldly. That 'other' referred to has to be an illusion. All in all, I would not waste any time trying to analyze what was written.

<<From ME>>

>>To tell a seeker that what the seeker is seeking can not be found is beyond cruelty.

I see a link here to the tears of Daisetz. Koan may address the point of Salt and Pepper. Then, wisdom/prajna answers to go beyond the absolute paradox - to pass through the gate.

What about the tears of Daisetz, then? As I used the word, "compassion" elsewhere and caused little(?) waves hitting back and forth(UOZ), I am hesitant to use this word. But, do not both tears and your sentence above point to that direction?

And if so, compassion is a flip side of wisdom - a nature's way to resolve the conflict? Can we explore this point somehow?

<<From Wilbro>>

"I see a link here to the tears of Daisetz. Koan may address the point of Salt and Pepper. Then, wisdom/prajna answers to go beyond the absolute paradox - to pass through the gate."

What link do you see? I thought the writer said the gate was only a metaphor. There is no going anywhere with a metaphor.

"But, do not both tears and your sentence above point to that direction?"

What direction are you referring to? What do you have in mind?

"And if so, compassion is a flip side of wisdom - a nature's way to resolve the conflict?"

I do not understand. Please clarify.

<<From Me>>

Sorry, Wilbro san to show you an unclear picture. Let me try again:

First, the mission:

Artists express their passion on the canvas.
Poets bring out the emotion in few lines and between lines.
We try to express what is inside of us through work or raise family.
Then, people try to save people from suffering in various ways.

Next, the process:

Whatever the subject is, more we try, we may realize we are still far away and more to do.
Then, some say, let it be and be one with whatever we do, call it the nature's way or path for enlightenment. Knowing the limitation and doing whatever we can, what more are there to do? Let us at least be self-sufficient, so they may say. Let me call them here as Arahats.
Yet, there are those who may have arrived that state or realized the path of enlightenment, but reflecting back the journey to get there and that suffering that still exist in people, they reach out for helping others whatever way they can. Let me call them here as Bodhisattvas.
We can add the life of "Ignorance is bliss" to the list above.
In reality, my view is that we may go bouncing back and forth among these cases depending on the situation we face in life as well as our inner state.

Then, let us see the limitation, especially related to Bodhisattva (3) above:

So far as he, the Bodhisattva or Bodhisattva-like nature in us, reaches out to those others and try to help them, he may realize that the work is limitless. This brings him back to the stage 1).
Even though he can possibly go back to the stage 2) as Arhat, and live in harmony perhaps without much interaction with the society, he may jump back into the sea of suffering to help people out there.
As he tries, he may realize the lack of his talent to clear up the delusion in people. This means he can relate to the suffering of people but can only do little to help them.
Then, he may ask, why not try in a natural way more like listening to his heart so that he does whatever he can, because that is all he can anyway. Then, the whole thing may be harmonious from "his" perspective - so he may think.

But…. whatever he can, and all he can…. may be seen as still connected to infinite potential that is perceived within him. So, realized, he dives into the sea of suffering again. Finding a balance in this process, he may find this path as a middle way as well. It is like going back to the Arhat stage, develop harmony, store up energy, and dive back into the sea to save people from suffering as much as possible as Bodhisattva. The balanced mind, therefore, works to find a way between current and future, internal and external, or work at daytime, and sleep at night time, etc. Actually, Buddha may have taken such a path.

Looking from outside, however, we cannot tell what goes inside of this person, call him a master, as to how the process may work. But as noted, the above process can affect his action in various ways depending on the setting. In case of the monk who was banned to come to the temple, the master may have made the immediate judgment considering the (lack of ) progress of that monk toward enlightenment. Related to this story, I remember a Koan, "There were two monks asked to open the shudder by the Master. When they did, one was declared as "fine" whereas other was told "not fine". Why?"

Possibly, the case of the monk who did not pass from the way he opened the shudder in this Koan is seen from his behavior is similar to a monk who was banned to the temple due to the lack of the progress/understanding toward enlightenment. Whatever the case is, we do not know the real cause. But any master may use Koan as "goading" process as much as any behavior of monks in the temple life to be scrutinized in the same manner. Then, knowing his own limitations, time, energy, and talent, the master may make judgment as to how he may instruct the monks or not and to find the means to save people from suffering if he can. The whole process should be seen as practicing a path of enlightenment in a broad manner compared to the case of Arhat. This is living dharma as well.

Why Daisetz shed tears, we may still ask. I again post the quote, relating to this point:

"To tell a seeker that what the seeker is seeking can not be found is beyond cruelty." While realizing this point, also as a limited being, the master make judgment toward his monks at certain moment. It may be seen as "goading" or even cruelty for others. Yet, looking at the whole possibility that exist to save people from suffering, we may encounter a case like this, to virtually "kill" someone to save others - or for the one to die to be awakened, hopefully. I mentioned elsewhere, that the tiger throwing the child into the valley is the case in point.

Why tears, we may further ask. Is it that Daisetz saw himself in the monk as well as in the position of the master and was torn in between? Is such an experience of not being able to help all something that he felt in his life as well? I do not know. But I won't be surprised that he identified himself in this paradoxical situation and could not resolve it but with tears. In my case, I see in Daisetz what I would like to call a genuine nature of human being that I may also identify with - even if such sense may not come close to that of Daisetz.

The following is a story as if to add the legs to the snake. Mr. Shimura, a journalist, asked once to Daisetz, "Why is it that I perceive you look not as great as Shinran or Dogen even though you have accomplished so much?" After a long sigh, Daisetz responded, "It is because of the sincerity. There is no limit to sincerity. More I want to be sincere, there is the repercussion of that I cannot do coming back to me as minus. I lack the energy to face that challenge. I still lack that sincerity..." Mr. Shimura then reflected this moment, "I cannot forget that words of Daisetz, the nuance of it. It was not a long explanation. But I felt as if each word penetrated through my body. Daisetz spoke these words in his infinitely genuine manner. I was moved. But, to him, it was nothing but a natural expression about something he feels missing in him. Yet, I felt such sincerity, coming naturally, is unbound to any limitation and can go anywhere to express itself."

Here is another story: Daisetz said to Shimura, "This is a story related to Ryokan, a Zen master. Once, Ryokan's brother asked Ryokan to comment or lecture to the son as he is not behaving well. So, Ryokan came and had a dinner. But, Ryokan said nothing. Then, as Ryokan was to leave, the son came out to help tying the shoestring for Ryokan. Then, it was told that Ryokan shed tears. This indicates the point: "To know all is to forgive all." Being struck from Ryokan's tears, that son got awakened." Daisetz further explained, "Say, there is someone who developed a character in certain way. If we think that we will become like that person given the same circumstance, we cannot condemn that person. So, would we be quiet? But, we cannot… Yet, we should not say. Or, we cannot say. Such humanistic nature of Ryokan made him to shed tears."

I do not know if my explanation is clear. I also wonder if this is the point of explaining unexplainable. Yet, at the same time, there is something that wants to be expressed, perhaps, tears are the only way out for those limited humans left as a saving grace. If that is called as compassion, empathy or whatever the name we may put, it may be quite a mute point. I just feel that all Daisetz's work, if not his whole life, is originated from that unexplainable origin.

* Rereading your post again, I feel I have not answered the question of wisdom and compassion. So, let me take a rest for now and come back to this some other time.

Have a good day!

Kio, you have just left me in the dust. I can not keep up with you here. Please, try again, and simplify it for this old and slow mind. You put so much on the table that I am confused.

Kio, I think I see why I can't see. What did you mean when you said, "So, realized, he dives into the sea of suffering again."

That which is left behind in realization has no substance, so how can it be brought back into being as a vehicle? If you climb into another's dream to awaken them, you become part of the dream. This is part of our ongoing disputation. I say that "across the fence" communication is not possible if the other does not know what the "fence" is.

<<From Me>>

Thanks wilbro!

And good morning! The sun is bright, the trees are reflecting the sun, air is crisp, and the sky is blue this morning. Then, here are few posts from friends to read. What more can I ask? After all, are we not all goading with each other for the path to be clarified and move on with the best of all we have? Anyway, recognizing the volume of my post, I was just about to ask if you could tell which part is unclear. While I was pondering, I noticed your most recent post popped up (#305), answering this question without my writing about it.

Anyway, as you say, diving back to the sea of suffering is a paradox itself, is it not? Here, the master throws himself into the paradox even though he came out of it, does he not? I see this is the same point why it is said in the sutra that Bodhisattva is the one who knows that he can be enlightened but choose not to in order to save people from the suffering. What I tried in these posts is that such process may be seen as "going bouncing back and forth among these cases (or states) depending on the situation we face in life as well as our inner state."( See (5) in the post#298 ) What this means is that the path one may take is a dynamic one - like the delusion and realization of delusion for awakening, back and forth. So, I said, "Finding a balance in this process, he may find this path as a middle way as well."

Hope the picture a bit clearer..

Have a good day!

<<Wilbro>>

I still have no idea of what you are talking about. I guess I am just dense in the noggin, so I'll go statement by statement.

"Anyway, as you say, diving back to the sea of suffering is a paradox itself, is it not? Here, the master throws himself into the paradox even though he came out of it, does he not?" I not only did not say that, but I have no idea of what you mean. I am saying such a throwing is not possible. I am saying that having seen the error, one can not will the error back into existence, for the error is seen to be the illusion.

"I see this is the same point why it is said in the sutra that Bodhisattva is the one who knows that he can be enlightened but choose not to in order to save people from the suffering." Obviously, the meaning of 'enlightened' as used in the sutra is not the meaning of 'enlightened' in my book. To choose not to be enlightened implies the presence of will, and the 'enlightenment' in my book can not be willed. Further, the 'enlightened' in my book can not be passed from one to another; only the self can save the self. The only conclusion that makes sense is that the Zen trip and my trip are not the same trip, which I have come to realize is the fact of it, which is why I dropped out of the Zen stuff. Remember here that what I say about my book is only in reference to my book, and applies to no other book. My book may only be *my* book, but it is my book, and the only book *I* can go by. To follow the book of another is not to be, but to copy. The idiom, *in my book* fits nicely here.

"What I tried in these posts is that such process may be seen as "going bouncing back and forth among these cases (or states) depending on the situation we face in life as well as our inner state. What this means is that the path one may take is a dynamic one - like the delusion and realization of delusion for awakening, back and forth. So, I said, 'Finding a balance in this process, he may find this path as a middle way as well.'" The bouncing back and forth only makes sense to me if one is coming to recognize the 'fence' for oneself, which means that this across-the-fence communication is self-communication only as part of the clarification process. I see no connection to the sutra, which only means that *I* see no connection.

<<From Me>>

I start from the second paragraph:

Your book is only your book, I understand. But there is the setting of the condition for (your version of ?) enlightenment to take place - that is in your book. The condition may be set by goad, or passive observation, which are just like the training (un-training) in Zen. While you say, "Further, the 'enlightened' in my book can not be passed from one to another; only the self can save the self.", this point is again in accordance to Zen. In Buddha's teaching, sila-samadhi-prajna is a process to have that setting for awakening. Yes, you may still drop out of the Zen stuff, but as far as I can see, there is nothing contradicting here.

Now, back to the first paragraph:

Here, you stated, "I am saying such a throwing is not possible. I am saying that having seen the error, one can not 'will' the error back into existence, for the error is seen to be the illusion."* To me, this statement implies that once one is enlightened, he does not relate to the people, who are in illusion. Thus, he cannot have compassion, empathy, etc. My view on this is that as mentioned in my previous notes on "about enlightenment," enlightenment is a process. You go out of the way, and realizing the delusion, you come back to the way - again back and forth. The above statement seems to imply that the enlightenment is a one shot deal, not the process.

Third paragraph:

You said, " The bouncing back and forth only makes sense to me if one is coming to recognize the 'fence' for oneself, which means that this across-the-fence communication is self-communication only as part of the clarification process."** Here, if you see bouncing back and forth like the process as mentioned above, then, we are in agreement on the view on enlightenment. Yet, I still see a conflict in your statements (i.e., * and ** pointed above). Why? Whether "will" the error or not, so far as we can see error in us and find enlightenment because of that, I see that we should be able to relate to the suffering of people. Again, I see that is what Buddha did in his 40 odd years of teaching.

About sutra:

The sutra about Bodhisattva may be interpreted in the following way:

Bodhisattva (A): He is the one who went through the fence and came back to the sea of suffering. In my dynamic model, this is probable, as it is just a process, we need to keep working on. (Zen saying: Buddha and Bodhidarma are still under training.)
Bodhisattva (B): He is the one who knows that he can be enlightened but choose not to in order to save people from the suffering. This, I understand, is the typical view of Bodhisattva and it is considered that he will not be enlightened unless everyone else is enlightened. (Vows of Bodhisatva to save everyone.)

BTW, these are just my interpretations. My reading of your post is that the case B appears to be your concern as it is contradictory to your view. In fact, I asked the same concern some time ago (say Prof. Nara), and got the impression that there are various stages of Bodhisattva (e.g., referring to Lotus sutra). The bottom line is, I may have confused you by referring to B while I suggested A to be the life of Bodhisattva.

Well, are we still lost in the mist? For some reason, things are clear in my mind. (Or was it that you clarified this in this process for us?) Still, I hope that I am not digging into the wrong direction. So, let me hear what you think.

Kio

<<From Wilbro>>

Now we are cooking. Time to clear up as much as possible the misunderstandings before we go on.

Confusion #1: When I say my book, I was not referring to the blue book. All I was saying is that I am expressing my view of things. It is not that my view is correct and other views wrong, but that I can only understand another view from my view. Either I understand, or I do not. The only judgment I can make is that either I understand or I do not.

Confusion #2: "Now, back to the first paragraph: Here, you stated, "I am saying such a throwing is not possible. I am saying that having seen the error, one can not 'will' the error back into existence, for the error is seen to be the illusion."* To me, this statement implies that once one is enlightened, he does not relate to the people, who are in illusion. Thus, he cannot have compassion, empathy, etc." I can not see how you get the notion that I am implying that which you see as the implication of what I am saying. I said nothing about relating to others.

Ah, I see. We are using the term 'illusion' differently. I am using it in particular, referring to the illusion as subjectively determined, and you are using it as the general world of lost souls, in an objective sense. The latter sense has no meaning for me, for I see it as confusing the issue between the subjective and the objective. Therefore, according to your definition, to not rejoin the illusion would be not to rejoin the world, whereas, according to my definition, there would be a return to the world without the monkey of illusion on one's back.

I see the same confusion working in your references to the first and third paragraphs and the sutra. We simply are not talking about the same thing. Our difference has become very clear in my mind. I fine that difference enlightening, for it exemplifies the two views I have been trying to differentiate. Since your sutra paragraph will support my point here, let me use it.

"About sutra: The sutra about Bodhisattva may be interpreted in the following way: - Bodhisattva (A): He is the one who went through the fence and came back to the sea of suffering. In my dynamic model, this is probable, as it is just a process, we need to keep working on. (Zen saying: Buddha and Bodhidarma are still under training.)" We are looking at the 'fence' metaphor from two incommensurable perspectives. You are using the fence to separate the world of suffering from the world of non-suffering. If I stay on the non-suffering side, I will be cut off from those on the suffering side, therefore I must go back through the hole in that fence to save/relate to others. I use the fence as a metaphor for the individual, not the masses, and say that whether or not I am on the suffering side or the non-suffering side I am still in the world where people relate. I do not cut myself off if I am on the non-suffering side, in fact, I can, for the first time, really relate to suffering, for I know it is not necessary.

"Bodhisattva (B): He is the one who knows that he can be enlightened but choose not to in order to save people from the suffering. This, I understand, is the typical view of Bodhisattva and it is considered that he will not be enlightened unless everyone else is enlightened. (Vows of Bodhisatva to save everyone.)" And of course, this is the view of suffering as the sea all who suffer find themselves in. If your view represents the Buddhist view, then I was correct in the assessment of my differences with it. Now that our point of confusion is clear to me, I shall chew on it some more as to the why of it.

Various States of Mind

<<From Me, Different States of Mind and the Process>>#316

Let me see if I can steer the course and move on. This is from a bit different angle to what we have been discussing lately. If there is anything here that brings question or comment to anyone, please do not hesitate to bring it up before the ship goes away (into the mist again?):

Different states of mind and the Process:

Direct experience (conscious mind turned off/with the fact, animal's state),
Direct experience (conscious mind turned on - samadhi/with the fact),
Thinking before or after the fact (conscious mind turned on - simulation process/what need to be done, what need to be learned.)
Thinking before or after the fact (conscious mind turned on - simulation process/fantasy/imagination for insight/inspiration, open/flexible and not caught up.)
Thinking before or after the fact (conscious mind turned on - simulation process/delusion - going nowhere, caught up in thought.)
Cul de sac (wasted energy/ overflow/ disconnect, similar to 5 but worse.),
Cul de sac (Hishiryo/applying heat/stay with the flow, see the problem state),
State of Inquiry (Open question/meditative state, similar to 2 or 7/with the fact)
Breakthrough from Cul de sac (Inspiration, compassion, tears - following from the state 7 and 8.)

The state of delusion corresponds to 5 or 6. The state of attention is 1, 2 and 7, 8. The state 3, and 4 may be seen as between these states. State 9 is when we break the law of entropy, i.e., a creation/evolution state. To prevent 5, and 6 where possible, there is sila. 7 an 8 help to get out of 5, and 6. Because of 3, 4, 5, and 6, we have 9. Then, we may bounce back and forth, finding the middle way or enlightenment path, and do what we can.

Overall:

Depending on the external condition and stimuli/learning we get, we need to keep adjusting and stay in harmony with the way.
Not just being reactive, one needs to be able to detect to not get close to dangerous situation.
We are to cruise through the life in today's modern world, utilizing our talents. But, a question is, how do we equip ourselves for this journey and go through the process.
Even if 3) is clear as an individual, there is a still a remaining question of others.

Have a good day!!!

<<From Me; responding to negative posts>>

Wilbro,

It may be windy or stormy at times.
But *I* question "So what?"
Are we not to maintain the course by adjusting the sail?
Or, is it time to batten the hatches?

We know there is the law of entropy.
Yet, we also know the unknown force to go against it as well.
Aren't we all being tested to find the course constantly?
If so, where is the salt that is unblinded by the pepper?

<<From Wilbro>>#318

In answer to your question, a metaphor that deals in the bright red line speaks to a point, while reality tends to blur those spoken lines.

<<From Me>>#320

I have this little note on my lap. This is similar if not identical to the posts on "Goad" we found at UOZ some weeks ago. If my view has not been clear, let it be clear that I happen to be the one to subscribe this viewpoint. For the sake of record, I post the excerpt:

"My view is seen by anyone with a view they hold dear as a threat, for it suggests that their view, including the viewer within it, must be dropped. That anyone who gets the drift of it, and finds it anathema, would react by calling it illogical drivel and/or attacking the bearer of the drift is perfectly understandable; one’s world view is, in a sense, one’s sense of self, and when the self is attacked, there is an automatic flee or fight response. And if you will permit me a final editorial comment, it is only when one’s world view no longer contains a self to be protected, when the role of thought in the creation of one’s sense of self is seen, that the words will pass through without leaving a trace. Enlightenment, in my book, is knowing the role of thought in self-reflection. Nothing more, nothing less. No dogma is necessary; only understanding."

To bounce back to the course, if at all possible, let us see the above quote in line to the theme of "salt and pepper," "goad," "compassion," and "tears." Now, there are loose ends while I have one more post on the way on wisdom and compassion. But before posting it, I would like us to process some traffic control here. So, may we first clarify:

Post #311 Are you still chewing?
Any comment to #316, perhaps tied to 311?
And, on your post #318: "In answer to your question, a metaphor that deals in the bright red line speaks to a point, while reality tends to blur those spoken lines." Please explain, which metaphor, what do you mean by bright red line, and what do you mean by "reality tend to blur"?
Is there anybody else here to chip in any more "constructive" viewpoint to the subject under discussion (while leaving the dog and pony show outside)?

Thanks, and have a nice weekend!!!

Kio

<<From Wilbro>>

Re #311: No.
Re #316: None, other than questions about what you mean.
Re #318: My response was intended to stay at the same level as your statement, "If so, where is the salt that is unblinded by the pepper?" I prefer to leave it at that same level, else the dog and pony show takes center stage again.

And re #320: Kio posted something I had written up for posting and decided not to post, for reasons obvious and otherwise. The first obvious reason is that it has a touch of cruelty in it. The second obvious reason is that it is preaching. The otherwise reason is that it is the sort of response that I can not push the Post button on. I can understand Kio posting it, for it keeps his inquiry boiling. However, I did not give him permission to do so. My intent in showing it to him was to show that I DID NOT post it. Live and learn.

<<From Me>>

Live and learn!

Wilbro san, if you like, I can erase it (#320). But, to me, that is not the point. As mentioned in UOZ, and on #320, I subscribe to the "Goad" process. I practiced it as management consultant. Cruel? Preaching? Perhaps. Still, as mentioned, a mother tiger may throw her child over the cliff. On the web, fortunately, we need not to go through such experience. If unsatisfactory, anybody can leave the club, ignore it, or forget about it. (To me, fighting for the sake of fighting is unproductive. We should just take what we can take and leave emotion outside. Pepper is pepper after all.) We are all big enough to make such a judgment. So, let's see if we can move forward. Let's live and learn if we so desire.

BTW, I view that our creative talent does not express its true nature unless we come to the point of cul de sac. I believe Picasso painted picture one after the other, never taking the last one to be left as the last one. Yes, such creative process may look from outside as cruel, unforgiving, arrogant, or punishing. But, it is everybody's choice to climb up the mountain or stay in a cozy chair and watch the soup opera endlessly. I did not start this club for the purpose of increased membership, large page view, or just to feel good in having some casual dialogue for the moment. Even if there is no one left in this club, I am sure I will "goad" myself as I did before, posting whatever I feel important at the time for my own learning and hopefully for others.

Hope we are clarifying something here. Perhaps, this was meaningful to revisit the basic stance of the club. But, I think enough is enough. Let's get back to where we left - the issue of substance, if there is such a thing. Perhaps, we may reread the recent posts, clarify what we can, if we can…the best we can, and move forward - with sincerity.

Have a good weekend!!

<<Buzzcook>>

Guys, I don't think you are talking about the same thing. Well at least not all the time.

Kio if you look back, our friend Wilbro has said that he always talks to the same point and from what I've seen he told the truth.
You seem to change prespective from an inside view to an outside one and with that change you lose Wilbro, who is relentlesly focused on the internal.

That natural stuff I mentioned earlier, Is an example of outside veiw. It is without a doubt lovely, but I think misses the mark.

Buzzcook

P.S. I think I'm sounding pretentious, don't you.

<<Wilbro>>

Of course, the buzzer is correct in his assessment of my dog & pony show. There is an Out and there is an In. Within the In is a secret door, that when opened, leads to the inside view. This inside view is tough on words because all the In words have already been spoken for, which leaves the In of In, the inside view, scrambling to say 'inside' without saying In.

Since the In connects to the Out, the logical way to express the In of In is to say that it does not connect to Out, like it is not the In of In and Out. But that creates problems, for if the In of In is not known, the saying is meaningless, at the best, or illogical, at its worst. All of that, and that is just one of the problems with the dog & pony show, is why it does not play in Peoria, and why I am putting the ponies out to pasture and giving the dogs to good, deserving families.
==

<<From Me>>#327

Good Morning!

Let me sort things out if I can...

In and Out, Salt and Pepper, Subjective and Objective, It is OK and It is not OK, all indicate two different worlds. One way to point the resolution in my words is that, coming to the point of "cannot describe" sense from the firm personal experience after deliberating from all different angles brings the comfort or, should I say, resolution.

Still, with the brain I have, this brain keeps on questioning… What is at the edge or point of resolution? Insight? Craziness of Picasso? Imagination of Einstein? Poem, Haiku, New discovery,…? Tears of Daisetz? Smile and tears of a baby? And all that indescribable sense, space, and the nature's way in action?

Tied to this point, glancing back my previous posts in this club, I reflected my own version of characterization:

New world vs. Old world: #197
Concepts vs. Intuition: #194
Brain vs. Heart: #155
Home vs. not-home: #142
X vs. conventional world: #67
Wind vs. Man's life: #45
It is OK vs. It is not OK: …*

* Here, "It is OK" is tied to the view of as-it-isness, that world, nirvana, basement, and heart. "It is not OK" is tied to the human nature of struggle, this world, overcoming the law of entropy, growth and exploration of human potential, second floor, and brain. (#284 at Zenhell)

Then, given that distinction and yet living our life, there is a passage, or middle way as Buddha may say, that is there to be found. This is my view of the enlightenment path, or tao. This is the point of "process" tied with individual's life's passage. Furthermore, a question may be raised, as to how this whole things we see in the universe, various religious practices, words of enlightened ones, etc. etc., can be somehow viewed in an integrated manner and checked and balanced.

We were talking about salt and pepper, the mind state, process, seeker, tears, Bodhisattva, and compassion. There were some posts that interrupted the flow. But as far as I can track back, my posts #311, 316 (318) are the thread still to be resolved and explained by Wilbro unless he choose not to for some reason, nothing more to be added or clarified, or already forgotten about it at this moment.

* Buzz, you said, " You seem to change perspective from an inside view to an outside one and with that change you lose Wilbro, who is relentlessly focused on the internal." To this point, have I clarified the reason of the change in perspective with what I wrote above? Also, I have this white book in mind where I am approaching from the objective, conventional world so that I develop understanding with the potential readers (as well as myself) at the conventional level first before going into the spiritual level so to speak. In other words, as I or any reader may start from Pepper, Out, Brain, and conventional view of "It is not OK," how can we come to the resolution and connect to Salt, "It is OK."? Such is the framework. Also, this corresponds to the process of us getting into delusion and coming out of it. There is a paradox involved here. But noticing the paradox seems to be a first important step, anyway. Or, do you think I am still missing something?

Thanks,

Kio

<<From Wilbro>> #328

Kio, in #311, I have already explained the difference. You are asking me to explain the explanation. As I have never been doing anything other than explaining my explanation, Sue is absolutely right, the game should come to an end. Infinite regression goes nowhere. I did say that I would chew on the why of the distinction I see between our respective views, so I have a question re #311. What do you think I said? What distinction do you see me making? I have been going on about my view of my view, and that goes nowhere. Sue is right, and she has been kind enough to give me her view of my view. Now, to shift out of my dog & pony show, let's pick up our task with you telling me what you think I am saying. I'll begin by telling you what I think you are saying. I'll use #316.

You are describing the process of a process. If I read what you have just said to the buzzer correctly, the intent is to give the one about to go through the process an idea of the process to be gone through. Since it is cast in your terms, the one reading it must be conversant with the meaning of your terms. I think I know what you mean, so I can follow your description of the process. I am not quite sure how you see it as a vehicle to connect to 'salt' since my meaning of 'salt' will not connect in such a way, which is why I am asking you what you think I am saying. What do you mean by 'salt'?
==

<<From Me>>

Salt

Wilbro san,

Let me start from the second paragraph:

>>What do you mean by 'salt'?

Please read posts 222, 223, and 224 on enlightenment. There, you find my view "about" enlightenment. There are path and state of it. I hope you see how Pepper and Salt are described in my terms. Having said that, I see, ultimately, salt cannot be described by words. It is just like in Tao te Ching, it says, "The tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao… The unnamable is the eternal real." In such a view, my posts referred above are mere dead words. But that is all I could do at that time with the words I had. Whether the words become alive or not may be a question of the reader, however. (Then, post #225 on meditation refers to how these posts came about. #327 also refers some posts related to this and #227 talks about direct experience. I am hesitant to refer to these backward. But, it may be quite necessary to clear up this critical point.)

With regard to the first paragraph, it appears to me that we are talking the same thing. Since this relates to compassion and I have been working on that subject, I would like to come back to this from different angle. As things clear up, I will post it hopefully soon and see if we can integrate various views in a more comprehensive manner.

Hope, we are moving forward.

Kio

PS. To alleviate my lack of English and general brain ability, I tend to use many words and may become repetitive to deliver the point among other things. I may also miss critical nuance or logic here and there. I try my best, but hope you have tolerance with me on this critical process we are on.

Hi Mr Suzaki, good morning.

Nyanavira just drop here from the place where he is.
Say, how is your practise? Sorry if I interrupt you in the middle of these dualism messes.
Can't stay long here as the clock still run. See ya soon.

Keep peace from the younger generation,
Nyana.

Hi! Nyana!!!

Nice to hear from you! I am sure most of us here from UOZ know you and feel happy to see your name popped up like this.

As usual, we are in the middle of finding the path. If you remember the post on compassion at UOZ, we are coming back to that subject, perhaps from different angle this time. Yes, it may be a dualistic mess as you may say (LOL). But, as we have words to play with, this may be unavoidable at least for most of us.

Also, these messes may have life in themselves and to be self-organized for the dharma flowers to bloom. So, especially, I appreciate you and all posters to be reminded to help providing the right condition here so that we can have a 'controlled' chaos. Also, please be forewarned that I may bring more of neuro-science stuff into the discussion to add different dimension.

In the middle of chaos, mess, struggle, and unknown, let there be life, happiness, and peace. Or, as you always remind me, awareness and equanimity!

Kio

(BTW, I am open to dedicate our chat room for you to conduct scheduled Vipassana meditation class if such thing is at all possible.)

<<From Me>>

In the Lull….

There is that moment when the life jumps around….

When I hear Beatles and my body swings by itself,

When I cast a fly and find me one with that act of fly fishing,

Feeling one with the boat when I sail with everything in harmony.

As baby smiles back to the mother's smile,

As two butterflies dance around in the air,

As meditator find him in that state.

Or, as scientists become one with the problem…

Only those who are there can tell.

Only those who have the experience can share.

What is that? Point the finger!

If you say a word, it is too late.

* May we jump and swim in the sea of compassion without deluding ourselves?!

<<Wilbro>>#334

Kio san, perhaps I have found a way into the impasse we seem to be in. Let me quote from UoZ post 2802, and from the post I am responding to.

"Direct Experience and "Enlightenment"
Just like the word 'enlightenment,' when we try to talk about 'direct experience,' it seems to slip away. This is because there is no "I" to experience it or have reference to relate to…It appears however that we have a faculty to sense this otherwise we cannot have such word, or experience to reflect on. So, we may thank for having delusion in us to realize this point."

"Having said that, I see, ultimately, salt cannot be described by words. It is just like in Tao te Ching, it says, 'The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao… The unnamable is the eternal real.'"

In the first instance, where you speak to the facility of being able to reflect upon it, and ascribe it to having the 'delusion in us to realize this point,' what delusion are you talking about? I do not mean for you to answer in the abstract, but in particular. What did that delusion say to you? Maybe we can have a dialogue with that delusion. I have many questions for it.

In the second instance, the Tao says that the words are not the thing, but in words it makes it clear what it is talking about. The Salt I am speaking to can be described, and I have been doing it over and over and over. Perhaps the problem here is that my Salt is not Enlightenment and that we can never make the two mesh. I am willing to accept that and let it go at that.

The only thing I really deal in is the exposure of, and the negation of, an unnecessary sense of self. If I had a motto, it would be, "Get the monkey off your back." Enlightenment would then be the holding up of the mirror that allows one to see that monkey, face to face. That is my very narrow and limited approach to this thing called enlightenment, my dog and pony show, as it were.

<<From Me>>

Wilbro san,

As I read your post, delusion and unnecessary sense of self seem to strongly relate with each other in your case. As it appears I do not carry an "unnecessary sense of self" perhaps, not as much. Therefore, my major concern does not appear to be tied to that notion. So, it may be difficult for me to have a meaningful dialogue with you on this point. It may be that this very point may be my major delusion in your eyes. Or, is this the case of "Ignorant is bliss'?

To make sure I am not missing the rare opportunity to have a great insight, I would like to ask you to post the list of "many questions" you mentioned in your post related to delusion. Even hypothetical they may be, if I study those questions, I may realize the problem I have that I do not notice, yet. Hope, you understand my situation. I am not trying to avoid your help. I am just curious to find more about it. Perhaps, the next dialogue may be to the point.

Eka: "I have unsettled mind, please help me."

Bodhidharma: "Show it to me."

Eka: (after pondering for a while) "I could not find it."

Bodhidharma: (Laughing..) "I settled your mind."

BTW, I feel this discussion is getting slippery ever more. (Is this my delusion?) While you say to be specific, I see your discussion of unnecessary sense of self very abstract. Perhaps, if you indicate to me "your" delusion in a more specific manner, we may be able to nail it down as I am failing to do so. If you still insist for me to be specific, however, all I can think is to go backward again, i.e., I would call the state related to 5 and 6 in post #316 as delusion state as mentioned then, i.e.,:

Thinking before or after the fact (conscious mind turned on - simulation process/delusion - going nowhere, caught up in thought.)
Cul de sac (wasted energy/ overflow/ disconnect, similar to 5 but worse.)

Here, my examples are like: "I should have done it this way," "I wish this does not happen." etc. But as mentioned in #316, sooner or later I realize my state and go through steps 7, 8 and 9 or just forget about it. If I call it as the process of enlightenment, it may sound too heavy. So, we may call it inspiration, insight, etc. But, to me, big or small, the characteristics of problem resolution process seems to be pretty much the same. There may be a sense of self recognized if we call that way when I am in the state of 5 or 6, but realizing the state, I feel there is no more sense of self sensed but the problem state of mind that is realized. Then, resolution is gained in the manner I mentioned above, i.e., step 7, 8, and 9.

I don't mind to share my experience of losing a large sum of money if that is qualified as a case of me getting into the delusion (For those interested on this case, please see my 'draft' white book on my home page). But, I am not sure if there is anything more to be discussed. The key topic to me is to prepare us to deal with broader scope of issues we face in life with some sound principle. Your point of delusion and discarding the false sense of self may contribute a lot to do that - perhaps as a cornerstone. But, as of now, I feel the discussion is pointing inward. My sense is, once in, it has to go out. Hence, the subject of compassion to move on (and come back, perhaps with new insight, hopefully).

This, to me, is the H-max., or find the way step at a time to live our life the best we can -- forgetting about self (or unnecessary sense of self as you say) every now and then and to balance the way. Then, we may find that there is no internal or external anymore, yet merely to find the (middle) way. I realize this is a crude expression. But, to me, that vision, orientation, and process to move on with the way seems to be the major question if not the only question. (Does this indicate that I am generally a happy guy, or just that I am dreaming too big a picture, perhaps? Or, is it that, I am (one with) the delusion and cannot see it by myself any more?)

Thank you, for the check and balance, and everything else!!!

Kio

<<From Wilbro>>

Kio san, your last paragraph (*3^rd from the bottom, correspond to the Paragraph: "Here my examples are…") makes sense. I'll shift my focus to the problem state of mind. Substitute 'problem state of mind' for 'unnecessary sense of self' wherever the latter occurs. There is a recognition of the problem state of mind and a stepping out of it. So, all we need to do is to is write a guide of some sort that leads us to the recognition of, and the stepping out of, that problem state of mind. In this way we do not have to describe the problem from its structural standpoint; the recognition of its being will suffice, and the descriptions will be tuned for recognition. So saying, I can close down completely the dog and pony show. Let's forget self. It's an impossible view. Hey, I'm flexible. If I can not get you to move my direction, I'll move in your direction. From now on, the problem state of mind will be the notice of the problem to be solved.

Yes, carry on. And you are welcome.

<<From Me>>

If we move on to or with this topic of "problem state of mind," with broad issues associated with that and we approach it in a pragmatic manner, there may be a few issues to be noted. For example,:

We may possibly leave "spirituality" behind - whatever that is.
We get lost in the sea of "broad" issues unless we are very careful.
Or, we may go back and forth to put pieces together.

In any case, my sense is that we will find out. I will be optimistic for the journey ahead. I don't know why. But if a tree is to grow high, it cannot be pessimistic anyway. Do what we can, and figure out as we go.

The first stop is "compassion and wisdom." I would like to tackle this subject in my next post - perhaps with post #316 as reference.

<<From Me>>

Experiences, Memories, and Mind Program

To address the subject of Wisdom and Compassion (#293), it may be helpful to study the structure of experiences, memories, and mind programs first. The purpose of this is to share the idea and ask for comments or opinions.

Basic Structure of Subconsciousness:

There are memories stored in our subconsciousness.
We may call them as image memories, which are disconnected from words. (Araya memory) Some of these memories may become self-activated to be used to serve their function for the purpose of our life (H-max.). Sometimes, these are noticed in our conscious.
As mother may connect with babies and babies remember this experience in such image memory form, these experiences are not registered by words in babies.
Therefore, such memory is difficult to be retrieved by using our conscious mind.
In other words, this is like the state when you do not remember what you have forgotten.
Yet, there are tremendous amount of these memories of our younger days when the sun was bright and air was fresh, or when smiles and tears were connected to the core of our being. Then, willows were green and flowers were red while butterflies and birds all danced with the song of God.
All of these experiences are stored there in our subconsciousness - our memory garden of Eden. (We may have negative image as well. But, they were just that.)
When our knees hurt, touched the hot plate, or the moment of figuring out how to ride the bicycle for the first time arrived, these are all in this type of memories and come back as stimuli/need is applied. A part of this may be in our muscle-nerve system.
So, we may see these memories stored in subconscious as well as (perhaps) in our body, muscle-nerve system.

Likes and Dislikes (H-value):

Let's say we were once experiencing mother's compassion and love, except we were unaware of such words at that time. Without our being aware, we developed likes and dislikes associated with such memories.
Likes and dislikes are the words used here to distinguish the difference between what is good for life and what is not. (Likes and dislikes may be represented by my hypothetical value called H-value to be used to make judgment as to which course to take in order to live well.)
So, these memories were formed as a result of the early life experiences. (Some are developed and stored in DNA, like programs for growth and control of body temperature, etc.) Then, as we learn from experiences, our whole mind-heart-body system was developed as associated values attached (again, H-values) to these experiences and certain programs developed to utilize such memories.
Since such memory structure has no neuron link attached to conscious part of brain, these memories may be seen as they are in the "natural" state - only to serve the purpose of expressing life's mission (X), or Buddha nature. There is no right or wrong, but just that natural process - to express the law of universe (X).
Looking from the outside, this functions more like reflex, or autonomous nerve system.
If we use the computer as an analogy here, these memories and programs are like the machine language level of the operating system. It is fast and feels natural, but it may be hard to relate to from our conscious brain where application programs are used. **Things just happen and there may be an intuitive sense of good for life (H+) or not good for life (H-).
**The last sentence indicates existence of a sensory system to feedback what is good or not good for life. My view is that it is possible that we may be aware or not aware of functioning of such a system depending on the setting we are in.
The function of these autonomous program is closely related to the core of life, and therefore when expressed, taking the form of desire or emotion, this may be even seen illogical at times, whereas the other (conscious/application) language is more descriptive, dualistic, or conceptual.
We may say that the former is more alive, autonomous, as it is, and out of human control whereas the latter more dead. In other words, this dead conscious program become alive when used as application tools for X to express its mission.
Developing a harmony between these two worlds, so to speak, is by itself a topic of importance for us humans to live well. One may see this as a starting point of paradox or conflict resolution we face in life, i.e., emotion and logic. Or, perhaps, salt and pepper.

Imprint, Trash Programs of Mind, and Insight:

We can say all animals and humans have these reflex or autonomous processes or nerve system.
One clear difference is the development of conscious brain in the case of human.
We may characterize this reflex or autonomous program as "imprint" as reconfiguring of this program is not easily done. It may be seen as karma, or a basic nerve programming. Perhaps, the most basic form of this is DNA.
So, from DNA, life-sustaining nerve system, subconscious to conscious, we may see a spectrum of memory/logic structure in our human system.
Again, old programs like imprint are hard to modify its memory/logic structure (memories with H-values and their associated program) while new ones may be easier to make adjustment.
(A side note: As these memory/program structures are developed, it may be compared to a tree growing process. What this means is that older memory/logic that proved their effectiveness in life activity will have stronger connection, or call it like trunks of trees, that makes it difficult to modify at later years. The other point is that if such memory/logic is like a "trash" program or wired in a "trashy" way specific to certain experience, it may have a negative implication for us to conduct a healthy life. It is like having a wrong configuration in DNA that has potential for some disease unless it is reprogrammed. Or, this point may be compared to a program developed by many subroutines and exceptions to a superior program, which is simple, versatile, and easy to execute. So, here is a link to the training/retraining process that needs to be addressed. If we tie this to evolution of species, the prosperity of a species depends on becoming versatile to deal with various situations, or become free-er from the law of entropy. **Perhaps, one needs, therefore, to go through six paramita, or to go back to the zero base mind for "defragmentation" process to take place to resolve this problem state.)
However, because of the basic nature of the imprint programs developed early in our life, and more and more trash programs added to meet the specific needs of the situation as we grew up, correction may become difficult if left alone. (So, what we can do may be: 1) sending good wishes to the younger generations, or 2) finding the "insight" and reprogram such a basic program somehow.)
Examples indicating the existence of such trash programs may be found by such statements like; "I am not good at memorizing." "I am bad in golf swing." etc. etc. These are perhaps coming from the shallower level of our mind compared to examples like, "I hate that type of people." Or "I feel always sad."
Again, insight or wisdom may be seen as eradicating the errors in these programs.
The result is a broader perspective we can develop in life, and live more flexibility freely, or happily as we are meant to be, thus leading to H-max. (Ultimately, insight or wisdom is a form of "natural" self-organization process that we cannot put our finger on, except that we can put ourselves in a certain setting where such insight may take place easier. **This may need to be discussed elsewhere. Tie to the problem state of mind, creativity - green book, wilbro's guide, homeostasis, etc.)

Rather than going further, let me stop here and see if there is any input, comment, etc. before moving further.

Thanks.

===

<<From Me>>

Progress, Wisdom and Compassion

Having touched on the subject of experiences, memories and mind programs or, say internal issues, I would like to see the connection to the universe at large next.

Progress, H-max, X

As our experiences are turned into memories and mind programs to help live our life better, inspiration or insight may be seen as a step of a progress.
If we use my idea of H-value here, what is good for life is seen as H+. Then, we may find ourselves functioning following the law of universe, X, to increase this value.
So, life may be seen as a process of H-maximization. In other words, to be alive fully is life's own purpose - according to the law of universe, X.
As noted by communication between mother and child, or interactions of various people, or entities, including one's neuron to be advanced by gaining new insight, there is that unknown force, call it the life energy, Buddha nature, or X to propel us to move forward.

How We Express Ourselves:

If to be alive fully is the purpose of life, how do we see us acting on that basis or from that viewpoint?
To raise kids, work to help others, play sports, enjoy hobbies, focus on this and that, etc. etc., there are various ways, just like tree branches extend themselves to reach out for the potential.
**As symbolized by this image, what if we see compassion as a way to relate to others to seek for the potential, which is realized when inspiration or insight takes place? (Here, examples of "others" may include the open space for tree branch's growth, suffering of people for Bodhisattvas' wish, or any hobby for one's entertainment, etc., etc.)
Then, we may see the meaning of the sentence: "And if so, compassion is a flip side of wisdom - a nature's way to resolve the conflict…" (Post #293)

Compassion and Wisdom Defined - My Way:

**In other words, if we see compassion (empathy, or love) is like an energy field reaching out to relate to others while wisdom (insight, or inspiration) is a way to bridge the gap with "others," we find these as a critical pair for the progress (H-max.).
This is a very broad definition that I just cooked up. Yet, if we use these as basis and to try to explain the world or our behavior, it may do the trick. So, let us see if such hypothesis works.
So, Bussho, or Buddha nature (X) is at the core. It functions as compassion to find the relationship to express itself. The relation can be anything, starting from the dust of universe to the other dust to form the life to begin with. Or, after human is created, each individual may see one's relation with others as a form of compassionate energy to be expressed so that some engaging, or insight may take place.
Sometimes this works, and sometimes this does not. It is just like a tree branch to extend itself, searching for the potential. Perhaps, few branches may be broken due to the strong wind. But from the learning, as new insight is gained, there is continuous progress. In the progress of DNA, neuro-programs, one's passion to express the emotion in painting, or everywhere we can see, we see this functioning.

X, H, Compassion, and Wisdom

If this framework of Buddha nature, compassion and wisdom is acceptable as hypothesis, it appears that we can see how we fit in the progress of the whole universe. (To say it simply, X is the driver while H-value is the measure of progress. As entropy is to increase, this H-value is to increase, equating the progress of living being.)
In other words, this is the macro view tied with the basics of how the law of universe (X) is functioning across the board. Or, at least, that is what is being studied here.
Say this differently, the inherent program of the universe, call it "life energy," "Passion" of Buddha Nature is to reach out to find meaningful relationship, thus, it functions as "Com-Passion."
With such definition applied to human activities, every act is seen as a form of compassion to seek for relationship and to find the meaning in that process, i.e., to find H-max. to be tested out so to speak - by nature's self-organizing process, i.e. wisdom, insight, or inspiration.
Picasso to his painting, mother to babies, businessman to his work or customers, Bodhisattva to save people, me to work on this note, and my wife to shopping, etc, are then viewed as an expression of compassion (as defined above - in my way). Again, tree to extend its branches in the air may be seen as an example of this broad definition of compassion.

If we perceive that the basic framework is developed at this point, the next step may be to look into the application of this view in various settings (and perhaps tie it in to spirituality). I have vague ideas on these points to move on and clarify them. However, I would appreciate any comments, ideas, or questions if there are any before moving forward.

Thank you.

Mr. S. N. Goenka - Vipassana

Yesterday, I attended an evening talk by Mr. Goenka. He is well known in his work to spread the Vipassana Meditation around the world. He visited LA for one evening on his way to make speech for the World Peace Summit at the United Nations. (See: Vipassana file at my home page for more info. on Vipassana.)

For me, this was the first time to attend this type of meeting. (BTW, Vipassana is tied to Buddha's teaching/practice, but as Buddha's life may be separated from Buddhism as religion, Mr. Goenka's view on this is that it should not be viewed as belonging to any religion in the strict sense. Or, as he says, this may be seen as the core of all religions. I should say that meeting Yanavira on the net is a major factor for me to attend this event.) I exchanged ideas with few people there, and as somewhat expected, I found that the talk by Mr. Goenka fit quite well to the view I have developed so far. Here is my brief summary:

The main focus is the peace in mind. Peace in mind is the main driver to have peace in the world or to create the world without undue suffering. Whether we can have peace in mind or not is dependent on our understanding of ourselves. Thus, "Know thyself." is the key starting point.
Reading books and gaining intellectual understanding does not do much if we cannot "control" our mind and let craving and avoidance, or the concern on future or past swings our mind too much. ((I see this ties to: "Let the mind flow freely without abiding anywhere. - Diamond sutra.)) Vipassana meditation is a way to purify the mind so that we can be here and now, and have awareness and equanimity.
To find that pure mind, and therefore to know ourselves, as a first step in ten-day Vipassana course, we start by focusing on breathing and see if we can maintain the focus. As we do this, we observe how our thoughts come and go. Here, we are to learn to not be caught up in thought/emotion. This is the first part of training for four days. (I understand later by talking participants that there are many detailed focused sessions every few hours over the ten-day course.)
Then, we move on to observe the sensation from different parts of body. This is because all mind function will show its effect somewhere in our body. ((*This point seems to correspond with Sharif's book on emotion and biofeedback as posted in my home page. Even though there are debatable points, I find this book brings a very interesting insight even though I felt some parts were little boring.))
As child may find hot coal as hot by touching it and become wise by this experience, we need to learn to deal with the hot coal in our mind by sensing it and become wise, i.e., leave it alone and let it resolve. Hot coal here may represent craving for example. In other words, we need to find how our mind works by detecting the body's sensation as there is direct relation between the two (as we learn to find this through meditation).
By learning ourselves in such a pragmatic/direct way, we become aware of how to find the peace or harmony in our mind. Also, by having such equanimity, and being aware of our negative sensation, we learn to express ourselves in a peaceful and harmonious manner. For example, the idea of "killing is bad" may be understood in conceptual level. On the other hand, it may be sensed and acted on from the deep mind level. There is a clear difference.
At the base of our life is the pure mind ((that brings wisdom and compassion)). So, if we are made aware of sensation as it rises, whether it is killing, alcohol addiction, depression, etc., we can take care of it just by learning to observe the sensation. If we react to it, it creates a bind. ((We need to let go of self.)) By having equanimity, we see us not blinded yet being aware of what is going on. So, just learning to pay attention to the rise and fall of emotion, cravings, etc. in this way, we bring peace and harmony in our mind.
Going through Vipassana course is in a way like going to a hospital or eating food to recharge the energy. The time spent will bring fresh life experience, efficiency in what we do, and our ability enhanced.

* After re-reading the above, I developed a little doubt about the notion of peaceful and harmonious mind. It may need to be understood as "being natural." Otherwise, if we crave for such a mind, it will create a bind in us. This is one reason. Then, here is another reason: As we see nature, we may find a scene of peace and harmony on surface. Yet, there is that struggle and creative process as its foundation. I feel this point need to be digested/internalized as well. (What does this mean? I think, "being natural" can mean a struggle itself - genuine, honest struggle that is. The resolution of this paradox is, "It is not OK" thus struggle. Yet, "It is OK" because the struggle is just what it is. So, equanimity and awareness may need to be gained at such a level. In other words, this may need to be tied to the application issue in the sense of finding the middle way and 8fold path - how the tree may grow.)

Have peace, harmony, and perhaps occasional creative chaos!

Good day, good life!

<<From Me>>

I posted the following in psychology and taoist clubs. This is just for the record and clarification:

This is just my recent sense that is being developed, so take it as such...:
- Say, there is life energy or something unknown that produces cells, life, etc.
- And this energy expresses itself in two ways.
- One, as a form of energy field to try to connect one to the other, e.g., dust to dust of the universe finally ended up in creating life.
- The other is a self-organizing process of these entities to go against the law of entropy.
- Call the first one as compassion (love, empathy), and the second one as wisdom (inspiration, insight). So, two goes together.

Then, everything around us is an expression of such life energy. So, compassion is like a magnet field between entities, e.g., between neurons, mother and baby. In other words, compassion may be a part of that unknown force.

I may be playing with words, but I just feel there is more in here than that.

Have a good day!
Kio

* BTW, problem consciousness, or the process of applying heat and observe what is going on may be seen as directing the energy (of compassion as defined here) for resolution (wisdom as defined here.).

* I am going for a backpacking trip for the next several days. Please use this club to exchange any views. My only request to the poster is to sense the flow in this club by reading the previous posts so that we can somehow avoid creating unnecessary confusion - even though certain chaos/stimulation may be good for us!

<<From Me>>

Reflection in the Mountains

Here are few points I gathered after my backpacking trip in the Sierras:

To help others, one needs to be able to help oneself. This means to have us at the natural state to connect to the life's core - not free from anything but be creative, autonomous, and free.
Body and mind are one. It is a part of total system configured with an essential function like that of bio-feedback, or cybernetic mechanism to express the best of its potential.
Everything is in a constant flux of change. Circumstance changes, experience base changes, and we change. We are like a sailboat going through the sea of experiences.
As an example of a man sailed his life well, Buddha's life may represent such process, called the Middle Way. Step at a time, he seems to have moved his life following the laws of universe, or dharma.
We should have a notion of here and now to express the best of us, our mind-heart-body system in conjunction to the surroundings.
The Middle Way may be found, for example, in balancing the act of conscious and unconscious mind. The process may go back and forth among planning for the future, learning from the past, and living the fullest here and now as we move on.
We just need to be aware of how we may navigate as new experience, setting, insight, etc. are gained.
I want to call such a way of life as living a path of enlightenment, middle way or tao. All points mentioned above should be reflected in such life.
Then, the process is a multi-dimensional optimization process for H-max. While being aware of this, that, etc., etc., we need to be centered. It is our nature, however, to try this and that. But by taking step at a time, we learn, grow and share the learning as appropriate.
There are delusions or mistakes we realize along the way. It is OK to experience these so far as we notice such a state with insight, or awakening to correct our course in our journey. We are made to live like that.

* Sentences are a combination of words. Like previously discussed on the subjects of compassion and wisdom, creating each sentence may be seen as an inspirational experience. Painting for combination of colors, practicing management, inventing new product, developing a new software program, the process is basically the same. It is to find the relationship and have insight to put things together. They all promote the self-organizing process - never ending. To know this state/process is a wisdom or an art. Yet, by being aware of our problem state of mind, we can set ourselves to navigate the sea of our life. In a way, life itself is a constant test to see how we do this.

* Well, this is pretty much all I went through in my week long camping trip. It may sound simple. Hope that there are meats in here. But, just like I learned a basic of management in what I call mini-company - a very simple concept, the core of our life's basic passage is meant to be simple and to be practiced. At least, this is my best shot for now anyway. Comments, questions and critiques are always welcome.

Have a good day!

<<From Me>>

Spirituality is the Engine

Spirituality is the Engine of Our Life:

Spirituality is the real engine of our life.
We may call it the life energy.
Whether we realize this or not, this engine is eternally operating.
It is the process, how, the program of the universe, X.
It is unborn, absolute, and eternal.
Therefore, there is nothing to be gained for us to know this - ultimately.
It is as it is.
Yet, by realizing this fact, our outlook of our life may be totally flipped around.
Instead of striving to live our life and holding on our selves and our mind, we may live our life from that very point of spirituality.
This may sounds ridiculous, but that is what it is.

How We Find Spirituality?

We notice the existence of spirituality when our ego or attached identity is thrown away.
It is found at the state of no-mind.
This state may be also called samadhi.
Just before this state is to be realized, we may experience despair of losing our self.
But, losing the false is finding the truth.
To realize something that does not exist and find that that is the truth may be called awakening.
As Dogen said, Shikantaza or just sit is Satori. It is just sit, however, it is not the form of sitting. It is as if to let our mind sit calmly to realize the original nature, the spirituality.
For example, when one devotes himself to work fully, he has no mind but his whole being is one with the mission. When work, sit, eat, or sleep, just be with the mission at hand. There is clarity.
At such state, means are the ends. It is therefore an ultimate state.
Then, the mission may be found as connected to the mission of the universe.
The basis of this is spirituality, the engine, the process (the law) of the universe, X. It is not connected to limiting and false identity of self any more.

Characterizing Spirituality:

It is absolute and there is nothing dualistic at this state. The knower and what is known is one. The observer and observed is one.
In other words, there is no division. We are not torn but in the state of oneness. Experience is experiencing itself directly. It is pure being.
We feel right, happy at this state as it is. This is because our existence is in harmony with the law of universe. We live directly from that spiritual base. Our life become the expression of that spirituality. So, life flows. Life is the flow of spirituality itself.
At this state, we realize that not knowing in our mind is knowing in a spiritual sense. It is the state of awareness and equanimity.
We may also realize that not being able to escape is escaping as the self is evaporated in this state.
Or, we may find that black is not black, not having spade is having spade, etc., etc., in this no mind state when the spirituality is the main and only character. This is to transcend our mind rather than being overshadowed by our mind, which always asks who, why, etc., to define the boundaries and limiting itself.
These are examples of what may be called an immediate denial logic of Prajna (Wisdom), i.e., A is not A (as in mind), therefore A (as in spirituality).
Prajna finds that there is no constraint but full of possibility. It is to realize the becoming. Again, this goes with the state of no-mind, child's innocent mind, or Samadhi.
It is beyond logic, or dualistic ideas in our mind. Or, it is the state before the dualism, the source of suffering, is born. It is when our heart speaks directly through us.
Everything is born from here, and eternally being born, eternally becoming (against the law of entropy).
This is spirituality, as-it-isness, becoming, direct expression of X, Buddha nature, wisdom, or creativity found at the state of samadhi, or no-mind.

Realizing Spirituality:

To realize all encompassing work of this engine may be called Satori, the awakening - jumping out of the abuse/misuse of our tools in our mind.
By orienting ourselves into this direction (inwardness), practice samadhi, we realize Satori, the enlightenment. We realize everything is in harmony and following the law of universe. We realize that the world is nirvana as it is as everything is expression of the law, spirituality, X.
Describing this point, Dogen said, initiating, training, enlightenment, and nirvana are one.
Because it is as it is, there is nothing to be gained and there is nothing lost from the beginning.
Gaining (spirituality) is not gaining (in our mind).
Everything is undivided, as it is.
So, recognize this engine, and not stay in the sea of suffering (we create in our mind).
As we realize this engine, and be one at the state, we are free - not from anything.
We are autonomous and sufficient - nothing lacking. We are one with the energy of life, the law of universe.
So, even if it is viewed as not OK (in our mind), it is OK (in spirituality).

Passage:

We may find that we are off from the core being of spirituality. Yet, to realize this is already the beginning of awakening.
Still, we have to go though the gate of our own making (in our mind) to go to the other side (spirituality). From the other side, everything is as it is.
There are possibilities, becoming, or expressing to be had.
Yet, if we are awakened, we do not know (in mind) that we are awakened.
Just be aware so that our tools such as logic, words, concepts, materialistic possessions can get into the way in our life rooted to spirituality.
So, navigate the life well without disconnected from the spirituality.
This is Tao, middle way, the enlightenment path.
Then, practice this principle way in life - pragmatically.
This is the principle.
When we are lost, just go back to this path.
Spirituality is the engine of our life.

* I feel that this note is my best shot to capture the key points of spirituality. Yet, if we think we captured it, it is not there any more. It just means the arrogance of our human mind more than anything else! Also, writing or reading does not mean anything. At least, I would like to be "very" sincere to live my life with spirituality as the foundation. That is all.

Have a good life as it is meant to be!!

<<From Yanavira>> Reflection in the flow…#353

Mortal world of ours is all about feelings and ideas.
As long as we get entangled within these boundaries, we come back to square one; problems and the proliferation of it.
The only way out of this mess is to remove the cork underneath and let whatever that has been stagnant go.
A square with a hole is the solution.
Scientists believe that the universe does have a hole where everything will be sucked in eventually. In this process, there is neither will nor resistance. The illusory entity is like a cork stuck beneath preventing the flow.

Nyana

<<From Me>>

Nyana

Thank you for the comment. Comment is always welcome, especially for the check and balance!

On one hand is the job to remove the cork (delusion). But from the view of "salt," there is no cork (or "pepper") to be removed. So, one may realize. But, let's not go back to that "discussion" - over and over and over even if we need to revisit this over and over and over in our life.

In any case, what follows in the next two or so posts will pretty much conclude my current view on spirituality, compassion and wisdom. My expression may be viewed as redundant or vague here and there partly because I wrote these not in one setting. But, as far as I can see, they may capture the view, in terms of scientific, philosophical, and spiritual dimensions. It is a crude view, perhaps. But, I see fair connection to Kegon, Buddhavatamsaka-sutra (Mahayana). (As Salt and Pepper may be seen as corresponding to Prajna-paramita sutra, this may hopefully be seen as a natural extension.)

To write, I approached it from various dimensions. So, it may be viewed as very vague. (Compared to salt and pepper, for example.) Still, it is like trying to develop a holistic view of the universe, our life, and how we fit and manage our life. Or, it may be seen as an application with integrated view with, say, salt or spirituality as the cornerstone. It may be murky because of its nature. But, hopefully, there is something that insightful readers may be able to identify with. Comments are always welcome.

* BTW, I signed up for Vipassana course starting from October 18. I see this fit to my exploration process. On the other hand, I have spent hours with Taoist master over the last few weeks - often casual chat, but checking and balancing from slightly different angle. Essence remains the same. So, given contributions of many people, I may jump back to finish my white book and put essential ideas together there.

Have a good day!

Kio

<<From Me>>

Spirituality, Compassion and Wisdom

Revisiting Spirituality:

The direction of how we live our life may differ by each individual or his mini-brains - just like tree branches grow in different directions.
As we ask sincerely and inwardly, "What is the process that brings H-max., i.e., liveliness/happiness?," we may sense the energy or the source of compassion and wisdom. This may be called "spirituality."
We may not be able to describe this, but we may still have a faculty to sense this especially when the noise in our mind is subsided. This is listening to our heart.
As all living beings are expression of this force, we may relate with each other since all of us have this as a base.
The next question may be to find a way such that we are connected to the root so that the harmonious approach in life is made possible. (After inward comes the outward and vice versa.)
This is living as we are meant to be. That is, our mind functions in harmony with our heart.

Connecting with Each Other:

In theory, if we understand our problems and be able to fix it, we may be able to relate to other people who may have the same problem. Still, this is a statement of logic and remains at the level of conscious mind.
The logic or word itself does not have "life" in it to make us to act unless it connects to heart and "inspiration" gained. The most genuine communication is established when we reach to the core of our heart.
Mechanical thoughts may have their use. Yet, heart to heart communication requires openness.
This is like preparing the setting for self-organization or insight to take place between person to person, or person to animal, person to plant, neuron to neuron, subconscious to conscious, etc. The basis of all is the same, i.e., spirituality.
Wisdom or creativity may be found when different elements are combined for insight and grow to new higher state of being, whereas compassion in a broader sense may be seen as a relationship (or energy working) between elements/entities.
Leadership is one example of being able to relate to others and to connect people in such dimension. When connection is made, it may inspire people toward certain direction to work together to solve problem. In a company environment, mission is clarified, business plans are developed, and the whole circle of movement may be set accordingly.
Bodhisattva's vow to save people is another way of such an expression. This vow may extend to all living being if not more.
In this way, the spirituality or life energy will be expressed as a movement of universe. This is Kegon as I see it, i.e., mutually unobstructed interpenetration.

Application:

The direction of how the energy may be oriented will differ by each individual attributed by the experience base among other things. There are various forms of expressions of this spiritual force.
Where one individual find the most potential in one direction, others may find in other directions. Again, this corresponds to the analogy of branches extending in various directions.
Which field, which direction, and what strategy to take is like coming up with 5W1H, or who is to do what, when, where, why, and how. Here, who may be mini-brains or mini-selves or each neuron.
Some action may result in higher or lower H-values (corresponding to our sense of liveliness). Some H-values may be realized in a longer term whereas others are realized in a shorter term. As much as resolution may need to be gained between emotion and logic, there may be a resolution to be gained in subject areas, time dimension, etc. So, this becomes a maximization process at various dimensions with many parameters with various probabilities of events, i.e., H-max.

Spirituality in action:

While this translate to the question of how to live the best, and most meaningful way, we are left with almost infinite potentials to choose from every step of our life.
Yet, this is the view of the conscious mind. So, we need to penetrate this into the spirituality if we were to have harmony between mind and heart.
For example, when we face a difficult problem, we may think the best as we can. Then, we throw our selves away (sleep on it; have no mind) for spirituality to provide with solution. This is listening to our heart and living from spirituality.
Individually, we should do this. Collectively as an organization, we should find a way to do this. (In a mini-company setting, each mini-company is to define the mission, etc. collectively. This corresponds to full activation of all we have!)
Whether realizing or not, this is what is happening at various levels. Some are deep rooted to our heart while others may not be. In our life, we want to be aware of this such that all actions are ultimately connected to the spirituality - to have a harmonious life following the law of universe.
This is the way, the process. It happens between dust to dust of the universe, neuron to neuron, people to people, or even person to animal, or person to plant, etc.

So what?

Compassion may be seen as a form of natural expression of life energy oriented to various directions, e.g., people to people, man to painting, man to work, as if the human species are trying to find the middle way (H-max.) to search its passage into the future.
It seeks for resolution (wisdom/insight). The driving force of this is our life energy.
In a way, compassion may be seen like an energy field, orienting to find a higher level of existence, i.e., growth. When it is resolved, there is genuine smile, when not, tears.
Compassion is seen as a process of becoming. That is Buddha nature. Here, there, everywhere, and all related with each other. It is the infinite possibilities of eternal life energy, X.
As much as we are born and having gone through the learning of all histories as we grew up, reflecting DNA, evolution process, we are to practice the same and to move forward. That is to connect to the basics, the spirituality, every now and then and to live our life following the process of the universe.

* Over all, compassion is seen as com: together, and passion: suffering if we go back to its Latin roots. Here, there is something common in people to share the suffering. The point was made here that spirituality is the base foundation. Then, healing is the wisdom, also connected to Buddha nature, or spirituality. BTW, my other interpretation is: com:together, and passion: energy. So, it is life energy to create and evolve as we are meant to be.

<<From Me>>

Organization and Growth

This is the last piece of my notes on spirituality, compassion, and wisdom. This related to organizations and their growth.

First, I see wisdom as a form of creativity to resolve conflict with certain insight. Here, insight may have various characteristics:

Insight related to improvement, invention, or scientific discovery
Insight related to evolution of species, or biological changes
Spiritual insight (Spiritual insight may relate to the change in neuron network.)

Typically, as we experience these insights, we feel good as if we found the truth. Objectively speaking, however, we may see insight/wisdom as self-organizing process to resolve conflict. So, it is something to do with how things are related to each other, including the neuron connections we have in our brain. Here, we see compassion as one's relationship to the others that one can identify with, for example, wishing to help others from suffering.

Relating to this, let us see how various organizations are developed.

Society is a composition of people to contribute with each other to prosper, i.e., H-max. or happiness maximization.
Family, community, company, nation, and human as a whole may be seen as an example of such entity.
Also, within each individual, we find different levels of organizations. We may call them as mini-brains or mini-selves, each trying to prosper without hampering with each other.
As we all have some interface to others in the society and gain learning/benefits while contributing through work, etc., there are some kind of relationship - physically, verbally, and non-verbally.
What is at the core is the spiritually.
From these interactions at all levels, we see a possibility of self-organization taking place here and there.
This whole process may be seen as a part of evolution of species. (BTW, we see analogy in the way web is being developed.)
It is an organizing process going against the law of entropy, which is basically a process of disorganization.
Because of limited resources and interactions among various entities, we see the law of survival of the fittest applied in this process.
Let us call this innate/most fundamental organizing characteristics as Buddha nature.
Physical or verbal appearance may be a symptom of what is going on with this Buddha nature.
Let us also view that all living being feel happy (H-value) whenever his life is in line with expressing this Buddha nature, i.e., promoting self-organizing process.
So, spiritually, physically, mentally, or whatever ways, we may see this process as something fundamentally good for our life. (Thus, high H-value or negative entropy.)

Next, let us see the dynamic nature of growth of organization:

From small neuron links to individual's whole brain, we see such self-organizing process taking place.
The process may be called insight (or insight for growth).
There are elements of mechanical part and creative part to make such process to prevail. This is like having the standards and work on standards so that new insight can be brought into the picture as another level of standard for further growth to take place. Examples: DNA, playing with jig-saw puzzle, learning and growth process.
In other words, there is a cooperation of insight process and maintenance process to make any living being to sustain its life and/or to keep growing.
While such process may happen at various settings, a concern is finding a path to grow at most economical way, i.e., not overly consuming or wasting much life energy. Otherwise, the life suffers (hence, H-max. not accomplished).
To say it differently, local- or sub-optimization is to be avoided where possible and total optimization to be sought out.
For example, having too much emphasis only on either "mechanical" or "creative" does not work well unless the whole process is somehow well coordinated. Or, consuming too much now and not be prepared for the future does not work well either. (Here is an implication to the middle way.)
Certainly, cul de sac. situation is not desired but to be broken through for Buddha nature to express its potential. (Yet, again, there is trade-off to be made as to how much energy is to be directed for the potential break-through to take place.)
So, if we look at the organization, there are always this dynamic balance of harmony and growth played out - while what is useless is discarded.
When butterfly comes, there are flowers. In such a way of always finding new combination, which is creativity, more and more growth of organizations have been developed reflecting the dynamic state of internal and external situations.
So, in this universe, we see miraculous combination of events happening all over! (This is tied to Kegon, i.e., Avatamsaka or Gandavyuha.) (Certainly, there is a connection to business organization and its strategy formulation as well.)

Next, let us see how our mind plays its role in this communication/development process:

In human's capability to live prosperously, there is a unique skill to communicate each other with words and reason.
As these words were developed, or combined to express something new or complicated, a new universe of words, concept, and intellect are developed.
This faculty helps us to think before or after the event like conducting the computer simulation.
Not just playing with one's own experience to live better with this faculty, we also learned to use other people's experiences as well.
Having such capability, we can feel how others may feel. Or, at least, so we perceive or imagine as a part of such simulation process.
Everybody's experience is different but by communication, we start to see that we can identify with others in many situations.
When we are small, however, we did not have such a skill as such is the skill to be developed along with the development of our frontal lobe.
As baby's smile to mother may indicate, however, there is something more than verbal communication that bridges the gap and develop connection between child and parents. (For babies, the process is instantaneous as they have not developed the words and logic, yet.)
So, there is non-verbal/direct communication happening in such a case.
Also, as we get older, perhaps like falling in love, getting married with someone, or giving away inheritance for the next generations to come, we may realize such sense.
This is perhaps because it is a part of preservation instinct of species, programmed in our DNA as a nature's way.
Because of the nature of words we use, however, we may be deluded by wrong use of words. So, we need to bring out the mind connected to our deep experience to communicate - more like a mother to her baby if we were to express ourselves in a most direct manner - with spirituality as the base.
Is it possible to live our life based on spirituality? Antoine De Saint-Exupery's answer may be: "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye."
It is when one is in the state of oneness. Ultimately, it is heart to heart communication that counts. What else are there, anyway?

So, compassion may be like God's love - the ultimate love. There is the energy that everything is exposed to. It is one way, aiming for growth. Thus, it does not seek for return. It is absolute. Wisdom, then, is a form of resolution process responding to that energy, or a form of energy. Compassion drives our life, maintain things where necessary, and it heals wounds. Tears are like a sap from the broken tree branches. It is a communication from the heart. It is a symptom of what is happening inside which is a healing process. Then, baby's smile may be an expression of being with the flow of life, a flower in a tree.

There may be a limitation of thoughts or words. Yet, those who have had a spiritual experience or genuine human experiences may be able to communicate with each other whether it is the nature of sadness or experiences of love or compassion itself. As if experienced fishermen can communicate with each other with but a few words, we can communicate. And, because of such communication, there is eternal hope to continue our exploration, as we have witnessed the evolution process of species. So, let me simple ask, "Why not?" Why is it not worth to bet our whole life to have faith on such endeavor?

In fact, that is the passage we are on. It is the absolute fact. Nothing more; nothing less. But because of the fact that we are human, we can see us experiencing this. We see the game played, and tears will not dry up. Yet, because there are tears, we also have smile and vice versa. Experiencing the paradox of life as human as well as spiritual being, we move on with our life. We devote our life in our mission. We find happiness in this process. We perform our role as it is meant to be.

Let's face it, and live sincerely!

Meeting with Wilbro

Yesterday, Wilbro and I got together and went over several subjects. They are:

Review of recent activity of this club, pil-life-mgmt (PLM)
My white book, what it is all about, why, etc.
Review of Buddha's awakening to Hinayana to Mahayana movement and beyond (as I see it)
Kierkegaard, Daisetz
Taoism
Paying (effortless) attention to inattention
Research on cognition, neuro science, etc.

My reflection:

In my way of thinking and perhaps common to Buddhist view, spirituality, compassion and wisdom were seen as the core. Again, I feel like emphasizing to characterize "application/work" of the core process of spirituality, i.e., bind to unbind process --- not just the "pure" process of spirituality. Recent brief note on Kegon in this club, e.g., post on Organization and Growth, on how the world is representing spirituality in the eyes of awakened person (more or less?!) was brought up to also see the connection to the point 3) above. Perhaps, this is tied to envision the world where Bodhisattva's work is done and being done and for many of us to relate to that vision and the process.

I realize that my words are vague and need to be worked on to capture the spiritual essence if I were to do my job, i.e., white book. Yet, as supported by wilbro, the process of the work itself is meaningful. On the side note, we discussed on the subject of compassion again also in relation to Kierkegaard. It appeared that something clicked in wilbro when I mentioned that compassion is symbolized as "Big Sadness" in Japanese Kanji. Maybe, he may share the idea with us in this club sometime. (Otherwise, my understanding is that he tries not to "disturb" this club's activity - while I feel "constructive disturbance" or "sharing/learning/clarification process" is always welcome.)

Have a good day!

Kio