Let's Be Real

[Illusory]

Wow, very interesting page.  I've never read any Zen philosophy before but have always been really big on open mindedness.  

Just wish I could make my girlfriend read and understand this page.  She's the type of person that would read it and say, "Hmm, weird." and walk away without a second thought.

I guess we can only work on ourselves and our own spiritualality (spelling).

I might have to look for more Zen related topics now that you've dipped me into that pool.  

Thanks for the interesting link!  [^]

[Mirador]

I checked out the link, and there's nothing Zen about it, and the advise is very straight forward. If you payed more attention to your own thoughts, feelings and needs, and communicated them! you don't have to loose time reading these stories.

[jilola]

It's zennish, if there is such a thing although the story gets distracted after a good beginning.
The advise, such as there is, is good though.
Life is simple, the purpose of life is simple and the way to fulfill that is simple. If only we stopped putting so much weight and importance on what things look like instead of what they really are.
And I realize I'm just echoing the article. I'll shut up.

2cents & L&L
jouni

[goingslow]

" I checked out the link, and there's nothing Zen about it, and the advise is very straight forward. If you payed more attention to your own thoughts, feelings and needs, and communicated them! you don't have to loose time reading these stories."

In other words if you close yourself off from learning things from other sources, you'll realize you know it all.

I used to focus only on what I know too.. till I decided I wanted to expand in intellect and not ego.

I've seen you diss an idea in every forum.  Are you here only to pat yourself on the back?  Or should I bow down to your superiour grasp of all these issues now?

[goingslow]

My real point is that its not a waste to read something just because you could figure it out yourself later.

Sometimes a person puts the same thing you experience in a way you better understand.  Or maybe a person actually has thought of something you havent.  Which I know is highly unlikely []

I dont get the purpose of calling something a waste just because you feel you already know everything they said.  

[Illusory]

Thanks a million for the additional links Timeless!

I'll add them to my favorites and check them out at work when I'm suppose to be working.  [8D]

<covers his mouth>  [:O]

Oops, did I say that??  [:O]

P.S. Don't let anyone tell you that something you like or enjoy is a waste of time!  

Best wishes! [^]

-Illusory

[Anonymous]

I find much spiritual value in Zen. Please, if you have more websites about Zen, I'd be interested. I bought a book on the Tao, which I plan to read after I study Zen. I've already read a couple pages, and I think I would benefit from reading about Zen first.

[James S]

That was a nice story Timeless, thank you. Worth thinking about no matter where you are spiritually.

Often times we frustrate ourselves by trying to shape things around us to suite our ideals. Unless every single person around us has exactly the same ideals, this would be an endless and struggle.

If my old ideals were possible, my first marriage would not have failed, as my ex wife and I would have been able to change each other into exactly the type of person we wanted each other to be.

NOT realistic!

James.

[James S]

Thank you timeless, that was a nice thing to say.

Ditto to your comments  - you clearly think carefully (or carefully think clearly) about your words, so I find it easy to understand your meanings.

You would probably find Jilola's thoughts similarly on par with yours. Often we have seen things from the same angle.

It would be interesting to compare notes sometime on our lives and upbringings, esp. spiritual. It may be we're now walking a similar path.

Warm wishes,
James.

[Nick]

Everyone,

Thank you timeless for sharing the nice website link. In reading over the posts I thought I would share the following title of a great little book on zen: Taking the Path of Zen by Robert Aitken.

Though it only runs about one hundred and forty pages or so, it is a great introduction to Zen. I have some background in Soto Zen and have read a lot in this area but always recommend this particular book if anyone expresses an interest.

Finally, I was touched by your comment on your spouse timeless b/c that seems to describe my wife. I'm the "philosopher" that you mentioned yet I learn so much from her.

Very best,

[James S]

Ditto Nick!

For all the psychcic talent my wife has - she's a telepath/empath, clairvoyant, she's had kundalini & OBE experiences during yoga sessions,  - she's not at all interested in the spiritual side of things, or pursuing her talents at all. Her feet are very firmly planted in the material world.
Yet every so often she will make some offhanded comment that just blows me away. Likewise I've learned a great deal from her.

James.

[timeless]

I came across this website in my voyages and loved it.  I thought I would share it with you.  If you are interested in Zen philosophy and the importance of open mindedness towards self you will probably like this.  

http://www.halcyon.com/arborhts/rt/02sep27.htm

Much Love,
timeless