Proposal for Sangha Discussion: "SAT TODAY!" - Sitting Before Talking

[Dosho]

Just a note.... having sat with a few Theravadin and Zen groups, it does seem that Zen attracts more feisty independent minded people. That feistiness is maybe a good soil? But this is just going on personal observation.

I think there may be much truth to this as I agree that it is fertile soil. Nothing wrong with some debate and I think folks are just being honest with their first reactions. As long as it doesn't turn into personal attacks, I think it's just fine and healthy to vent a little.

Gassho,
Dosho

Sat today

[Nengyo]

Very little status I would say. I was not implying it was a badge.

I have tried to answer members' questions about my disagreement with this idea, but I will now cease all complaint and get on board with the trial!

Gassho,
Dosho

Sat today

I'm so very split on this. On one hand I'm completely anti-authoritarian and naturally rebellious. On the other, I do usually sit quietly for a period to think about how to best be rebellious. I'm caught in a viscous circle.

Sat today*

_/\_


* I sat in a very defiant manner

[Ishin]

Very little status I would say. I was not implying it was a badge.

I have tried to answer members' questions about my disagreement with this idea, but I will now cease all complaint and get on board with the trial!

Gassho,
Dosho

Sat today

I THINK what Dosho is implying ( and do correct me if I am wrong) is that posting that you sit versus that you do not sit, could be perceived/executed by some as a form of spiritual bragging. "I am more Buddhist than you because I sat today". Of course encouragement is good, but this could turn into a kind of subtle posturing situation. It probably will be just that for some.

Gassho
C
Sat Today! (just fyi)

[Myosha]

Hello,

Doing what Teacher says and throwing the rest away.


Gassho,
Myosha sat today

[Ansan]

I am still in that newbie classification, but I think this is a wonderful idea. I do have a question though, that might only be pertinent to our situation. My husband and I are building our own home from indigenous and recycled materials and the inside has no doors, just archways. When I get up in the mornings (I am usually the last one up) the household is awake and ready for the day. We have two large dogs (we call them our furkids) and it is time for breakfast for them. They eat only raw foods so we don't just put kibble in their bowls. The cat also begins to purr and mew as soon as she sees me. She wants her breakfast too. Sitting first thing in the morning is almost impossible with a fully awakened house and no doors. I wait until all go outside (except the cat...there are hawks out there waiting for breakfast too) including my husband who sits on the porch while I sit. I would like to participate but I would have to break the rules. The no-talking rule I can handle. How about morning hugs...do they count as "talking" before sitting?

Gassho,
Ka

[Jundo]

Hi Ka,

The talking is just around the forum here, not with your loved ones.

The sitting is any time within the last day, so plenty of opportunity to feed the dogs.

Gassho, J

[Heisoku]

I am worried that a misplaced h might be too much information
Gassho
Heisoku
Sat today

[Risho]

I am worried that a misplaced h might be too much information
Gassho
Heisoku
Sat today

hahhhahhahahahahahahah

Gassho,

Risho
sattoday

[Amelia]

I am feeling fine about this now. The point is that Jundo would like us to sit at least once every 24 hours. Having to type "sat today" is a physical reminder to check ourselves and do so. If it is a rule that we all must follow, how can anyone be set apart? It doesn't seem like bragging to me if I don't choose to perceive it that way or put my own fancy spin on it. I choose to perceive it as a way of making sure that we are reminding ourselves, as a Sangha, to sit.

Sat today, gassho

[Amelia]

I want to add that personally I won't be using it in my signature because I like having to type it out. Makes me examine my honesty and effort.

Sat today, gassho

[Dosho]

I THINK what Dosho is implying ( and do correct me if I am wrong) is that posting that you sit versus that you do not sit, could be perceived/executed by some as a form of spiritual bragging. "I am more Buddhist than you because I sat today". Of course encouragement is good, but this could turn into a kind of subtle posturing situation. It probably will be just that for some.

Clark,

The point of my message was that I was not implying that, but I suppose it's possible that could happen. We'll see how things go.

And if I may chime in about the signature line idea, shouldn't the point of this exercise be that you consciously note if you sat or not? As such, I would think it better to have to type it in each time rather than permanently in the signature line. I get that if you are posting you are essentially saying that you did sit, but I have to think some folks (myself included) would start to forget.

So, it's just a thought. I'll be typing it out each time I post so it doesn't become too automatic, but it may be different for others and that's okay!

Gassho,
Dosho

Sat today

[Ansan]

(I'm reminded of the story of the disciple and master climbing a mountain: the disciple gushes at each new sight - "Master, look, the wonderful flowers! Master, do you hear the birds singing! Master, the colour of the sky is beautiful!" and so on. The master walks in silence, but finally he mutters "Yes! But what a pity to say so!" )

Sat today, but what a pity to say so....

Gassho,
Nindo

Nindo, That is a lovely quote! It reminds me of my own inner voice that is often telling me "Isn't that a gorgeous sunset, moon, etc." I often speak back: "What a pity that you broke the mood. Please be quiet please" Thank you!!

[Ansan]

Hi Ka,

The talking is just around the forum here, not with your loved ones.

The sitting is any time within the last day, so plenty of opportunity to feed the dogs.

Gassho, J

Thank you, Jundo. Us newbies often do not know how to read. Question: Even though I do sit every day in the morning, I am now faced with a dilemma. Soon, I will be tutoring at the elementary schools where I will have to get up at 5:30 AM to be there on time. I am hardly awake at that hour. 8AM is normal for me. I don't feel quite right unless I sit and before the day starts officially. But I am afraid I will certainly fall asleep at the wrong time!!

[Joyo]

Well, I sat today. I was going to come on here and start reading and chatting first. However, I remembered the new plan. I sat first. Great reminder, I like this.

Gassho,
Joyo
sat today

[Jinyo]

Well, I sat today. I was going to come on here and start reading and chatting first. However, I remembered the new plan. I sat first. Great reminder, I like this.

Gassho,
Joyo
sat today

Me too Joyo - it's helping me to stay focused.

Gassho

Willow