We continue from "Think of not thinking" at the very bottom of page 41, stopping right before "no distinction should be made between the sharp and the dull."
First Assignment -
Can you give an example of a third sentence exemplifying "thinking-not-thinking," with the first sentence being an example of ordinary thinking, the second being the wholeness beyond analysis, categorization, division and judgements, and the third sentence (which you will provide) being an example of the two coming together as one, showing how 1 transforms into 3 when passing through the clarity of 2? I will help by giving you, so you do not need to, the first and second sentences already filled out (although the 2nd really might be an empty and open space beyond words).
DO NOT look at what others post before responding.
The third sentence should not be a meaningless non sequitor or Zenny "MU" of the like, but should make use of the following elements (cat, anger, then, caught, mouse, lunch), but with the meaning and grammar structure changed by having passed through 2:
Sentence 1 = The cat became angry, then caught a mouse for lunch. **
Sentence 2 = Clear, open, boundless, beyond all divisions, separation, friction and judgements.
Sentence 3 (1 + 2) =
Second Assignment -
Dogen references several old Koan stories in which ancient Teachers expressed the dropping away of divisions, or the coming together of the absolute (beyond divisions) and the relative (this world of divisions). Examples include a fist in which five finger come together as one hand, or a needle tossed into water which thus vanishes from sight, yet is still present. There is also the example of Manjusri announcing in grand words a Talk by the Buddha in which nothing is said.
Please choose some picture or shout or phrase that does the same in your heart. No need to explain why.
Gassho, J
STLah
** As to Assignment #1, I sure did pick a violent image there, didn't I?! Hmmm. I should remind folks that this is one reason we live by the Precepts, so that this practice does not turn us into heartless killers!
First Assignment -
Can you give an example of a third sentence exemplifying "thinking-not-thinking," with the first sentence being an example of ordinary thinking, the second being the wholeness beyond analysis, categorization, division and judgements, and the third sentence (which you will provide) being an example of the two coming together as one, showing how 1 transforms into 3 when passing through the clarity of 2? I will help by giving you, so you do not need to, the first and second sentences already filled out (although the 2nd really might be an empty and open space beyond words).
DO NOT look at what others post before responding.
The third sentence should not be a meaningless non sequitor or Zenny "MU" of the like, but should make use of the following elements (cat, anger, then, caught, mouse, lunch), but with the meaning and grammar structure changed by having passed through 2:
Sentence 1 = The cat became angry, then caught a mouse for lunch. **
Sentence 2 = Clear, open, boundless, beyond all divisions, separation, friction and judgements.
Sentence 3 (1 + 2) =
Second Assignment -
Dogen references several old Koan stories in which ancient Teachers expressed the dropping away of divisions, or the coming together of the absolute (beyond divisions) and the relative (this world of divisions). Examples include a fist in which five finger come together as one hand, or a needle tossed into water which thus vanishes from sight, yet is still present. There is also the example of Manjusri announcing in grand words a Talk by the Buddha in which nothing is said.
Please choose some picture or shout or phrase that does the same in your heart. No need to explain why.
Gassho, J
STLah
** As to Assignment #1, I sure did pick a violent image there, didn't I?! Hmmm. I should remind folks that this is one reason we live by the Precepts, so that this practice does not turn us into heartless killers!
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