Newbie's topic: on compassion, insects and so on.

[Ishin]

Hello and welcome Idiel, I am always surprised how these "newbie questions" take on a life of their own and create some very interesting threads for us to share and ponder.

When I was was a little boy my friends and I would deliberately throw ants into spider webs. As this was for our entertainment, and not the natural course of events on their own terms; I would say this is a violation of the precept. I wouldn't do such a thing now, and would encourage my children not to do it either. I personally rather like Thich Nhat Hahn's take on the precept in positive terms .. Respect Life.

Danny, I think you raise an excellent point, but perhaps it is also more about the intent and creating the positive attitude when having to do such a task. Of course the insects cannot read the sign, but neither should we chop them up with gusto. As for me, I feel offering a little metta and gratitude ahead of time is probably not a bad idea. Not to be overly preachy here , but I do think the feeling we have about having to chop up bugs with a lawn mower might also make us consider how our current agricultural and landscaping practices might be a bit out of touch with our hearts. I have a lawn, but I do have profound respect for those who are pushing the conventions we have about needing these things. They are costly economically and environmentally.

Gassho

C/Ishin
Sat Today!

[Yugen]

Newbie's topic: on compassion, insects and so on.

I recall a story by an American who studied martial arts in Japan in the 1950s when it was still unusual for a westerner to be doing so on a serious and residential basis.

This individual had taken their position at the rear of the dojo in the students' ranks - as a new white belt he was in the back. The teacher was demonstrating a technique with the assistance of a senior student.

The dojo was stifling hot - the air was not moving and humid. Rivers of sweat ran down this mans face and neck. He remained motionless in seiza so as not to be disrespectful. A mosquito was buzzing around his head and ears. He tried to ignore it and struggled not to swat it away. After much annoyance, the mosquito landed on his exposed forearm. The man tried to surreptitiously swat it but succeeded only in startling everyone in the class (sort of like the proverbial fart in a closet). The mosquito fell to the mat, not dead, buzzing and trying to untangle itself.

The sensei quietly strode to the rear of the class, stood before the American and leaned over to gently pick up the insect - he placed it in his open palm and held it before the now worried student. The American expected a lecture on the imperative to respect life, no matter how insignificant.

The teacher brought his other hand down on the palm with a loud slap and said to the student: "Do it right the first time!"

Deep bows
Yugen


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[lorax]

Yugen, great teaching!

Gassho

SAT TODAY