Zafu Pad Confessions

[Ishin]

Yes. We all break precepts. But I question whether or not they're just pointers for morality. Or, actually I question whether they have anything at all to do with "morality". Aren't they really fundamental truths to be recognized as "dharma"? Or simply put, aren't the precepts our guides to the fundamental truth of cause and effect. If I do a thing, I'm setting into motion events seen and unseen? This has always been my understanding. They're more than just a code that I attempt to live my life by, they are daily reminders of the reality of cause and effect. If I get drunk, or kill, or lie, or steal, etc...I'm not "just" slipping, I'm creating consequences. For me it has to be seen this way, otherwise it's just something to believe. I need to know that causation is a reality whether we believe in it or not. And I'm pretty certain cause and effect has been proven, so I trust it as fact. Again, I'm not proclaiming this to be the way. This is just how I understand it. For whatever that might be worth.

I agree Daijo

Perhaps I need to rephrase my original post. My intent here was merely to illustrate that regular practice helps to balance the excitement that comes with things like "greed lust, anger" so that it becomes easier to not set your Karma boomerang flying.

Gassho
C

[Ongen]

Hi all!

You are not alone, Clark. I too can be a zinner, breaking the precepts. Anger, gossip, yup. Just go back and try again, learn, do my best.

Thank you for sharing. And, yes, I too have one particular fb friend who has the perfect life...go figure!! Perfect marriage, kids, home, career, geesh, some people have it way to easy (can you hear my sarcasm )

Gassho,
Joyo

I think I do have the perfect life, really. It's not all joy and happiness. I don't post the crap on FB usually because that might embarrass or hurt other people involved. I know the author of alamut.com who posts his entire private life on his blog with all consequences.

In reality, can your true life be expressed in words anyhow?

I am a zinner many times and each time I learn. I guess that's how it goes )

Gassho

Vincent

[Joyo]

Hi all!




I think I do have the perfect life, really. It's not all joy and happiness. I don't post the crap on FB usually because that might embarrass or hurt other people involved. I know the author of alamut.com who posts his entire private life on his blog with all consequences.

In reality, can your true life be expressed in words anyhow?

I am a zinner many times and each time I learn. I guess that's how it goes )

Gassho

Vincent

Very well said.

Gassho,
Joyo

[Heion]

It's always ironic whenever Zen becomes an ego thing for people. A lot of people are so focused on keeping a positive image that they leave out the things that make them human. I know in music, I try to do such.

I always thought of it as seeing life unedited. It is like a live performance: all of the mistakes are there and you can't redo it and edit them out. I remember the first time I heard one of my favorite musicians live I was surprised to here the mistakes. But, they are a part of the performance too.

Gassho

[Jika]

"Jean Cocteau used to say: what people criticice in you, cultivate it, it's you."

(a teacher translating a teacher quoting a teacher)

Heion, thank you very much, too. I'll take this into my practice, instrument and zen.

Gassho,
Danny