I agree with you and also with Joan Tollifson who I also respect enormously “beautifully put”. Your posts always remind me of UG in many ways. Only you seem nicer lol.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Robert ... for these articles, and especially your books (which I am rereading over again & again). I have had my mind blown, eyes opened, heart broke and the rug pulled out from under me... and I am ever so grateful! Although, I must admit that it has been difficult coming to terms with some of it - I appreciate the clarity it has provided. As you say, "if not now, when?" I'm in my late sixties and I see how important it is for me to "snap out of it" & "awaken" to realty, before it's too late. Also, thanks to Joan Tollifson (another wonderful "teacher") who has a huge humble & courageous heart and has pointed her readers to you and others. Much Gratitude!
Nicely said Robert. Your writing hits home in a certain way. It seems 'wanting to know' and 'do' is a natural quality of the mind.
Recently the concept of beginner's mind has seemed to resonate in a certain way. To approach the moment and experience it's aliveness and uncertainty without obsessions of figuring anything out or fixing one-self is in itself a certain type of freedom.
Wanting to know things is entirely natural, as you say. However, the wise among us understand that we humans are limited in what we can know and can be at peace faced with unsolvable mysteries. The less wise cannot tolerate not knowing, so they fill in the blanks by just making shit up or having faith in shit that others have made up.
When it comes to knowing, epistemology is the name of the game.
Always timely....apposite because this is never not true.
The activity you suggest ("just sit, letting your thoughts go wherever they will, without trying to control anything" - in zen "shikantaza") is one that I have been spending at least 30 minutes a day doing for a decade or so, and it is my view that it is at least partially due to this that I see things in the way I currently do - with an attendant reduction in the underlying hum of anxiety that had been a feature of my life for many years.
I agree that we are a "flow of thoughts", a process, a series of events linked to a body and a mind....whatever other meanings we ascribe to as individuals...
Oof, so well said.
This is so very helpful to be reminded of from time to time - like every moment.
That was very clearly explained. Thanks for taking the time.
Thank you Robert. 💚
Well that was a good read!
Beautifully put. ❤️
I agree with you and also with Joan Tollifson who I also respect enormously “beautifully put”. Your posts always remind me of UG in many ways. Only you seem nicer lol.
Thank you Robert
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Robert ... for these articles, and especially your books (which I am rereading over again & again). I have had my mind blown, eyes opened, heart broke and the rug pulled out from under me... and I am ever so grateful! Although, I must admit that it has been difficult coming to terms with some of it - I appreciate the clarity it has provided. As you say, "if not now, when?" I'm in my late sixties and I see how important it is for me to "snap out of it" & "awaken" to realty, before it's too late. Also, thanks to Joan Tollifson (another wonderful "teacher") who has a huge humble & courageous heart and has pointed her readers to you and others. Much Gratitude!
You are most welcome, Debby. Thank you for telling me that.
I love Joan. She and I have lovely conversations.
Walk on.
Nicely said Robert. Your writing hits home in a certain way. It seems 'wanting to know' and 'do' is a natural quality of the mind.
Recently the concept of beginner's mind has seemed to resonate in a certain way. To approach the moment and experience it's aliveness and uncertainty without obsessions of figuring anything out or fixing one-self is in itself a certain type of freedom.
Thank you, Steve.
Wanting to know things is entirely natural, as you say. However, the wise among us understand that we humans are limited in what we can know and can be at peace faced with unsolvable mysteries. The less wise cannot tolerate not knowing, so they fill in the blanks by just making shit up or having faith in shit that others have made up.
When it comes to knowing, epistemology is the name of the game.
Always timely....apposite because this is never not true.
The activity you suggest ("just sit, letting your thoughts go wherever they will, without trying to control anything" - in zen "shikantaza") is one that I have been spending at least 30 minutes a day doing for a decade or so, and it is my view that it is at least partially due to this that I see things in the way I currently do - with an attendant reduction in the underlying hum of anxiety that had been a feature of my life for many years.
I agree that we are a "flow of thoughts", a process, a series of events linked to a body and a mind....whatever other meanings we ascribe to as individuals...
Thanks again.