BOOK OF EQUANIMITY - Case 29

[McGettigan]

Thanks Amelia. I had, but I just gave it a serious listen for the first time. And I can't help but read the lyrics like another koan.

Just remember that the goal
'Sfor us to capture all we want, anywhere,
Yea, yea, yea.
Don't surround yourself with yourself,
Move on back two squares,
Send an Instant Karma to me,
Initial it with loving care
Don't surround
Yourself.

I suppose surrounding yourself with yourself in the context could be wrapping yourself in thoughts and second guessing. And an "us," that's defined by goals and action, and a "you," that's defined in relation. Does strike me as a little relevant.

Gassho.
Mc.

[Amelia]

That's why I love that song.

[Shujin]

Nothing of value to add; I admit I was a bit lost in this case, and it bears more consideration on my part.

Gassho,
Shujin

[BrianW]

Shohei's manager example was excellent in helping me get a real feel for this koan in everyday life. These koans, of course are never answered, and perhaps we make peace with them for a short time, only to be knocked off in a different direction...anyway..that's my experience. In short, parenting comes to my mind as a perfect application of this koan, which we attempt to resolve again and again.

Gassho,
Jisen/BrianW

[Kokuu]

This koan (as so many) is pretty impenetrable for me without Shishin's commentary. I like the example of the middle manager, though. A teacher of mine was once asked what an enlightened person would look like and he said that they would act with such ease and lack of drama that no one would really pay them any attention. The same seemed to be true of her and is a good model for how to live, just doing what needs to be done without drama or expectation of reward.

As regards the seal, I was talking to Fugen about ordination at Sunday's tea party and observed that some people act differently after ordination as if they are trying to fit into the role. After a year or so they relax and are just themselves but it is expected to make a difference (and maybe does in a different way) so they act to reflect that. Jundo said recently that precepts are mostly taken when you are living that way anyway and it is an acknowledgement of that rather than a fundamental change. I imagine that ordination and the seal are similar.


Gassho
Andy

[Kaishin]

Thanks, Shohei. I think if you asked my staff what I do, they'd say "hmmm I'm not sure" lol. Even though I feel like I work tirelessly, I'm not a limelight kind of guy--don't advertise myself. So I can relate to the manager example, too.

And thank you Risho. I always love to read your posts--you always put such time and energy into them. Plus I work in IT as well so feel the Nerd Kinship
Gassho, Kaishin

[Risho]

Thank you Kaishin Nerds Rule. hahahhahah