Precepts and Perfections and Other Lowly Things

[Kaishin]

Re: Precepts and Perfections and Other Lowly Things

Great idea, Jodi, and thanks again, Saijun, for getting this going!

Gassho,
Matt

[Taigu]

Re: Precepts and Perfections and Other Lowly Things

yes Mike, i often bumped into people thinking that the middle way meant somewhere in betwwen, not too much this or that, a fine balance between opposites, a form of tuning etc. This is not what the Buddha originally meant, Katagiri roshi states somewhere that what is rendered in English by "right" as opposed to "wrong" is not a satisfactory translation of the original wording of Buddha that meant "one with". When you live, you are involved in an undivide activity of living, fully, utterly living. That's what I meant.

I am sick to the back teeth with morality in letters ( my heavy and bumpy catholic background with abuses and lies...). We study the precepts to understand what arises from the activity of shikantaza, not to follow rules and laws coming from above, nothing like Judaism and the Christian way ( And I am sure true Judaism or Christianity have little to do with the hypocritical moralistic preaching you will find almost everywhere). So if we happen to manifest generosity or compassion, or if we manifest a balanced state, it doesn't arise from the reading of texts but it is blossom of living practice.

That's why I like Rumi. Words of wisdom flow out of his bouncing heart and whirling dance.



gassho


Taigu

[Jiken]

Re: Precepts and Perfections and Other Lowly Things

Thank you for the clarification. Interesting when you say, "We study the precepts to understand what arises from the activity of shinkantaza". It felt like you poked me with a stick. Haha

[Geika]

Re: Precepts and Perfections and Other Lowly Things

Today, I was struggling with an idea. A nagging voice inside kept saying, "Let it be," whenever the question arose, but it wasn't Mother Mary.

I read something Taigu posted:

"sometimes things have to be explained
Sometimes things have to be silenced and kept unsaid"

I felt confirmation of a new understanding.

Thank you, Taigu
A bow for you
Gassho

/ Amelia

[Geika]

Re: Precepts and Perfections and Other Lowly Things

yes Mike, i often bumped into people thinking that the middle way meant somewhere in betwwen, not too much this or that, a fine balance between opposites, a form of tuning etc. This is not what the Buddha originally meant, Katagiri roshi states somewhere that what is rendered in English by "right" as opposed to "wrong" is not a satisfactory translation of the original wording of Buddha that meant "one with". When you live, you are involved in an undivide activity of living, fully, utterly living. That's what I meant.

I also needed "enlightening" on the subject.

Gassho.

/ Amelia