[Sixstrings]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('AgentR11', 'Z')en marks the path to purity of thought.

There is no thought more pure, more clear, than uncorrupted killing intent.

[AgentR11]

There is a difference between a path, and that which marks a path.

A very large difference.

[Sixstrings]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('AgentR11', 'T')here is a difference between a path, and that which marks a path.

A very large difference.

[AgentR11]

I should elaborate I suppose for forum conversation. Yes, I know what Zen is, its practice. The various branches of Buddhism, its intermingling with local beliefs as it spread from the Indian subcontinent through China and then trickling into Japan, the ultimate Quisinart(tm) of religious and spiritual practice.

But, as with all forms of meditative thought, Zen can be used as intended by its founding principles... or not. There is no question that using Zen to improve ones performance in less than peaceful pursuits is contrary to the tenants of Buddhism, at least if one were striving to achieve enlightenment. But that, itself, is a big if. To presume that all would share the same objective or put the practice to the same use is quite egotistical, no? Even in practicing countries, it would be quite the stretch to suggest that most are truly striving to reach enlightenment. Most seem to me to be mildly concerned enough to attempt to avoid having a karmic load sufficient to bury themselves under a mountain of refuse as a nematode in the next go round.

I also used the word "purity" with a little hesitation, as it associates in American English with a state of sexual virginity, as opposed to the notion of a thought without flaw, distraction, or corruption.

[AgentR11]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Sixstrings', 'Y')eah but, what's the sound of one hand clapping?

[careinke]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Sixstrings', '')$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('vision-master', 'T')PTB have been working on programing us to 'think negative thoughts' for a few decades now. Just look at this 4um - prime example, no?

[Sixstrings]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('AgentR11', 'B')ut, as with all forms of meditative thought, Zen can be used as intended by its founding principles... or not.

[Ibon]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('AgentR11', '
')But, as with all forms of meditative thought, Zen can be used as intended by its founding principles... or not. There is no question that using Zen to improve ones performance in less than peaceful pursuits is contrary to the tenants of Buddhism, at least if one were striving to achieve enlightenment. But that, itself, is a big if. To presume that all would share the same objective or put the practice to the same use is quite egotistical, no? Even in practicing countries, it would be quite the stretch to suggest that most are truly striving to reach enlightenment. Most seem to me to be mildly concerned enough to attempt to avoid having a karmic load sufficient to bury themselves under a mountain of refuse as a nematode in the next go round.

I also used the word "purity" with a little hesitation, as it associates in American English with a state of sexual virginity, as opposed to the notion of a thought without flaw, distraction, or corruption.

[AgentR11]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Sixstrings', 'A')nyhow, if you have something negative to say about mindfulness meditation, then why not be more specific?

[AgentR11]

Endorphin overdose inspired, Nightcored Metal warped followup on Diez Toros..

Find tracks
Sense bull
Wave
Sit
Chill
Desire Transcended
Home, Self, and Bull, discarded to history.
Water is cold.

** I think I forgot how much of an endorphin junky I was as a teen.

[vision-master]

Some Times

We all Worry

Like an Old Woman

Who Worries for Her Children

vm

[AgentR11]

Arrggg!!! I wrote "tenants" instead of "tenet"!!!

I am not collecting rent!

[AgentR11]

@Ibon and The Middle Way

I myself, am much less hopeful about the US coming to the middle way short of something truly horrific. For a detached observer, its clear enough that the TP and OWS are in a state of discontent because they feel that the country has harshly devieated off track, and created a system where the American dream which they were sold on, can now only be attained by the strongest performers and the most wealthy. Ok, thats a fair enough description, and sounds unifying, except it isn't. The OWS are convinced that their troubles derive from a massive divergence in the wealth of the top, from the wealth of the bottom, and the solution would be government action to reduce the gap. The TP folks are just as equally driven by the belief that the problems are a result of too much government action and interference, too much spending, too many taxes.

Not suprisingly, the two groups can be vaguely thought of as conservative and liberal.

Now, overlay our electoral system, 50%+1 takes all. The result, the TP strongly favors one party, while OWS strongly favors the other, and both are courted and groomed by the obvious politicians. The politicians ride the wave of the extremes, and then act in their own interest, because in the end, they are powerless to create oil and other energy out of thin air.

Thus, the TP/OWS can never approach the Middle Way, as they are both racing up their respective mountains of anger, with “enemies” clearly in sight, and malice planned at every turn for them. The longer this goes on, the less they can communicate, the more they simply identify friend and foe, OWS and TP.

So where do these two groups go if the ratchet of prosperity is drawn down further?

If the reigns become tight enough, they can either capitulate, or fight. However, I don't see much in either group to suggest that “we were wrong” could ever be an acceptable thought.

If it is said that enlightenment, self-attained, only comes at the price of years of suffering and hardship, then perhaps a country with so much wealth, and power, and luxury at its fingertips can only make that change when it pays the price in its own blood at its own hand. I pray that I'm wrong, because we are very skilled at spilling blood.

[Ibon]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('AgentR11', '
')Thus, the TP/OWS can never approach the Middle Way, as they are both racing up their respective mountains of anger, with “enemies” clearly in sight, and malice planned at every turn for them. The longer this goes on, the less they can communicate, the more they simply identify friend and foe, OWS and TP.

[AgentR11]

Here's a negative thought for ya...

At what point in the degeneration of society does one who is free in thought, fully right-minded, embrace a libertine expression of asceticism.

[Ibon]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('AgentR11', 'H')ere's a negative thought for ya...

At what point in the degeneration of society does one who is free in thought, fully right-minded, embrace a libertine expression of asceticism.

[AgentR11]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Ibon', 'H')ow does frugality as a status symbol manifest itself? Growing an Amish beard?
We are talking about the 99%, not the remaining elite who will continue to live a life of privilege.

[Roy]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'I')'m a little disturbed that I can not think of what the middle class answer to this question is...

[Newfie]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Roy', '
')Paid off cars that are more modest than the lowest paid employees at his job even if he is middle mgmt, small modest house, brings his lunch rather than going out every day like his peers, wears the same old clothes (not threadbare-classic styles) rather than buying the newest style every season, same old watch rather than the newest 20lb style, same old computer rather than the latest hottest Mactop, boring old phone rather than the latest iphone/droid.... in short: pragmatic and not so concerned with what others think of his possessions. Conspicuous consumption is not his bailiwick, he makes decent money but he's just trying to live frugally, save something for the future and live debt free.

[Ibon]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('AgentR11', '')$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Ibon', 'H')ow does frugality as a status symbol manifest itself?