Best Of

So I was checking out Sujato's forum at Sutta Central and listening to Thanissaro Bhikkhu's latest not-self series at the Sati Center, and ultimately, I agree somewhat with the claim that my views fall somewhere in the 'pure awareness mysticism' camp. I think I came to this from the collected teachings of various religions and the experience of many spiritual teachers, being swayed by the perennialist POV.

I would never say that the respective conceptions of each religious tradition are the same, but I would be so bold as to say their conceptions are reaching towards the same truth or ultimate reality. And I do think that each tradition has their own unique ideas that add to our understanding and hone our experience of this reality. And I think that's ok. And we can find whichever expression fits best for us. It's like the analogy of the finger and moon. Our religious traditions are like the finger, and the moon is truth. We shouldn't cling to the finger itself as the truth, but use it to point us towards it. Nevertheless, the finger is important, and each hand has its own. But the truth, like the moon, is ultimately the same, whether we say it's made of green cheese or mostly silicone and magnesium.

In this case, there are various ideas of what Buddhist awakening entails. Some stress the negative (ending of suffering, cessation of aggregates, the going out of the flames of passion and delight and craving), while others stress the positive (unestablished consciousness, bliss, peace, deathlessness). Some say we wlare just the aggregates, and when we realize nibbana, the aggregates cease without remainder and that's it, whatever 'we' are is gone and we basically experience nothing (much like what modern-day physicalists believe happens). But I think that there is an experience of something timeless or beyond time, but that even this isn't ultimately to be clung to as self. Self has no meaning at this point, although the perception of self can act as a final fetter or obstacle to the full realization on nibbana. We self (as a verb) as skillfully as possible until we get to a point where it is no longer needed and can be dropped, just as the proverbial raft. That's my take, anyway.

A voice said to me on waking up a few days ago “you love life”, and I realised it was true. That is why I love nature documentaries, why I feel good about rewilding projects, why I’m proud of nature reserves, why I’m sad about the decline of insects, why I love forests and mountaintops. In a way it means more to me than the spiritual journey, it’s why I don’t have kids or a wife, why I travel by public transport, it is the reason why I’ve lived the life I have. The heart of my life. Bit of a wow moment.

So I’m finished with Atisha and death. Maybe with the spiritual path as well.

@Jeroen In one form or another, spirituality seems to permeate every aspects of our lives ...Life. Living. & Genuine Love is a spiritual path....

Be well, be safe & be mindful @Jeroen 🙏🙏🙏

@federica We haz plan!

Atusha (bless you) updated:

1. All of us are alive
2. Your life span is unknowable
3. Life is here
4. Your life span is fixed
5. Existence has many causes
6. Your body is strong and vulnerable
7. Love life
8. Your material possessions can help you live
9. Your mind cannot help you when death comes

and now back to real life and dog recipes

Understand, everyone is born and eventually dies. But not everyone lives.
I leave you to consider what constitutes living.

Peace to all

@how We have green burials available here in BC so I'm surprised it's not available in Alaska.>

Actually, I believe it is. I can do anything I want on my own property, including having my carcass raked under the leaves. (No idea what the Homeowners' Association would make of that ) Apparently, there is a green cemetery scheduled to open in Anchorage next year, that'll be something to look into. I know of one makeshift infant grave (of ashes, I think) on state land, where we used to walk the dogs - no idea what it's legal status is, but I think it's there to stay.

Fact is, I have difficulty getting up much interest in my own disposal.