Pinpoint precision attention = no thoughts

[The Sparrow]

Re: Pinpoint precision attention = no thoughts

...So I think Sparrow may need to continue his frantic search for stillness for a while yet, running in this direction and that, trying this path and that, before he can feel the truth of your words in his marrow, that the solution is right there in front of him...

Pretty much all the different faiths or paths believe theirs is the only one true solution

Sorry, I didn't mean to imply that our practice is the only true one. There are many paths up the same mountain! All practicioners prefer their path of course, but especially in the buddhist world, I believe many see the similarities between the different traditions.

/Pontus

No offence taken. Like I said, I'm a little touchy about the potential 'stink' of Zen.

All that "Here but not here" and "the path of no path" stuff.
Never mind when folks who don't even know me think they might know what's best for me. :shock:

Take care guys. Looks like you've really succeeded in making an online Zendo/group work. Very cool.

[ghop]

Re: Pinpoint precision attention = no thoughts

No offence taken. Like I said, I'm a little touchy about the potential 'stink' of Zen.

All that "Here but not here" and "the path of no path" stuff.
Never mind when folks who don't even know me think they might know what's best for me.

I agree with you. However, every "group," whether religious in nature or secular, seems to develop its own jargon over time. That just happens. It's how we communicate. But there is a truth that all that gibberish points too. Zen just has fun with it. You already seem to posses alot of good sense. You don't want anybody else's interpretation of truth for yourself. Might save you alot of pain. But it might cause some too. We don't have any such truth just for ourselves as we are all connected to each other. You end up where you started you from. I wish you all the best on your journey. What really matters is just how we treat each other. Not religious experiences. Every high has a low. Find your path. Make it your own. Then widen it so many people can travel it with you. Take care.

gassho
Greg

[Omoi Otoshi]

Re: Pinpoint precision attention = no thoughts

I know what you mean by the paradoxes, I found them very peculiar when I just started sitting. After a while though you begin to understand what they point at, so it's not just trying to sound mysterious (at least not in all cases). It's just that some experiences from meditation are very hard to describe with words. If you read what Sawaki Roshi says in my signature for example, it may seem like complete jiberish, but when you realize what it means it's very profound and vitally important.

And like I said we're all doing the running around in different directions, when in fact we could be just as content exactly where we are. Or just choosing one direction and follow it for a while to see what it's actually like. I have done it alot in the past and I'm still doing it. I have for example tried many different martial arts in an attempt to find the 'best one'. Now I know I could have been content with either one and made it into my own and that there is no best one. And it's the same with my jobs. Why was it so important to find the 'best' job? Many times we have no choice but to chase these ideas until we realize we're chasing a mirage. Try to tell a poor man that money is unimportant. Someone who has built a fortune and realized it didn't make him any happier will more easily understand what it means.

I would choose a practice that speaks to you and stick with it for a while, even when the first doubts appear.

Good luck in the future and welcome back if you decide to return!

/Pontus

[ghop]

Re: Pinpoint precision attention = no thoughts

Trying is certainly NOT shikantaza.

My mind is ALWAYS a mess.

Being fully aware of the mess, limitations, delusions is OFTEN my experience of shikantaza.

If nothing more is said on this subject, has this not said it all?

What sets this path apart? The fact that when you look for it, this path is no path at all.

IT IS LIFE. AS IT IS. THAT IS OUR PRACTICE.

Thank you for this, Taigu.

Now, in the words of someone we all know, "SHALL WE SIT WITH THAT?"

gassho
Greg

[Hoyu]

Re: Pinpoint precision attention = no thoughts

Thank you Pontus for the story of the monks! That was great.

Gassho,
John

[Omoi Otoshi]

Re: Pinpoint precision attention = no thoughts

You're welcome!
There's a book called Zen flesh, Zen bones that contains a hundred more if you are interested. They're both funny often quite profound. The book also contains the full Mumonkan collection of Koans, ten pictures of the taming of the ox (the stages on the path to enlightenment) and a collection of pre-Zen but Zen-like meditation techniques. It's a very charming little book!

/Pontus