How am I Different
25/01/25 15:54 Filed in:
Self-Realization | Unborn MindFinal word: try this koan on for size: “You were never born: You will never die.”
If you agree with the words, you ignore the reality: you were born; you will die. If you disagree with the statement, you ignore all the Buddhas, the patriarchs, and other illuminated beings from time immemorial – as in yesteryear.
Also, you ignore your own birth right. To quote Plato/Socrates, “Have you forgotten to remember?
What I Do Differently – Meta-Spirituality
With the last article, Given the anything goes, lack of a moral centre, ruling the internet, I asked, “Who Do You Trust,” when it comes to finding an unaffected/genuine Spiritual Guide.
The next question I would ask: “You imply, what you offer is genuine, but what makes your spiritual practice different from the rest?”
Glad you/I asked!
Read Robert Frost’s poem, “The Road not Taken”
Zen Buddhist Masters from the not-so-distant pasts used different tools to spur others closer to enlightenment. Finding freedom from fear, encompassing peace, and a place where everything attains perfect harmony – Home at last! – The unalienable right of all humanity, if realized.
To reach toward self-realization, many teachers suggested to read the Buddhist sutras and/or Zen records. Some used to crack their rod on the ground shouting, “Know nothing!” Others struck pupils with a fan during personal interviews. Still others offer traditional practices: Yoga, various forms; The Tao, with Tai Chi and uphold the writings of Lao Tzu; Zen temples routine’s of chanting and sitting Zazen; First Nations vision quest to receive a gift of a spirit animal or other medicine.
The former examples, by no means, exhaust the many paths Humankind can take, if they choose to – my italics.
Know this: The moment of being set free, finding home occurs only when circumstances align to create the illuminating moment.
Example: Chiyono’s old bamboo bucket broke, spilling the water. Instantly, she was set free. Banzan, while walking thru a market, heard a conversation between a shopper and butcher. “Give me the best piece of meat you have.” The butcher answered, “Everything in my shop is the best.” At that moment Banzan became enlightened.
Then Hoshin (already enlightened) dictated this poem just before his death:
“I came from brilliancy
And return to brilliancy.
What is this?”
The poem was one line short of the customary four, so the disciple said: “Master, we are one line short.”
Hoshin, with the roar of a conquering lion, shouted “Kaa!” and was gone.
Reps, Paul; Senzaki, Nyogen. Zen Flesh, Zen Bones: A Collection of Zen and Pre-Zen Writings (p. 36). (Function). Kindle Edition.
Kaaa!
Now: What Do I Do Differently?
I suggest/tell/explain to you that all these paths are fine but, while pointing this out, illustrating to you, that you already encompass the unborn, illuminated. Buddha mind. It’s yours to attain now without the use of any other methodology/practice as in those mentioned above – if you choose to do so – But, as with anything, you must choose/want/need to no longer endure the suffering of your present existence.
Simple: You are enlightened, born with the unborn mind, already! All you must do is realize it for yourself – I can’t do it for you, but I can guide you on “The Road Not Taken,” The path chose me as much as I chose it.
The road/path took me Forty (40) years because I could not find, whether by arrogance or ignorance or just plain orneriness, an enlightened teacher. Let it not be your fate!
After self-realization was fortunate to meet a deeply woven, totally free Vietnamese nun, who gave me that extra nudge I needed. In Consequences: Life Skills Coaching Blog read Open Suco Letter.
Final word: try this koan on for size: “You were never born: You will never die.”
If you agree with the words, you ignore the reality: you were born; you will die. If you disagree with the statement, you ignore all the Buddhas, the patriarchs, and other illuminated beings from time immemorial – as in yesteryear.
Also, you ignore your own birth right. To quote Plato/Socrates, “Have you forgotten to remember?
Tags: unborn mind, slef-realization, spiritual, Meta-Siritual, Buddhism, Consequences
