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Another question on goals..
I have some more small questions I'd like to ask...
a)...at this point in your life, what are your goals as far as your practice of Buddhism goes? (what do you wish to attain/achieve/accomplish...)
b)...what is the hardest challenge you are facing as far as (your practice/learning) of Buddhism goes?
c). Do You Meditate? Why? Which method (brief description only)
For me -
a. I just want to find freedom
b) I think I'm close to having a right understanding of much of reality. What I want to do is get rid of Ego, the illusion of I which I am still sadly trying to destroy...
c) I don't meditate formally but I try to contemplate, observe, and understand reality where possible...
a)...at this point in your life, what are your goals as far as your practice of Buddhism goes? (what do you wish to attain/achieve/accomplish...)
b)...what is the hardest challenge you are facing as far as (your practice/learning) of Buddhism goes?
c). Do You Meditate? Why? Which method (brief description only)
For me -
a. I just want to find freedom
b) I think I'm close to having a right understanding of much of reality. What I want to do is get rid of Ego, the illusion of I which I am still sadly trying to destroy...
c) I don't meditate formally but I try to contemplate, observe, and understand reality where possible...
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Comments
b) Ego.
iii) Yes. Awareness & Compassion meditation.
-bf
A.) I have no goals.
B.) Taking my own advice.
C.) Yes. My meditations vary depending on the situation. There are forty methods that were taught by the Buddha, and each has it's own value. Meditation to me is an active process, and an invaluable tool for one's practice.
Jason
To whom?
Good question.
a) I echo my friend, Elohim - no goals.
b) none - all practice is still practice (whether 'I' see it as 'good' or not)
c) Of course. Meditation is the core of my practice and my school's practice. Method: wall meditation / shikantaza
Challenge: Not to be arrogant and a bumbling fool
Meditation: Non-arrogant bumbling fool meditation
Oh look, I'm sorry I'm feeling a little silly today-sorry all.
b) Right speech is my biggest challenge at the moment.
c). Yes, zazen (or staring at a wall as my wife calls it!) for 20 mins a day
This reminds me of a programme i saw on UK TV many years ago....
It was about Zoroastrians...and there were three women members of this society/Congregation, discussing the main Credo of Zoroastrianism, which went:
"Think Good Thoughts, Say Good Words, Do Good Deeds." and the reporter, off-camera, asked which they thought was the most difficult to practise...
One lady immediately chimed in -
'Oh, Say Good Words... -' but she was instantly interrupted by another -
'Oh, No. It's Think Good Thoughts.'
And I would have to agree.
As Lama Surya Das says in one of his books
"It all starts in our head, with what we tell ourselves."
(to be honest, he was talking about the way we deceive ourselves, but this example is appropriate to this discourse, I think...)
So before you Articulate verbally, it has already taken root in your Consciousness....
(b) See (a) above.
(c) Metta Bhavana mornings, Mindfulness of Breathing evenings, lunchtimes - it varies, often not at all, depending on how far the events of the day have blown me off course.
Martin.
To tell you the truth, I personally don't fear death. I fear life. I wish I knew how to overcome that fear..
She is a devout, non-practicing, minimally versed in the scriptures Christian...
Anyway we were talking about Christian beliefs. She was stating that she believes in God and the Bible - but doesn't believe in demons. I was asking her how she could accept one part of biblical teaching yet reject other portions of it. For some reason, reading stories of fallen angels and demon possession (see Legion) doesn't impact her. She believes in God and that's about it.
But, as part of the discussion, we were talking about evil and fear. She was making a point that she doesn't beleive that evil or fear exists on it's own. The only reason it exists is because of humans. If there were no humans, there would be no fear.
It struck me as being somewhat logical because most of the evil and fearful things we dream up are dreamt up by our minds. Not to say that there isn't natural fear in nature - fear of predaters, etc.
But, fear is in our minds. What makes the water hose look like a snake? Why is one dark room okay and another not - they're both just dark rooms...
Hey I think that perhaps your GF is right...
Think of it this way, do you believe in Hungry Ghosts? etc.
Did Buddha say that we should test the theories and scriptures for ourselves and accept or deny according to what YOU discover?
perhaps this is the same thing....Just musing-don't know for sure..correct me if you like.
regards,
X
2) Loving-Kindness and Non-Attachment.
3) Loving-Kindness and Non-Attachment.
Your girlfriend forgot about animals and that fear is a natural and healthy response sometimes.
No she didn't - I think I put a statement in there about natural fear found in nature - like with predators and such
-bf
2. Right Speech, as my buddy Frizzer does
3. Yes, I meditate daily, 20-30 minutes depending on how my back can take it. I normally do mindfulness of breathing. Some might call it "zazen".
I honestly have no idea. I know that I have fears of various things - but I do also believe they are in my head. What is a fear of heights? I've been up high and nothing has happened, but it's the possibility of something happening which causes this fear in me.
As for hungry ghosts and such - Buddha may have taught them, but I haven't seen them AND I have enough things to work on at the moment without worrying about those kinds of things that are so far beyond me
-bf
Fear of heights is actually a fear of FALLING. Apparently, it's an inner ear imbalance. It doesn't happen when you're flying (in a plane:)).
None at all - but then I'm driving!:hair:
Damn, there goes that Right Speech again !!
Frizzer, that's kind of how I was going to respond to Brigid.
It's really not the heights.
It's the hitting and the smacking with the squishing and the breaking and the ouching.
-bf
Great minds think alike !!
Thank you for saying I have a great mind. I don't think I've ever had anyone say that to me before - especially my mental health support group.
-bf
The "What is fear?" question was in response to: "To tell you the truth, I personally don't fear death. I fear life. I wish I knew how to overcome that fear."
hey ever tried rockclimbing (I do indoor), I know about your current sito, but in the past? what a high! chemical-free!
regards,
Richard
Brigid
I can guarantee you, though after one time, YOU WILL LOVE IT!
It is the reason why you have a harness and ropes-they work!-not a great deal of people have died rockclimbing. ITS FUN.
(good advice at all times *wink wink*)
regards.
Richard
I lost a bit of confidence in my mate who was belaying me though as I slipped and he wasn't quite prepared to catch me because he was watching some girl's backside rather than what I was doing!! :eek:
I stick to bouldering now as there's no need for ropes and there's less distance to fall!
So glad that the swelling has gone down.
I want peace, and wish to take monastic vows. However, I have family responsibilities that preclude that in this lifetime.
b)...what is the hardest challenge you are facing as far as (your practice/learning) of Buddhism goes?
How to get a divorce from an abusive husband of 22 years...without causing HIM pain. How to put my own sorrows aside and ensure that others grow through this.
c). Do You Meditate? Why? Which method (brief description only)
I do not meditate. Wonder of wonders, out of the blue I have been given a teacher and practice that are good for me right now.
That would not stand in the way of you ordaining in the Zen tradition, where daily life and family are seen as part of the practice. Come to that, it wouldn't stop you ordaining in any Japanese tradition and some Korean ones.
Forget about others, attend to yourself in this regard. That wouldn't be selfish in this situation.
That will change. There is no realization without meditation.
Just my humble opinion that to find Buddhism one does not need to take monastic vows. But well.. its just my view.. and I am no expert...
I wish you luck.. Felt sad to hear about (abusive husband)..
Please do keep in touch.. may you find what you seek...