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This statement is wrong.

Paradox is sometimes requires holding two apparently contrary views. For example that form is empty and emptiness is form.

In right concentration we learn to focus on a single idea. As we develop the concentration capacity we come across ideas that seem to contradict each other. The dual notion comes to mind that even though not enlightened, we are already awake. How can this be?

One way of exploring this potential of opposing or contrary views having equal veracity is by exploring ideas different to our own. As we all know all our ideas are right. [ahem] :3 Otherwise we would not have them right? ... mmm ...

Dukkha is certainty? There is only one true dharma?

ShoshinEarthninjaLionduckyagr

Comments

  • howhow Veteran Veteran
    edited October 2015

    The longer that any view is held onto, the greater the chance that the basis for that view, no longer applies.

    I wonder if intelligence is best manifested by the degree to which it lacks identity.

    It is interesting to note what asks us to hold onto any idea and what doesn't.

    Shoshinlobster
  • EarthninjaEarthninja Wanderer West Australia Veteran

    Great post lobster.

    A teacher once said to his student "Ok you are in this mess because you have this idea about how life should be?"

    "Then you get this other idea, that you need to get rid of the ego to fix the first problem"

    "Why not just get rid of both ideas... What are you left with?"

    I guess the only true statement we can make is "I AM" :) everything else is speculation. We all know we are alive. Other then that we don't actually know as much as we think we do. :)
    Even this is probably saying too much.
    Haha I guess we should all admit we are full of b.s. And all just laugh it off.

  • silversilver In the beginning there was nothing, and then it exploded. USA, Left coast. Veteran

    Laugh what off?

    Earthninja
  • Guess it has gotten a little thick on occasions.
    Shovels on aisle 3, picks on aisle 5, dodo bags on aisle 1...Watch your step.
    "Clean up in aisle 1!" ;)

    lobster
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator

    "Don't keep searching for the Truth; Just let go of your opinions".

    (Unknown, but most likely Seng-Ts'an).

    EarthninjaTelly03
  • DairyLamaDairyLama Veteran Veteran

    @lobster There is only one true dharma?

    Comparing and contrasting different approaches is a useful activity on a forum like this. But I think it's good to be as clear as possible about the differences as well as the similarities. Muddling everything up helps nobody.

    lobster
  • DairyLamaDairyLama Veteran Veteran
    edited October 2015

    @lobster said: The dual notion comes to mind that even though not enlightened, we are already awake. How can this be?

    Some of the time we're awake, some of the time we're dreaming. ;)

    Or is it just a dream within a dream? Or I am just a lost sock in the laundromat of oblivion? Oi dunno. Still, at least it's interesting.

  • howhow Veteran Veteran
    edited October 2015

    @lobster said: The dual notion comes to mind that even though not enlightened, we are already awake. How can this be?

    Is it about being awake or slumbering in a dream or is it that the dreamer of either is the illusion?

    lobster
  • @how said:

    Is it about being awake or slumbering in a dream or is it that the dreamer of either is the illusion?

    Indeed. B)

    The Being that 'holds' a paradox or onto 'states' is clinging to the being rather than being.

    However for those of us not being awake, asleep or just being, going beyond paradox should keep us amused for a while ... B)

    I like what @federica said. Clear thinking which allows us to comprehend paradox as it arises means not being caught in our opinions, or other peoples ...

    Truth or clarity dissolves opposition but maintains or comprehends truths expressed in paradox.

    how
  • A Muslim thinker, (I think Moorish, but not sure) said to question all beliefs, especially your own. By having clear thinking with an open mind, we avoid dogma and , a @libster said, "...allows us to comprehend paradox as it arises...not being caught in our opinions, or other peoples...".
    Clear thinking with an open mind is an expression of reason.
    Buddhism is reason, so it has been said and so I believe. When we use reason, we do not find ourselves in the "Red Button - Blue Button" paradigm...

    Well, that's my 0.01 cents worth for now. ;)

    Peace to all

    lobster
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator

    ....'libster'....? :scream:

    :bleep_bloop:

    Earthninjasilver
  • libster here ;)

    Paradox can agitate. Meditation practice for example koan in Zen or deity visualisation in Tantra does utilise paradox but that is specialised and guided. If practicing under our own volition, then a very reasonable, simple practice does not require paradox. Paradox arrival in a stilled and transparent mind is no more than another insight ...

  • Ahhhh! Cricket chirping - must find big a net. It's a little cricket. <3
    A paradox or seeming paradox can be used as a tool for training in certain circumstances, yes.

    @lobster said:
    libster here ;)

    . Paradox arrival in a stilled and transparent mind is no more than another insight ...

    How true, How true. <3

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