why do you come to the forums?

[Joyo]

I'm just here to learn how to levitate and control peoples minds... we do learn that eventually, right?

I"m still working on that one too, Charles. Maybe in our next life that part comes lol!!!

Gassho,
Treena

[sittingzen]

Nowhere to come to, as we all are already "there". Alas, this road we all walk on is far more enjoyable in the company of friends, than alone

Gassho,

Lu

[MyoHo]

Charles,

YOU WORKING ON LEVITATION ALREADY????? WOW! Must be that Dark zen stuff? Still working on doing dishes the right way .
With hard work, a good solid 10 year plan and setting several ambitious goals for myself, I hope to get to your level someday? Make myself into a shiny, levitating, always right, out of this world Buddha that everybody is going to want to pay big bucks for to see! YEAH! What was that site for 10 dollar Inka on PDF again?

Gassho

E.

[Rich]

I go the forum to watch the lions and gladiators. 😉

Also I like to hear different perspectives and occasionally share my limited experience.

Kind regards. /\

[Shonin]

Well, for me, it's a many layered thing. There is of course the obvious conversations going on that are Zen related. Helps me shake myself out of the " I know what I'm talking about syndrome." Even if I never post a reply to a lot of them.It has really opened my eyes on many various subjects.
Another aspect is the social aspect. Seeing people post about things they are enduring and the happy moments too. I've met some folks that ended up being awesome people outside of the Sangha so to speak. I love the variety of people. Different walks of life, nationalities, behaviors ( I still miss Chet being around and we tend to check on each other via FB here and there). It's exciting to see such a varied group getting along ( even if there may be misunderstandings from time to time).
It also is just...peaceful to me. I enjoy the entirety of the forum. I enjoy the insights of our teachers here. It's beyond words how grateful I am for finding this special little spot.
Dave _/\_

[Mp]

I'm just here to learn how to levitate and control peoples minds... we do learn that eventually, right?

It is cool stuff Charles .... just make sure you get a wireless keyboard and mouse!

Gassho
Shingen

[Jinyo]

Well, for me, it's a many layered thing. There is of course the obvious conversations going on that are Zen related. Helps me shake myself out of the " I know what I'm talking about syndrome." Even if I never post a reply to a lot of them.It has really opened my eyes on many various subjects.
Another aspect is the social aspect. Seeing people post about things they are enduring and the happy moments too. I've met some folks that ended up being awesome people outside of the Sangha so to speak. I love the variety of people. Different walks of life, nationalities, behaviors ( I still miss Chet being around and we tend to check on each other via FB here and there). It's exciting to see such a varied group getting along ( even if there may be misunderstandings from time to time).
It also is just...peaceful to me. I enjoy the entirety of the forum. I enjoy the insights of our teachers here. It's beyond words how grateful I am for finding this special little spot.
Dave _/\_

I miss Chet's input as well. I reckon that's what makes this a sangha and not a discussion forum - after a while here you start to register people's personalities - to care about and learn from members.

And the fact that Jundo and Taigu tirelessly stay in touch and answer a question almost the moment it's asked (even if it's not always the answer we're expecting or want).

All told, we're pretty fortunate here

Gassho

Willow

[Homestead]

I'm here, quietly grazing on your words, to help sustain and inspire my practice so my practice may sustain and inspire my life and the lives of others. I am truly grateful for everyone's practice. Thank you.

Gassho

-H

[Heisoku]

I echo Myoku, this is our sangha space! Why wouldn't I want to come here?

In Cave of Tigers one of the exchanges mentioned this. Daido Loori spoke that there is no separation between you and Sangha and that if there is separation between 'you' and 'sangha' then there is the place of practice. I think I got that right!?
Gassho.

[Ishin]

I love all the beautiful input here.

And THAT is the reason I come and participate. I realized there was something missing in my own studies about Zen. Books don't interact with us. Books don't help answer the difficult questions, encourage us through example, or especially challenge our misunderstandings or shortcomings directly. Not to the extent that a real person can.

I was talking about this with my Ango practice partner. It is great to have a place to come to learn from so directly. I feel like I have absorbed much more from these forums than years of going once a week to a physical Sangha would have allowed me. In a sense, being here with all of you makes me feel like I AM in the monastery physically daily;no matter WHERE I am physically.

Gassho
C

[Joyo]

I love all the beautiful input here.

And THAT is the reason I come and participate. I realized there was something missing in my own studies about Zen. Books don't interact with us. Books don't help answer the difficult questions, encourage us through example, or especially challenge our misunderstandings or shortcomings directly. Not to the extent that a real person can.


Gassho
C

Clark, that is so well put. I too practiced with books only before finding Treeleaf. Although I am a huge, huge book worm, books still do not have the heart, the input like Treeleaf does.

Gassho,
Treena

[Heion]

I love the abundance of wisdom and compassion here. It is like finding answers that don't exist.

Gassho,
Alex