The Three Pillars of Zen
by Roshi Philip Kapleau
More Reflection, the Usual:
While speaking with my Zen Sensei last week, I spoke of the things I'd like to work on. After the second thing, Sensei stopped me and said that it sounded like I wanted to change myself. I agreed that this is more or less true. He asked why I'm trying to change myself instead of just allowing the "real me" awaken. That's when it hit me, working on myself is one thing, and it's good to a point. Beyond that point, it becomes counter-productive. As usual, I am spending too much time in my head!
My Next Incarnation:
Just to be clear here, I don't believe in literal reincarnation. I see it as a metaphorical "death and rebirth". Are you the same person you were 10 years ago? How about 20 years ago? You may have the same body and memories, but that was likely a different personality that was ruling your body. Possibly even a very different personality. As we do good or evil deeds, that changes us, and eventually we are eventually "reborn" as a better or more evil person.
I want my next incarnation to be much like my first. There are a lot of things about myself as a child that I have a lot of admiration for now, and have difficulty doing. That doesn't go for everything though, there are many things that I am much better with now, such as predicting the consequences of my actions.
My character used to be much more impulsive, and fun seeking. I still seek novelty, but I feel much more jaded at times, and sometimes forget to look for the fun in life. I used to be fearless. I didn't used to give a damn about what anyone else thought.
Perhaps its time to become reacquainted with that person.
Cheers,
CET
"Much of the suffering in the world comes from the illusion that we are separate from one another." - Gautama Buddha
- Mood:
giddy
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chris_cather- The Spiritual Atheist
Comments
As for being less impulsive and more jaded, I don't think there's much remedy for that. That's kind of a given with age. But one can always find joy and fun in life, whatever one's age.
I don't know if there's a remedy for being less impulsive and more jaded, but I'm going to act as though there is.
I have debated calling myself a Pantheist for believing that the earth is sacred and holy but spiritual Atheist feels right....oh well
There is a part of me that very much wants a spiritual practice, but the part of my brain that is in charge of rationality completely rebels against the idea of "magic", and with good reason.
So I had to come up with something else, and that is "spiritual atheism". My practice is one of esoteric psychology. I am learning and growing by utilizing the right side of my brain, which is extremely powerful, yet difficult to communicate with sometimes. That's where symbols, chanting, and meditation come in. As it turns out, there was already a system like this, and it's called Buddhism.
This has been a great process for me so far, and I would love to encourage the atheist community to not turn their backs on something that is part of us, and can give great benefit to us.
Thank you again for your comment; it gives me strength. I hope my journal can give you some as well.