A few questions about this practice

[Genshin]

Thanks Andy. I shall have to check out that Tassajara cookbook!

Gassho,
Matt (also a vegetarian)

[Patricia]

My mom's mantra is "Moderation in all things - including moderation." !

[Patricia]

I haven't read the other replies yet - I'm sure there are excellent ones already. But I felt compelled to respond. I've been involved in Buddhist practices that seemed to expand the sense of detachment you refer to here. Yet there is another perspective I've come to embrace - when I hold to my morals - I recognize that they arise from a multiplicity of experiences and imprints. They are not Reality. (Nice/not nice = duality) That does not mean I need to abandon my morals. But I need to recognize that they are not a fixed truth. Other truths may become evident to me. That has proven true (no pun intended) throughout my life. We live in a culture that values certainty, which contrasts so starkly with Zen. So it is honest to be confused about I and then not I. Getting it and not getting it. Wanting to and not wanting to. But they are just places on a spectrum. There is no "true" feeling to have. Meaning the feeling I have IS valid - if I need it to be so. Which will create movement. And then I will feel something else. Which is valid as long as I need it to be so. Etc. That is my understanding anyway - I hope it does not confuse.

[Patricia]

I love how the discussion evolves to diet! (I'm hungry ) I enjoy 101cookbooks.com for wonderful vegetarian and vegan recipes. Two great cookbooks from that blog author as well. Good night (that's my thread for tonight as you will see from my responses)

[Jundo]

I haven't read the other replies yet - I'm sure there are excellent ones already. But I felt compelled to respond. I've been involved in Buddhist practices that seemed to expand the sense of detachment you refer to here. Yet there is another perspective I've come to embrace - when I hold to my morals - I recognize that they arise from a multiplicity of experiences and imprints. They are not Reality. (Nice/not nice = duality) That does not mean I need to abandon my morals. But I need to recognize that they are not a fixed truth. Other truths may become evident to me. That has proven true (no pun intended) throughout my life. We live in a culture that values certainty, which contrasts so starkly with Zen. So it is honest to be confused about I and then not I. Getting it and not getting it. Wanting to and not wanting to. But they are just places on a spectrum. There is no "true" feeling to have. Meaning the feeling I have IS valid - if I need it to be so. Which will create movement. And then I will feel something else. Which is valid as long as I need it to be so. Etc. That is my understanding anyway - I hope it does not confuse.

Yes. Generally in the Zen Buddhist perspective, the Precepts are much like arrows pointing in what are likely "good" directions because leading to wholesome behavior which avoids harm, and is beneficial, to others and oneself (self and others ultimately "not two", by the way). Generally, we see the Precepts as wise guides and arrows pointing in the general direction of a harmless, healthy, mutually beneficial way of living, with the "details" left open and involving much tolerance and remolding and many gray areas.

Of course, some directions ... those marked by greed, anger and ignorance ... are most clearly harmful than others. Some paths very obviously lead right off a cliff. But for other paths, it is often a case-by-case situation, and a mixed bag. It is much like our discussion celibacy on another thread, each certainly the appropriate way for some people but not necessarily all people. Both including various perspectives and trade-offs. On the other hand, some sexual behavior ... violent, abusive, addictive ... is probably harmful, and thus "wrong", in any situation imaginable and for anyone.

And in our Mahayana Buddhist way, there is also another view of the Precepts beyond simple human "right and wrong", a view by which there is no separate self to do harm or be harmed, no harm possible. All these views are true at once.

This is something we all reflect on closely as we prepare for Jukai, our "Undertaking the Precepts" Ceremony, in our Sangha each year.

Gassho, Jundo

[Joyo]

I love how the discussion evolves to diet! (I'm hungry ) I enjoy 101cookbooks.com for wonderful vegetarian and vegan recipes. Two great cookbooks from that blog author as well. Good night (that's my thread for tonight as you will see from my responses)

Hey, thanks for the website, I am going to take a look at it. I try to eat vegan as much as I can, but i do find I need some dairy for fat or I just feel kind of hungry and sick all day. I ate completely vegan for one year, switched to vegetarian and I feel much better. And, sending you waves, you are from B.C., I'm from Saskatchewan, we're practically neighbours

[Wendy]

Just picked up a new cookbook today. Looks very promising "Betty Goes Vegan" by Annie & Dan Shannon.