I recently came across this quote which I think is a great description of the state of living not-I (perfect virtue):
"To practice virtue is to selflessly offer assistance to others, giving without limitation one's time, abilities, and possessions in service, whenever and wherever needed, without prejudice concerning the identity of those in need."
From Saying #4 of the Hua Hu Ching as interpreted by Brian Walker.
Easy to say, hard to practice!
e
Nov 29, 2008
Nov 20, 2008
Nov 16, 2008
Becoming not-I
The two most popular ways to achieve not-Iness are the Western way of giving yourself up to a higher power ("thy will, not mine"), leading to direct experience of not-I; and the Eastern way, which seeks direct experience of not-I directly. This is done by one-pointed concentration of the
mind, usually on one's breathing. This has the effect of emptying our mind (our I), leaving not-I. For monkey minds, it is sometimes useful to concentrate on a supposedly unanswerable question, such as the famous "what is the sound of one hand clapping." On the surface, no sound. Deeper, it is the sound of dark energy, not-I.
My question has been "who am I." Supposedly by looking inside at my I, I will find out that I am just an illusion caused by being a separate point of view. Break through the illusion and presto, not-I is there.
My biggest problem with all this is that I really don't want to become not-I. I like being I. I have a great life. I don't want it to change. So I half-heartedly ask myself the question, not really wanting to know the real answer.
But at the same time, there is a still desire to experience the truth. And sometimes, even a realization that I have an obligation to realize true Self; if not for me, than for others.
e
mind, usually on one's breathing. This has the effect of emptying our mind (our I), leaving not-I. For monkey minds, it is sometimes useful to concentrate on a supposedly unanswerable question, such as the famous "what is the sound of one hand clapping." On the surface, no sound. Deeper, it is the sound of dark energy, not-I.
My question has been "who am I." Supposedly by looking inside at my I, I will find out that I am just an illusion caused by being a separate point of view. Break through the illusion and presto, not-I is there.
My biggest problem with all this is that I really don't want to become not-I. I like being I. I have a great life. I don't want it to change. So I half-heartedly ask myself the question, not really wanting to know the real answer.
But at the same time, there is a still desire to experience the truth. And sometimes, even a realization that I have an obligation to realize true Self; if not for me, than for others.
e
Nov 14, 2008
Haiku God and the Economy
If we wanted to validate the theory of Haiku God, we would make an attempt to discover not-Iness. A necessary ingredient of becoming not-I is elimination of desire and serving others. Unfortunately, our economy is based on desire for things. If people get rid of desire, then consumption will tank, and with it the economy.
And what would most not-I's do? Probably return to the land, charity work and pursue basic survival. Of course food, clothing and shelter will still be necessary. But by themselves, they are not a recipe for a vibrant consumer economy.
But not to worry. If history is any indication, few people will achieve or even seek not-Iness. And so the desires of humans will continue unabated, and our economy will perk up again down the road.
e
And what would most not-I's do? Probably return to the land, charity work and pursue basic survival. Of course food, clothing and shelter will still be necessary. But by themselves, they are not a recipe for a vibrant consumer economy.
But not to worry. If history is any indication, few people will achieve or even seek not-Iness. And so the desires of humans will continue unabated, and our economy will perk up again down the road.
e
Nov 12, 2008
Nov 10, 2008
More Yin and Yang
Following is a contribution from Hotdzit, quoting Dr. Wayne Dyer:
"Look at the ocean. It's the most powerful force on the planet because it stays lower than the streams, which are necessarily and inescapably drawn to it. As the rivers flow downward to become one with it, the sea is able to be the great reservoir of all under heaven. This is what Lao-tzu refers to throughout the Tao Te Ching as the "great Mother" or the "feminine of the world". That female energy, or yin, is the true receptor of all; by remaining quiet and still, it ultimately overcomes male (yang) efforts to subjugate and conquer.
You can apply the wisdom of this verse in the business world or with anyone you encounter by updating the notion that towering above others in the yang approach of masculine domination is the way to get ahead. Instead, see the value of living as if you can win trust and friendship through a yin approach of feminine receptivity and stillness."
Sounds like sage advice to me - perhaps our country is heading in that direction.
e
"Look at the ocean. It's the most powerful force on the planet because it stays lower than the streams, which are necessarily and inescapably drawn to it. As the rivers flow downward to become one with it, the sea is able to be the great reservoir of all under heaven. This is what Lao-tzu refers to throughout the Tao Te Ching as the "great Mother" or the "feminine of the world". That female energy, or yin, is the true receptor of all; by remaining quiet and still, it ultimately overcomes male (yang) efforts to subjugate and conquer.
You can apply the wisdom of this verse in the business world or with anyone you encounter by updating the notion that towering above others in the yang approach of masculine domination is the way to get ahead. Instead, see the value of living as if you can win trust and friendship through a yin approach of feminine receptivity and stillness."
Sounds like sage advice to me - perhaps our country is heading in that direction.
e
Nov 5, 2008
And the winner is...
YIN!!!
(Explanation? see - http://haikugod.blogspot.com/2008/10/politics-from-points-of-view-of-haiku.html - it's 2 posts down)
After 8 years of extreme Yang, it will be interesting to see if the pendulum swings to the other extreme, or will a balance be found? I think (and hope) the latter.
e
(Explanation? see - http://haikugod.blogspot.com/2008/10/politics-from-points-of-view-of-haiku.html - it's 2 posts down)
After 8 years of extreme Yang, it will be interesting to see if the pendulum swings to the other extreme, or will a balance be found? I think (and hope) the latter.
e
Nov 2, 2008
All Saints Day
Saints. I haven't heard of any saints who had a big ego, a big I. In fact, all of them I know about were pretty much living in a state of not-I; serving others, sacrificing, living love. Sure doesn't sound like much fun.
I also find it interesting that all saints from all religions describe the same mystical moments which would indicate they are experiencing the same reality/truth (the unity of the Holy Spirit, Buddha nature, Tao, Haiku God... whatever you want to call it), this truth being ultimate love/compassion. After all, God is supposedly love - that's why it's sad to hear so much hate coming from some "Christians" during this campaign. And sad too the amount of divisiveness, the us versus them game, the arguments based on falsehoods and ignorance. But that's what America seems to be about.
To be a saint or not to be?
e
I also find it interesting that all saints from all religions describe the same mystical moments which would indicate they are experiencing the same reality/truth (the unity of the Holy Spirit, Buddha nature, Tao, Haiku God... whatever you want to call it), this truth being ultimate love/compassion. After all, God is supposedly love - that's why it's sad to hear so much hate coming from some "Christians" during this campaign. And sad too the amount of divisiveness, the us versus them game, the arguments based on falsehoods and ignorance. But that's what America seems to be about.
To be a saint or not to be?
e
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