A question that has been irreconcilable for years....

[Tiwala]

Yes I agree that we should be careful. When we experiment, I think we should be very vigilant of possible sources of errors - as a scientist who discovers something new. Research, study, experiment etc. I mean, imagine the type of vigilance they had when they 'discovered' neutrinos travelling faster than the speed of light. They didn't run out of the room declaring that Einstein was wrong - they announced their results, had others test it etc. It's a very long process and not at all like going for fast food.

And about hardships, difficulties etc, there's a Chinese saying, "Good medicine is bitter to the taste". Bitter experiences are also experiences.

I guess a word of caution and a pinch of salt is needed whenever experimenting, especially in our modern world today.

Thank you, Jundo

[dharmasponge]

Thanks all for your comments to date. I guess it's not so much the immersion into another culture - that's fine I think it might help as has been suggested. After all a lot of writings will have been inextricably influenced by cultural and environmental stuff which when taken on board can help I am sure...walk a mile in someone else's shoes etc...

It's the pull to these that I feel is an hindrance to me. I can see the attributes in many different practices but they come with a package. Which again is fine, but when these influences are for all intents and purposes irresistible it can be a real pain in the arse!

I know the default answer to this is "pick a path and stick to it" (Blavatsky?)....it's just not as easy as that otherwise I'd have knuckled down ages ago and walled myself in.

To be honest it's become like a Koan....haha!

There is something in this that once I crack it open it will answer many questions, or it will do something.

Maybe it's the emptiness of Buddhism?

I Don't Know!

Look I've come over all Korean and Hwadu now....Kimchi for lunch....doh!






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[MyoHo]

Hi,

Maybe a good question to ask also is why blending flavors? What is it you search? Search "it"!
One path another path, where did the mountain go?
Just a thought

Gassho

E.

[Risho]

Zen or Buddhism is not a matter of place, food, music, clothing or the like. Don't confuse local wrappings with the Heart of the Matter. To feel so is kind of a hang-up in one's mind, nothing more.

One does not need to eat Tofu, watch Kurosawa movies and sit on a Tatami Mat to practice Zen from a Japanese Tradition.

There are many good Paths, suited to different feet. Find the one suited to you, and STICK WITH SO.

One can still Practice Japanese Zen while eating Italian Ravioli and dancing Cuban Salsa.

Gassho, Jundo

Well you said it; I'll be holding you to this for a future sit-a-long... especially the salsa dancing. hahahahahahah

Gassho,

Risho

[RichardH]

What I have found over the years is that my practice has a taste.

One time Taigu described practice as just being a cow chewing grass. Just chew the grass until the grass becomes the cow, and the cow becomes the grass. For me that speaks to the taste of practice.

gassho Daizan

[Ishin]

Banana ketchup. Where do you get all these props?!!
Gassho
C