Lagadema14 (August 27, 2008 at 11:23 pm)

This certainly provides useful guidance! Many thanks for providing a further insight into the (seemingly) contradiction as alluded to below.

frisco1957 (August 27, 2008 at 4:51 pm)

When we are present globally, here and now, at our immediate environment with our senses and sensitivity, automatically,we have less tought and we calm down emotion. Then we can reproduce naturally this attitude in all activities: resolving mathematical problems, walking in the forest.for people who have difficulties, i suggest that to be aware of the breathing process may help.I think that the future of Zen is to open dialogue with other disciplines :chinese qi cong, western psychology.

Lagadema14 (August 27, 2008 at 7:50 am)

Thanks for your reply. Regarding the topic below, it seems to me that in Zen one is to instill spontaneous thought/action and the elevation from self. This seems different than actively pursuing mental (and physical) endeavours which rather correspond to e.g. established human practices and models. Whether a "total stillness of mind" (i.e. no thinking) is pursued by Zen is in my view a different question. Apologies for the confusion!

jambi880 (August 27, 2008 at 3:59 am)

Does Zen teach you not to use your mind!?

HiAdrian (August 26, 2008 at 10:06 pm)

Excellent point, it also does seem like a contradictory statement to me. It might be the adaptation of the "philosophy" for western export. I don't see how Zen and morality in its common meaning can be combined. The way i understand Zen, it's non-interference with oneself, no matter where your nature leads you. This however under the assumption a being not in conflict with itself can only develop a limited, even appropriate, level of aggression, perversion etc. unlike one in self-conflict.

Lagadema14 (August 25, 2008 at 8:39 am)

I have a question which I find difficult to answer: how can "the way of Zen" be at all reconciled with any form of mental (and perhaps also physical) endeavour? Zen centres in Western countries proclaim that, for instance, office work of any kind can be aligned with the way of Zen. Moreover, in past times, Zen (warrior) monks were actively engaged in directing the course of regional and domestic politics. This, however, requires mental stimulation which seems discouraged by Zen training!

CulturePeaceForever (August 23, 2008 at 2:44 am)

It's a good feeling when the mind feels as tranquil as the scenery in your video.Thank you for postingthis video!

telewin (August 20, 2008 at 9:30 pm)

so was i, it takes practice but you have to learn to let things go and "let the stream carry you". yust try to do everything whitout forcing it.

1000You2b0001 (August 20, 2008 at 2:59 pm)

Very nice introduction. Peace Love Truth & Justice are ONE! They all are independent yet they depend on each other for sustenance.

malmswax (August 12, 2008 at 8:18 am)

"Cutting off all thinking, forgetting all conditions while sitting here with nothing to do -- Yet spring comes, and grass grows all by itself."