Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Finger pointing at the moon - full disclosure

Pointing to the Moon
The nun Wu Jincang asked the Sixth Patriach Huineng, “I have studied the Mahaparinirvana sutra for many years, yet there are many areas i do not quite understand. Please enlighten me.”
The patriach responded, “I am illiterate. Please read out the characters to me and perhaps I will be able to explain the meaning.”
Said the nun, “You cannot even recognize the characters. How are you able then to understand the meaning?”
“Truth has nothing to do with words. Truth can be likened to the bright moon in the sky. Words, in this case, can be likened to a finger. The finger can point to the moon’s location. However, the finger is not the moon. To look at the moon, it is necessary to gaze beyond the finger, right?”
Hotei's Finger Pointing at the Moon
Hotei pointing with the finger to the moon
The finger pointing to the moon is not the moon is the essence here.
But what does this mean on a deeper level? How does it relate to todays everyday life? How can we understand the meaning in an useful manner?
 

The laughing Buddha Hotei is pointing to the moon, who was a monk who lived during the Later Liang Dynasty (907–923 AD) of China. Contentment and happiness being his defining attributes, Hotei has a cheerful face and a big belly.
I like this image of the Buddha better, Ron -

Analyzing the pointer is pointless

… said Eckhart Tolle, yet we tend to analyze the pointers without noticing it. If we are discussing about whether something is good for us or not or especially if we come to a philosophical debate, we are discussing the validity of models and concepts. We can also go out and experience something directly.
It’s the same with spirituality.
Spirituality is all about experiencing and the truth itself. So this post here is of course a finger pointing. The words are only pointing. So as long as we are pointing and discussing about the different pointers, we are not experiencing. The experience of something is the connection with something, the feeling one with something, without labeling.
What happens in philosophy and in religion again and again is the intense discussion about the pointers. How can it be that there is a discussion about one thing that is true? It is one thing right? It can only be because we represent something differently, which are different pointers. Then it is easy to discuss and disagree about them.

The map is not the territory

The map is not the territory is just another way to point to the same thing. The map is the concept of what we have in the mind about something. It’s a belief, an image or a thought-pattern. We use this map in the same way as we use a city-map to find a location. If the map is correct, we will find our location. If it is slightly incorrect, we have to correct it by new knowledge, optimize it. If it is completely incorrect or we move to another city, we have to replace the map altogether. What is happening is that we changed the map. And this is happening all the time.
Another map is the self-image or we may call it the ego. It is everything we saved about ourselves. It is the map of ourselves and we act from it. We want to improve our self-image and we use our intellectual abilities to do so: we get our desires and we set goals and work towards them. The map called the ego is a very useful map that we constantly create ourselves. But here is the important thing: it is still a map.

It’s nice to have a map, as long as you know it’s a map

Which means:
1. The map can change : which means our self-concept (the ego, who we think we are) can change and this is the basis of personal development. This changing map includes our thoughts, beliefs and actions: the whole world-view and the self-image.
2. The map is not the territory : I am not the ego, my self-image. You are not your self-image, or in other words: You and I are not who we think we are; think in the literally sense of the word: thoughts (and all other concepts) are the map, not the territory.
The important step to Spiritual Awakening is dropping the map and experiencing what is without the map.
But, (for me at least) this means not to remove the map for all time. I need the map to function in the world and to relate to everything. So I create maps and use maps in a very intense way, in the best way possible. But there is one difference: I dis-identified the map from the territory. So I know that my self-image is my self-image but not the self.
Ken Wilber called the process “Transcend and include”. Or as Genpo Roshi put it: the reason we are able to transcent the ego but still use it as a human being is that we know the Being side of the Human Being as well as the Human Side: check my posting about Personal Power vs. The Power of Now for more.
This is a Zen story I found on the website Pointing To The Moon :
“When Zen Master Nan-chuan saw his student Ma-tsu diligently practicing meditation hour after hour, he sensed a certain effort and ambition in the young monk’s demeanor, so he sneaked up behind him and asked, “What are you doing?” “I’m trying to become a Buddha,” Ma-tsu replied proudly. Nan-chuan then picked up a stone and began rubbing it against a spare tile from the monastery floor. Hearing the sound, Ma-tsu asked, “What are you doing?” Said Nan-chuan: “I’m trying to make a mirror.” Ma-tsu had an awakening.
And it goes on:
Everything is just as it is! Ma-tsu is Ma-tsu, the tile is the tile, and you are you, just as you are. There’s no Buddha apart from this fundamental truth, and any attempt to achieve some special state of mind just leads you away from who and what you already are. In the direct approach to truth …, the direct recognition of your true nature is available in every instant, on or off the cushion, whether you meditate or not. You merely need to “take the backward step that turns your light inward to illuminate the Self,” as Dogen Zenji said.” – Stephan Bodian
Just a second, signing you up...

Gratitude for Every Day

GRATITUDE

Make each day your home. Greet it as you would greet an old friend, come for tea. It won’t last long, and that’s why it’s so precious, sacred even. 

See its astonishing colours, feel its wild feelings. Let its joys move you to tears, be floored by its sadnesses. Feel the vibrant life surging through every pore of this day of all days.

And at its end, lay your head on its pillow, sink into its vastness, tumble into its bottomlessness. Will another day come? And does it matter, when this day has been so full? Be willing to be blind to all your tomorrows.

A day, fully lived, will always be more than enough. 

Gratitude is the key, and the lock was never made.

~ Jeff Foster
GRATITUDE
Make each day your home. Greet it as you would greet an old friend, come for tea. It won’t last long, and that’s why it’s so precious, sacred even.
See its astonishing colours, feel its wild feelings. Let its joys move you to tears, be floored by its sadnesses. Feel the vibrant life surging through every pore of this day of all days.
And at its end, lay your head on its pillow, sink into its vastness, tumble into its bottomlessness. Will another day come? And does it matter, when this day has been so full? Be willing to be blind to all your tomorrows.
A day, fully lived, will always be more than enough.
Gratitude is the key, and the lock was never made.
~ Jeff Foster

In the flow of don't know

Like: "in the flow of the don't know" by Bunni! Thanks again Susan!

Most Beautiful Snake (non-poisonous)

The beautiful California Red Sided Garter Snake. 

As it's name suggests, this gorgeous creature is found in California. They're not dangerous to humans.
The beautiful California Red Sided Garter Snake.
As it's name suggests, this gorgeous creature is found in California. They're not dangerous to humans.

The finger pointing is not the truth, it can be found only in YOU!

As Buddha pointed to the moon, he could have just as easily pointed to his student's heart - the only place to find your truth! thanks Valerie and LIORA
shared by LIORA www.twinflame1111.com <3 <3

Find Passion in Your Life

what is stopping you?  You deserve to find your passion and start living.
what is stopping you? You deserve to find

Dealing with concepts




When you question your mind, you’re dealing with concepts, not people.

Nothing outside can disturb you...



Rula Lavender's photo.
 

More Love, More Peace!

More Love. More Peace.
More Love. More Peace.

Hope

Hope is like a road in the country: there was never a road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence.
Lin Yutang(gratefulness.org)




 


Monday, September 29, 2014

Good Night - have a peaceful sleep!

Good Night - sleep peacefully!
 

What a Sunday!

Rev. Ed was great at Charleston Unity. And Lara Oshon added amazing soul with her singing. I liked her last year, but this year she is a shining SOUL singer. The sermon and Lara were so good that I stayed for second sermon for first time! It was all about I AM LOVE AND LOVE IS FORGIVING  to me. Rev. Ed had a slide of The Buddha pointing at the moon to help illustrate that the truth is not in words - only by experiencing it. He wisely stated that the better Buddha illustration would have him pointing at his own heart. Only we can know the truth and it is the "peace beyond understanding" - even beyond feeling or emotions. I felt like many people got that truth inside with the  sermon and the beautiful songs, I stayed for lunch by the YOU group and for concert, so I was in bliss there from 7:30 meditation (mindfulness walking between meditation and sermon) until 2:30 when I went to the Backporch Story telling group where I enjoyed telling story of the Missing Golden Gate Bridge, so what a rapturous day it has been!  I found out that Lara had a near fatal accident last Sept. and that was a large reason for her shining even brighter. She talked about the importance of vulnerability in her work just as Ed does so in his sermons! YOU ARE LOVE AND LOVE IS FOR GIVING
WE ARE LOVE AND LOVE IS FOR GIVING (OR FORGIVING)


Ron Alexander shared a "mystery yarn" about his trip to San Francisco recently for a conference and the disappearance of the famed Golden Gate Bridge. He was having a good time passing familiar landmarks and reminiscing as he drove along the bay by famous landmarks, enjoying the scents of Giradelli Square and Fisherman's Warf.  But, though constantly keeping an eye peeled for the Golden Gate as he drove along the road by the bay, he wondered why he couldn't spot the bridge--where had it gone?!  Suddenly, he was shocked when he realized he had finally reached, and was now actually driving on, the Golden Gate Bridge. He hadn't been able to see it on the long approach - because the fog had been so thick!
     Hope you all have clear sailing till we meet again....
 
See you Sat October 25 at the North Charleston Halloween/Harvest Festival ! 

In A Cabin Somewhere…Heaven


IMG_4333Somewhere in the mountains of North Carolina there is a cabin. It is really dark, but the cabin is lit up and quite easy to find.
On the front screened in porch, Lesta Sue and Elizabeth sit in rockers, sharing their souls and obviously in a world of their own. They welcome me, but should get back to what they were sharing together.
Paula and Stephen too are engrossed in conversation.
In the other room there is wine and coffee and even some special ginger-ale that is said to cure most any ailment. There are crackers and nuts and Charlene has smoked salmon that is especially for Reverend Dale.
Bradley is here, and my Spirit sister Bunni says that I don’t have to pay her for her wonderful soap, but I happily will. (You should try it! Just click HERE)
Susan just emits her bright glowing light, and occasionally speaks, but the words are drown out by the light and vibration that is constantly flowing from her. (not that I don’t listen closely to you Susan)
Reverends Margaret and David are here, and the conversation is very animated. Heavy discussion is going on about different spiritual ideas and there are others here too…
Everyone is so alive!
Annette from Unity of Wilmington comes in with a friend, and thank goodness. Just the night before last, they were yelling at us to, “Be quite we are trying to sleep over here!”
Yes I had been involved… Charlene and I had burst out in the call and response song, “I am, I am, the Light, the Light, of God, of God…” and it had seemed like a really good idea at the time.
As Charlene said, “I could say I’m sorry but I’m really not.”
Reverend Dale and I go outside so that he can have his nightly cigar, and I fire up one of my organic cigarettes. Several others soon join us.
But even though this is our last night together, people start quietly excusing themselves to go back to their respective cabins. None of us slept much this week.
Charlene and I are the last of the outside smokers, and she tells me that the talk I gave last year in Myrtle Beach about my self-realization, jolted her into her own self-realization. We agree that everything is just already so perfect that it is easy to miss.
Back in my room it is now 2 a.m. but I will get up at 7 to pack and get my things together. It will be time to check out, get breakfast and then be in place for the closing ceremony.
This week was filled with so many beautiful Spirits from so many places, so much inspiration and enthusiasm, and so much genuine love.
It is a tough life living here in Heaven, but somebody has to do it!

Clear Conscience?


There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience.
Proverb(gratefulness.org)


 
Richard Kent Matthews Chronic guilt, yes, but sometimes a little guilt will help you break some nasty habits. Like lying, or cheating, or gossiping. Guilt would not exist as an emotion if it did not serve some purpose. So, I say hurrah for guilt. It has its uses.
 
Ron Alexander Did you happen to see the image (butterfly) with "Healthy guilt is time-limited and proportional to the offense?" Rev. Richard Kent Matthews

Richard Kent Matthews No, but I get it.
 

Ron Alexander Hmm, I could of put that post on top! Now, I feel guilty - healthy - not

Ron Alexander Well, what about it! RevRichard Kent Matthews actually "liked" one of my posts - and it had to be about guilt. I used to sail with an organization that was full of Catholics in the tropics. We would be somewhere in paradise nowhere near a church, and you shudda seen the guilt, now even on a beautiful day in crystal clear water, they were feeling guilty. Now I am thankful I never acquired that type of useless "religious" guilt from the Southern Baptist and Methodists churches I was brought up in!
 
Ron Alexander Well, what about it! RevRichard Kent Matthews actually "liked" one of my posts - and it had to be about guilt. I used to sail with an organization that was full of Catholics in the tropics. We would be somewhere in paradise nowhere near a church, and you shudda seen the guilt, now even on a beautiful day in crystal clear water, they were feeling guilty. Now I am thankful I never acquired that type of useless "religious" guilt from the Southern Baptist and Methodists churches I was brought up in!
 
Richard Kent Matthews Many of the 'religious' will tell you that, if you do not feel continual guilt and do continual penance, you are bound for hell. God expects you to be constantly contrite and alway in remembrance of what He did for you on the cross. He just can't seem to let you live in peace. Not a chance. If you make it to heaven, then you get to sit at his feet and tell him forever how wonderful he is. Wow. Sure lookin' forward to that.
 

Richard Kent Matthews Many Muslims call democracy blasphemy. Well, if you understand Xtianity, it says the same thing. God is a dictator who wants to hold you in servitude forever.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 

Dare to live your life fully


DARE

Today...

Dare to allow yourself to be seen. 
Dare to tell the truth.
Dare to stop pretending. 

Dare to stay present to the secret fire that burns inside.
Dare to be wildly inconsistent.
Dare to let another in. 

Dare to let go of the image.
Dare to never be prepared.
Dare to give everything 
for the awakening of love

Dare to fail. 
Dare to mess everything up.
Dare to fall to the ground, 
humbled again, laughing.

Dare to dream and let dreams die.
Dare to honour the past but not cling to it. 
Dare to give an honest Yes and an honest No.

Dare to be wrong. 
Dare to be right. 
Dare to be real. 

Dare to be here.

Today.

 - Jeff Foster
DARE
 
Today...
Dare to allow yourself to be seen. ...
Dare to tell the truth.
Dare to stop pretending.
Dare to stay present to the secret fire that burns inside.
Dare to be wildly inconsistent.
Dare to let another in.
Dare to let go of the image.
Dare to never be prepared.
Dare to give everything
for the awakening of love
Dare to fail.
Dare to mess everything up.
Dare to fall to the ground,
humbled again, laughing.
Dare to dream and let dreams die.
Dare to honour the past but not cling to it.
Dare to give an honest Yes and an honest No.
Dare to be wrong.
Dare to be right.
Dare to be real.
Dare to be here.
Today.

Love the "ego"

 


Joy Schultz
who or what would i be
without the thought the ego exists?
without the ego
I am you,
no need to be different, special
no need
to barb your heart,
to harpoon it
and bring it over here
demanding "LOOK at me!"
listen to me!
bubble for me!
dance for me!
beat for "ME"!
this flimsy image--
in your beholding make it strong,
supply the reality it isn't,
tell me it is real and valuable--what isn't
why oh why would God/Reality/your lover
"break your heart"?
but for this...
that the wall you now hold up
as your Self,
can fall at last,
crumble to the dust it is,
be seen for the nothing it is,
that you are blinded no more
to your Radiance,
your Eternal Invulnerability,
that you are no longer an addict,
a vampire,
feeding on your brothers and sisters,
children and infants,
sucking their every breath
for your own survival--
the survival
of the wall.
oh yes, dear One,
this breaking,
this breaking heart you curse God for,
you curse the world
for the war that stole your child,
it is but the greatest gift,
the highest gift,
the most loving gift,
the only gift
there is:
you
are not
and have never been
the thing
you think
you are
here is the home
of all your pain
and your greatest joy--
you are not
what you think
who or what would i be
without the thought
the ego exists?

 


I am not a victim of the ego I SEE! We are humans and cannot exist on this plane, in this dimension without the ego and the body - it is the unbalanced ego that is the problem. The weaker the self, the stronger the ego - it is just trying to help! Egotistical people are hurt people, doing the best they can! Embrace the ego as you would the hurt inner child.


Joan Thomas
Joan Thomas4:13pm Sep 27
Ron the ego is so necessary for our positive self esteem. And we can work with the unbalanced ego. There are only 2 ways to communicate - through love or pain. the Egotistical people are definitely hurt people who are in essence expressing their pain. The challenge is we are not taught this. Nor are we often taught about how lovable we all are. The way out of pain is through it. And egotistical people will only get out of their pain by accepting it, going through it, and becoming stronger

 

Joy Schultz
Joy Schultz7:13am Sep 28
"You think that without the ego all would be chaos. I assure you that without the ego all would be love." A Course in Miracles

Joy, as much as I adore you, I have to disagree on this point. The "ego" is just another concept. I studied with Bill Thetford, who to me, was the real "scribe" of ACIM as Helen channeled it. He asked for it and she delivered, and she did not even like what she was hearing, but Bill insisted that it be recorded and written. In the group, Bill did not even attempt to control, as a more fundamentalist ACIMer was the leader. He sat there on the side apparently in bliss. Some of us were budding psychologists, yogis, and health providers. When we asked him why the ACIM demonized the ego so much, he said "just tear out those pages.". Even if you believe in the "ego", which in psychology we were taught that Freud's definition (the man who invented the concepts of id, ego and superego) was that it is the CONSCIOUS connection between the id(lower brain) and the superego (the higher part of ourselves). I remember Byron Katie describing it as like "her inner child". And I like her definition, as an "inner child", we want to cherish and love it, however to watch it carefully with appropriate boundaries and discipline. respectfully yours, ron (OH, by the way I think Dr. Thetford was living the Essence of the Course - LOVE! And, not long afterwards, he left his body after "telling a colleague the night before, that he had never felt so free."

I have been to several Ashrams, where the "Guru" was supposedly without an "ego". A couple of them had been in silence for years. Believe me, that despite being waited on hand and foot, they had a terrific "ego" and would occasionally lash out at their servers and students! Bill Thetford was the closest person I ever met, even remotely possibly being without an "ego",  and I am sure he was happy to drop his body, on the streets of Tiburon on July 4th, 198?

Joy Schultz
Joy Schultz
yes, the ego is a concept...like all other concepts and as I understand it, The Work is about questioning concepts. That's all I am doing and by all means no one else has to do it or agree with me. It is not my purpose here to convince anyone to think like me. The first post was simply a meditation. And I wholeheartedly support you, Ron, and everyone to hold every belief you do. There is no other way. And for me not to question a concept.--I cannot understand why I would not question any particular concept. I believe the Course even says you will need to question every belief you have. There is that one lesson that says...let go of everything...true, false, good, bad...everything you have ever learned...even this Course...Let go of everything you think you know...(that is where I am coming from, Ron..a willingness to question everything...) and that's purely my path...and there's probably a lot more I could say here...there are so many levels...I AM not anti-ego. By all means, I understand it is ALL about loving everything--loving what is...The question is what is? A word is a label and a label is never Reality. It's a label. Reality can't be conceptualized, then it is something else. Inquiry ultimately invites us to question every concept...if we desire...I can very much relate to Bill's saying to rip out those pages. If I am against anything...I've made a concept of separation.





Joy Schultz
Joy Schultz 12:59pm Sep 29
I also really appreciate and respect your experience and sharing with and about Bill Thetford and others. I deeply respect you and have absolutely no desire to make you wrong in any way.
Joy Schultz
Joy Schultz12:55pm Sep 29
Also the quote above from the Course seems to me related to one of the subquestions of #3 How do you react when you believe that thought--what do you fear would happen without that thought? I fear all would be chaos--I wouldn't be safe, wouldn't have control..."you think without this thought(ego) all would be chaos...I assure you (question 4 who would you be without this thought) all would be Love."