Grass Hut - 2 - Living Lightly On The Land

**Josan** · 03-15-2015, 05:21 PM

Some years ago, I walked the Camino de Santiago with just a backpack containing very little in it. The first day or so I was still wrapped up in my work mind and was in a panic until I found an ATM machine

I soon came to realise that I needed very little for that journey and indeed realized that I needed very little for the bigger journey in this "bag of skin". Ten years later I still try to keep things simple but it does seem as if our consumerist/materialist society wants the opposite, and would like us to keep striving for more and more.

Gassho,
David

sattoday

**Shinzan** · 03-15-2015, 06:47 PM

Thanks, David. Speaking of the Camino, I'm leaving May 1 to hike that trail for 6 weeks. My love of long distance hiking is much about that simplicity, dropping off all but the essential of material goods, dropping off identity and past, and hitting the road to give and receive among strangers. To depend on the kindness of strangers. And to relinquish each passing moment. Pilgrimage has many qualities similar to hermitage: simplicity, directness, alterity, interdependence. The grass hut is something I carry in my heart, a sense of shelter within presence in a single moment. Encountering beauty and kindness in unexpected ways. Hotei with his satchel, staff, and gourd.
_/st\_ Shinzan

**Jishin** · 03-15-2015, 10:48 PM

Grass Hut - 2 - Living Lightly On The Land

Hi,

There is sadness in joy when needs are met.
There is joy in sadness when needs are met.
There is sadness in joy when needs are not met.
There is joy in sadness when needs are not met.
There are needs in a life of luxury and luxuries in a life of needs.
Whats a need? Whats a luxury?
There is joy in joy and sadness in sadness and needs in needs and luxuries in luxuries.
What does a monk need in order to be a king? A hut or a palace?
What does a king need in order to be a king? A hut or a palace?

If you open your mouth you are a dead on the spot. How do you answer?

Gassho, Jishin, _/st\_

**Myosha** · 03-16-2015, 01:11 AM

Originally posted by Jishin

Hi,

What does a monk need in order to be a king? A hut or a palace?
What does a king need in order to be a king? A hut or a palace?

If you open your mouth you are a dead on the spot. How do you answer?

Gassho, Jishin, _/st\_

* frames crotch and smiles *

Gassho
Myosha sat today

**Jishin** · 03-16-2015, 02:41 AM

Originally posted by Myosha

* frames crotch and smiles *

Gassho
Myosha sat today

Ears can see and eyes can hear.

Bang bang. Dead on the spot.

Gassho, Jishin, _/st\_

Tb · 03-16-2015, 05:00 PM

Hi.

First, if you recall, me and Jannica went on the caminotrail and stayed at the monastery at sobrado last year, and i ca really recommend it.

Second, walking is a very good practice as it lets you realize how much you really carry around and how much you actually need...

Originally posted by Jundo

- How much in your life do you really "need" and how much is just a luxury? Do we have an unfortunate tendency these days to describe unnecessary items as "needs", e.g., a fellow who says "I would just die without my Ipod and smartphone"?

Yes. I have in my life so far moved 17 times, and just like walking you realize how much you are carrying.
The last couple of times i have limited myself, and Filur, to 4 boxes of stuff, clothes etc each, and i myself had space to spare the last time.
We create the need of things, the cravings of things.
And the appearence of the iphone, internat, facebook asf haven't made it any easier.
There are more traps to fall into today, and they are different than they were before.
But that doesnt mean we can't practice, rather the contrary, the more traps the more opportunity for practice, as all of life is our temple and its all good practice.

Originally posted by Jundo

- I happen to have listened to a group of talks and films this week by experts on "happiness". They all had a common message pointing out that our priorities are all wrong. Once one has a certain income to allow shelter, food and a safe environment, money really does not lead to increased happiness over the long term (thus all the unhappy millionaires). A simple life, surrounded by friends and loved ones who care, and engaging in some activities which have personal meaning and are helping the world ... all that is much more the road to "happiness" than money in the bank ... So why do we have our priorities all mixed up??

Because, like the dead fish, we follow the stream rather than swim our own concious way.

Thank you for your practice.

Mtfbwy
Fugen

#Sat2day

**Daiyo** · 03-16-2015, 05:24 PM

Originally posted by Jundo

- How much in your life do you really "need" and how much is just a luxury? Do we have an unfortunate tendency these days to describe unnecessary items as "needs", e.g., a fellow who says "I would just die without my Ipod and smartphone"?

Honestly I could not say it right now. But zen practice has made me reconsider this many times. I have tons of unused papers, magazines, old CDs and DVDs. A lot of unused clothes and some old electrical appliances I do not want to litter. I don't seem to be capable of letting go, and am very lazy to start cleaning up, even when I live in a very small 3-room apartment.
I don't know where to start from and how to do it. I've started to cut down on a lot of things like brand clothes, and after some months of zen practice I no longer feel the need for that. But on the other hand, that creates a separation between me and others who do, like if secretly I felt I am better than them. It's dangerous, I know.

Regarding not-so-needed needs I would say that I feel a strong attachment to being somehow connected to the internet. Computer, smartphone, you name it.

Originally posted by Jundo

- I happen to have listened to a group of talks and films this week by experts on "happiness". They all had a common message pointing out that our priorities are all wrong. Once one has a certain income to allow shelter, food and a safe environment, money really does not lead to increased happiness over the long term (thus all the unhappy millionaires). A simple life, surrounded by friends and loved ones who care, and engaging in some activities which have personal meaning and are helping the world ... all that is much more the road to "happiness" than money in the bank ... So why do we have our priorities all mixed up??

I agree with Fugen about this. We have the tendency to follow the stream, and have been profusely bombed all of our life with advertising and the like creating needs where they doesn't exist. That's what many aspects of marketing are about. Don't you think?

Gassho, Daiyo

#SatToday

Tb · 03-16-2015, 05:57 PM

Hi.

I was reminded of this old article of mine today, maybe it can be helpful.

"throw away one thing every month"

Hi.

They are happy indeed who own nothing at all; Those with highest knowledge own nothing at all. See how people who own things are afflicted, Bound to others by their obligations.

- Udana 2.6

Some People have an interesting view of things.

They almost "accuse me" of not being interested in them, in that i have a saying "throw away one thing every month".
And funnily enough i met an old friend, who, the first thing she commented on was me saying this to her a long time ago.
Well, i did say that, but she completely missed the point, instead of liberating herself from things, she clinged even more to hem, even my saying so.

In my perspective, things are just as they are.
Nothing more, nothing less. Just as they are.

From my perspective i am not interested in them and in the same time i am.
They are there and i am conscious of them, but nothing more.
I do not cling to them and go hunting for more.
Sure, i use my computer to write this down, but what would i be with my computer?

Just as i am.

People of this day and age are more and more conscious of things.
Whether it is in the collecting or the abstinence of things, they are more conscious of them.
But my view is somewhat different, instead of clinging to them, just see them as they are.
Now, you might think that i, in view of my saying "throw away one thing every month", is also clinging to things.
And in a matter i am, but only so that you can experience for yourself, the thing about not clinging to things. So i say "throw away one thing every month", but what does it mean?

Mtfbwy

Fugen

"throw away one thing every month"

http://fugenblog.blogspot.se/2009/09/throw-away-one-thing-every-month.html

Hi. They are happy indeed who own nothing at all; Those with highest knowledge own nothing at all. See how people who own things are afflict...

Mtfbwy
Fugen

#sat2day

**orangedice** · 03-17-2015, 01:50 AM

Originally posted by Jundo

- How much in your life do you really "need" and how much is just a luxury? Do we have an unfortunate tendency these days to describe unnecessary items as "needs", e.g., a fellow who says "I would just die without my Ipod and smartphone"?

This is something I struggle with almost daily. I mentioned before on the forums... I think... that I've been interested in living a more minimalist lifestyle, but then I look at my 3 bookshelves and say to myself, "oh no, I could never get rid of these!" I know, logically, that yes, they are just material things, but I'm attached to them emotionally and mentally. Many of them got me through rough times. But out of all of the bookshelves, I would probably grab 3 books if I had to live on a deserted island. Okay, maybe 5. Wellll if I could, I'd take a few more... SEE MY ATTACHMENT??

As long as I have shelter, food, and water, that's really all I need. (And the money to pay for it.) But even those 3 necessary things can be stripped down. I live in a house with 3 roommates, but I could move to a smaller place with less amenities, but do I want to give up my side yard with my small but growing food garden? Do I want to give up the music room where we practice?

And I need a computer and Internet connection for my freelancing business... though I guess I don't even really need that, if I wanted to use the library, maybe, or choose another field.

- I happen to have listened to a group of talks and films this week by experts on "happiness". They all had a common message pointing out that our priorities are all wrong. Once one has a certain income to allow shelter, food and a safe environment, money really does not lead to increased happiness over the long term (thus all the unhappy millionaires). A simple life, surrounded by friends and loved ones who care, and engaging in some activities which have personal meaning and are helping the world ... all that is much more the road to "happiness" than money in the bank ... So why do we have our priorities all mixed up??

Right now, I don't even have the luxury of not worrying about money. My freelance writing career still doesn't make quite enough to support myself, which is why I have a part-time job as well. And right now, the worry makes me stressed and I'm not that happy.

But if I could be comfortable, live within my means... I'd love that. I'd love to not be stressed about if I could afford groceries, not be stressed about making my boyfriend/roommate pay for my food, help me with credit card payments, etc.

I wish I knew where to find this article. There was a survey that asked people who were dying or close to dying what their #1 regret was. It was working too much. And ever since I read that, it niggled at my mind, enough so that I finally quit my comfortable full-time job to become a freelancer. If I'm going to have to work hard, may as well work hard at something I like.

--

I feel a bit all over the place with this section. Mixed up, even. So I hope at least some part of what I wrote made sense. Time for another zazen session, maybe?

Gassho,

June
#SatToday

**Myosha** · 03-17-2015, 03:37 AM

Hello,

After moving to NYC always followed Dan Lauria (the dad from 'Wonder Years') dictum: live in one suitcase; that way you are everywhere.

Happiness is a pursuit (was it the Declaration of Independence?) Anyways, choosing to live in an "interesting" Manhattan neighborhood in the late 70's we were aware of the 'situation' (or paid).

Hired as Stage Manager for an Off-Broadway play written and produced by Dan Lauria that was due to open in the fall and waiting on the steps of the theatre Dan showed up with bleeding knuckles.

Edward: "What happened?"

Dan: "My roommate (who worked as a bartender on Amtrak) and I were buying pasta and sauce at the bodega on Broadway and 92nd; walking back to the Windemere (hotel the gang lived in) when these "porch-dicks" sitting in front of their SRO (single room occupancy apartment) made fun of (name withheld) and made her cry. I gave her the groceries and wine and said we'd meet at the apartment.

Returning to the SRO I asked the individuals (note: Dan talks like that; being a Marine Corps captain) to turn down their "boom-box" to talk. They said, "Why don't you go f¿€k your ugly sister?" So I grabbed the boom- box (for the kids: a boom -box is a self contained battery operated stereo system which weighed approximately fifteen pounds) and beat the loud-mouth until the boom-box was in pieces. Guess I scraped my hands. But, Edward, defending the reputation of my friend . . .

made me Happy."

Life as it is.

Gassho
Myosha sat today

**Kyotai** · 03-17-2015, 03:42 AM

Most things in my life that I use (the car, phone, running watch) are not things I require to be alive and managing. I think many people, myself included to a slightly lesser extent, get accustomed to the luxuries in life, and before long those things have become a starting point to happiness. We wouldn't dare simplify things, but getting a few new gadgets or trinkets would certainly make us so much happier, although in reality more stressed and cash strapped.

I don't know why we all have our priorities mixed up. I'm still trying to figure out why my own priorities are still mixed up at times.

Gassho, Kyotai
Sat today

**bcaruthers** · 03-17-2015, 03:59 AM

Back in February, I went on a canoe trip in the Everglades with a group called Outward Bound. Everything that we needed for 5 days was in our canoes. They taught us how to leave no trace behind while camping. It taught me a lot about how much we impact the environment. We took everything back out with us (including our poop). It was also very freeing to be away from all the electronic devices that we feel we must have to survive in this modern world. I think what I enjoyed the most was just being present in the here and now and looking up at the stars at night. I think that we have mixed up our needs with our wants. Many people think that the things we want are needed to live or to provide happiness. I admit that I am one of these people. I know that the only things I need to survive are food, water, shelter, and clothing, but I also feel that I need other material things to live as well.

Gassho,

Bryan
#SatToday

**Jishin** · 03-17-2015, 11:19 AM

Grass Hut - 2 - Living Lightly On The Land

Hi,

I think that some Zen folks are full of shit when attaching to the idea that simplifying life via reducing material possessions is the way to go. Take a doctor as an example.

A prospective medical school student arrives medical school with $100 in his pocket and student loans from his bachelors degree anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000 (essentially homeless). The bachelors degree is in biology and is completely worthless in the sense that if the prospective medical student stops his/her education at this level, he/she would have a very difficult time obtaining a job using this degree and will be saddled with substantial debt.

If lucky, the prospective medical student is accepted to medical school and the moment he/she sets foot into medical school, bang! Another $30-40K student loan is attached to their tab. Multiply that x 4 years of studies and you get $120K to $160K in student loans.

Upon graduation, the young doctor has to pick a specialty and will be a resident in training for several years where there is no possibly of paying the student loans at this time and interest countinues accumulating on the loans.

Hopefully, somewhere along the way the young doctor starts a family and upon finishing the training gets a job to start his professional career.

Now then, what is NEEDED and what is a LUXURY?

A doctor now NEEDS to live in a nice neighborhood, in a nice hose, drive a nice car, etc. etc.

Why?

You or your loved one has cancer or some other awful illness and you are looking for the best possible care that a doctor can provide. Who are you going to pick? Two doctors are equally competent except one arrives to work in a BMW and the other one arrives to work in a beat up car falling apart? Which one are you going to pick to take care of you or your loved one?

How about this twist: the doctor that arrives to work in a beat up car is a much better doctor than the one that arrives in a BMW but he/she can't get any patients because the items that he NEEDS to display to YOU showing that he is a good doctor he does not have and so this doctor is prevented from doing the most good to society with his trade.

Or this twist: although a doctor has a lot of wealth and would like to simplify his life, he really can't. The wife says that his shit is not really his shit. Its hers too. The kids say its not his shit. If he gives the stuff away, he will rot in a nursing home later on. The government says that if he does not pay his student loans back, they will take his license to practice medicine.

So, when some Zen folks tout the merits of simplifying life and living on water, bread and a hut, I say that's a bunch bull shit. There ain't no living lightly on the land for some. WAKE UP!

Gassho, Jishin, _/st\_

**Kokuu** · 03-17-2015, 12:02 PM

Jishin

I was thinking along similar lines. It is fine for us to say that simplifying makes us happier and more free. Extending that to dictate to other people is something I find to be problematic. Sure, there are finite resources in the world and we should not use more than we need but I know that my lifestyle is ridiculously affluent compared to most other people on the planet, even if it might be marginally less luxurious than other westerners. Seriously, who among us doesn't have a laptop, smartphone, washing machine, electric heating and lighting? Most of us probably also have more dharma books than many medieval monasteries. How many have travelled by plane to go on holiday or to visit relatives?

So, yes, let's live simply if we want but occupying some kind of moral high ground and talking about the priorities of others seems a bit off the mark.

Gassho
Kokuu
#sattoday

Grass Hut - 2 - Living Lightly On The Land

Grass Hut - 2 - Living Lightly On The Land

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