Perfectly average at Zen

[Jakuden]

Yes, Zen teaches that we are all average, all below average in some ways (the reason my major league baseball career never really got going ... and stopped at Little League), all have our talents in some ways (by the way, Einstein was not the best husband and father, I hear ...

Albert Einstein: the great scientist who was a flawed human being

https://yourstory.com/2017/03/albert-einstein-flawed-human

... and Mozart ?? )

https://youtu.be/3pUX-v9jHGk

... but we are also all "perfectly just what we are" even if not "perfect." We are all shining jewels, warts and all. Just be sincere, and do your best ... even if you strike out in Little League.

Gassho, J

STLah

PS - For those who want a little bit more of Mozart's baudier lyrics amid some truly lovely compositions (with a pretty good philosophy and history lesson tossed in too) ...

https://youtu.be/bfqZM-7zWj4

Love that second video on so many levels! Thank you!

Gassho,
Jakuden
SatToday

[Jundo]

Speaking of scatology, Nishijima Roshi's first teacher, Kodo Sawaki, was known for his salty way of expressing things. I came across a version of a famous quote by him, right on point ...

The asshole doesn’t need to be ashamed of being the asshole. And there is no reason that the feet have to complain just because they’re only feet. The head isn’t the most important thing either, and the navel doesn’t need to be proud of himself just because he's at the center.
It’s strange though that people look at the president as an especially important person.
The nose can’t replace the eyes, and the mouth can’t replace the ears.
Everything has its own identity, which is unsurpassable in the whole universe.

Also ...

Each one of us has an identity that is unsurpassable in the whole universe. And while we have it, we complain about it. To practice the Buddha Way means to manifest your own identity, which is unsurpassable in the whole universe, within yourself.

Also ...

You can’t even trade a single fart with the next guy. Each and every one of us has to live out his own life. Who cares if you are better than me or not.

Gassho, J

STLah

[Tairin]

Speaking of scatology, Nishijima Roshi's first teacher, Kodo Sawaki, was known for his salty way of expressing things. I came across a version of a famous quote by him, right on point ...

Gassho, J

STLah

Tairin
Sat today and lah

[Onka]

Kodo Sawaki sounds like he would've been my kinda guy. I'm quite the fan of using language appropriate for your audience and am not particularly fond of so-called societal norms as they tend to be inclusive of the priveliged and less inclusive of the marginalised. I can mimic and act out a role so as to not make the privileged feel uncomfortable though... sometimes.
*winks*
Gassho
Onka
Sat today