ANNOUNCEMENT: JUKAI / NEW BOOK FOR BOOK CLUB

[chicanobudista]

Re: ANNOUNCEMENT: JUKAI / NEW BOOK FOR BOOK CLUB

If I recall rightly the author outlines some quite eccentric opinions and views in this book. We're going into the realm of our relative moral values here I think.

Can you provide cite? :?: :|

[Voton]

Re: ANNOUNCEMENT: JUKAI / NEW BOOK FOR BOOK CLUB

was involved in a bit of a verbal scuffle in the Book Club before because I wasn't prepared to blindly swallow what some Zen teacher or other was peddling. It seemed like waffle to me, it still largely does.

Good for you! That makes the discussion a lot more interesting! I tend to be a bit iconoclastic sometimes myself; if we don't challenge our assumptions about everything, we're not practicing well, I think.

[chicanobudista]

Re: ANNOUNCEMENT: JUKAI / NEW BOOK FOR BOOK CLUB

No, I haven't got the book at the moment. Its on its way from the Amazonians.

I read some of it in a Zen centre I visited once. I'm sure we'll be discussing it all in the near future.

Thanks Harry. I just read parts of the book @ amazon.com where you can read some of the pgs. I was just curious about your comment reg. "eccentric opinions."

[Bansho]

Re: ANNOUNCEMENT: JUKAI / NEW BOOK FOR BOOK CLUB

Hi,

I've just ordered my copy as well. I haven't read anything by Robert Aitken as of yet, so I'm looking forward to it. I don't think that it's necessarily a bad thing if there are stances taken in the book which we disagree with, nor do I even think we should strive to come to a consensus on whatever those issues may be. Rather, I think it's more important for each of us to question our own personal thoughts, motivation, behavior in regards to those issues, and I think our Sangha offers a very fertile ground for discussions that will help each of us to do so.

Gassho
Ken

[Al]

Re: ANNOUNCEMENT: JUKAI / NEW BOOK FOR BOOK CLUB

Robert Aitken is one of my favorite Zen authors, and Mind of Clover is an amazing exploration of the precepts. I really look forward to re-reading this within the context of Jukai preparation. Can't wait to discuss with you all.

[roky]

Re: ANNOUNCEMENT: JUKAI / NEW BOOK FOR BOOK CLUB

for the financially handicapped, i assume you are aware of addall.com? -- they are a comparison book shopping service, usually used books -- always get my stuff from them, usually a great savings -- this book is under $11, delivered to my u.s. address

gassho, bob

[KellyRok]

Re: ANNOUNCEMENT: JUKAI / NEW BOOK FOR BOOK CLUB

Hello all,

I too have purchased the book and am looking forward to reading it with you all and preparing for Jukai. But first the greenhorn must research what Jukai is - oh, I have a lot to learn. :wink:

Bob, thanks for the info about addall.com. I've never heard of them, but will use them in the future.

Gassho,
Kelly

[Dosho]

Re: ANNOUNCEMENT: JUKAI / NEW BOOK FOR BOOK CLUB

I too consider myself an iconoclast in many ways since I don't like to swallow everything whole and accept everything I'm told, but that attitude developed largely because I used to do that quite frequently. For a time, if it was written in a book I assumed it was true.

I don't have a problem with writers who express their opinions on issues, but I assume the discussion here refers to an author who claims their view to be justified by Buddhist beliefs and therefore is somehow more valid than other opinions. I'd submit that those authors aren't very good Buddhists if they cling to such a narrow view of an issue and use their platform for dogmatic thinking. That's just the kind of thing I came to Buddhism to get away from!

I'm really looking forard to the book club/jukai discussions and hope to learn something from everyone!

Gassho,
Scott

[Jundo]

Re: ANNOUNCEMENT: JUKAI / NEW BOOK FOR BOOK CLUB

Hi,

In the Zen Buddhist perspective, the Precepts are not "Commandments from On High", but more arrows pointing to a life harmless and healthful to self and others (not two, by the way) and conducive to Buddhist Practice. They are flexible, with many gray areas subject to personal interpretation (though some seeming black & whites too ... almost no reason I could think to steal money from a bank just to buy a wide-screen tv, for example ... although food for the needy, ala Robin Hood, is less clear perhaps). Anyway, we will have time to get into all that later (please don't start that debate now :roll: ).

We will read opinions and views from a variety of writers, some who disagree on issues and interpretations of the Precepts very much.

We are now having such a discussion on the "Buddhist Hymm Sheet" thread, by the way.

Gassho, Jundo

[Alberto]

Re: ANNOUNCEMENT: JUKAI / NEW BOOK FOR BOOK CLUB

Anyway, we will have time to get into all that later (please don't start that debate now ).

mpmpmmhhjhjmmp... arrrghh, damn you, paramitas, particularly PATIENCE

[chicanobudista]

Re: ANNOUNCEMENT: JUKAI / NEW BOOK FOR BOOK CLUB

Ordered copy through B&N. Looking fwd to discussion and learning from all.

[Dosho]

Re: ANNOUNCEMENT: JUKAI / NEW BOOK FOR BOOK CLUB

Ordered from Amazon...looking forward to it!

[Jinho]

Re: ANNOUNCEMENT: JUKAI / NEW BOOK FOR BOOK CLUB

for the financially handicapped, i assume you are aware of addall.com? -- they are a comparison book shopping service, usually used books -- always get my stuff from them, usually a great savings -- this book is under $11, delivered to my u.s. address

gassho, bob

Hi, just a shopping note - I have always used abebooks.com and been very happy with both price and the international selection. Please note that other sites will list one or two books from abebooks.com but if you go to abe itself you find dozens. Anyway, I have ordered books from US, Britain and France and been very happy (sent to US address).

thanks,
rowan

[Gregor]

Re: ANNOUNCEMENT: JUKAI / NEW BOOK FOR BOOK CLUB

Well looks like I decided to make a much overdue visit just in the nick of time . . . . I'll look into finding the book.

[Voton]

Re: ANNOUNCEMENT: JUKAI / NEW BOOK FOR BOOK CLUB

If I recall rightly the author outlines some quite eccentric opinions and views in this book. We're going into the realm of our relative moral values here I think.

I read the book pretty recently, and I think I know what you mean. A couple of passages made me say, "...Huh?" But let's save it for the discussion...[drums fingers impatiently].
Addall.com...wow! Thanks! I wish I'd known about this sooner.