Albert Herdianto Widjojo
From childhood, we are taught to think by seeing cause and effect. We are also taught to think flat and orderly. The study of logic and mathematics becomes very important in order to achieve this kind of routine thinking and sorting objective. However, in the Zen tradition of Buddhism, this way of thinking must be “cut”, so that one may attain spiritual enlightenment.
Zen masters use screams to cut this way of thinking. The important question to ask is, why do we need to cut this way of thinking? The answer is simple because the world does not run with logical and rational laws, as we think.
Living by logically and rationally thinking means living an unnatural life, and anything unnatural will always be detrimental. That there is a rational part of life, it can not be denied. However, the very essence of life itself is essentially a paradoxical void. This can only be understood by using intuition alone. Rational understanding can only lead us to the gates of understanding. The rest, we must jump with intuition.
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If you want to join, here is all about 365 Photos Challenge and I am on Day 188.
Just go with your gut instinct about things I say.
Yep! That’s the easiest way to go with intuition.
Sometimes our education doesn’t lead us to the happiness path… it lead us to conform and “succeed” in life, but success doesn’t mean happiness. That is what I think sometimes.
Yep! Education is dominant to persuade us to be successful in status and not emotionally and spiritually. For your reasons, I have long defined success as happiness.
Hmm… I don’t know… lol
sometimes they’re just different path altogether :/
I am always seeking the quiet path. I know for example that I peace with meditation, but I also know that I am far to often willing to let myself be pulled from that peace. I continue to strive for it, I just need to be at not letting other things pull me out!
Well, however our lives with these bodies and minds are not so easy to let us enjoy too much peace in the quiet path. Hehehe…
Very true Albert, very true. I have found over the years that the measure of quiet and listening keeps me stable!
Yes, its is logical and order. sometimes intuition is another way of viewing things. You need to do both. With a good sense of humour!
Yes, Pamela. We do have and need both, but for different purposes and achievements.
They are complimentary, yet separate
I agree if you say so. Btw, which approach is your predisposition?
I prefer Buddhism as a philosophy, not as a religion…
They originate from one source but have parted ways in approach and method, however essentially the same; Enlightenment.
A friend introduced me to Buddhism a few years ago and I am still on the fence about it, as I am many other things. But I like a lot of what I have read.
Actually Zen is independently separate from Buddhism, and here I just want to say about why we need to cut off thoughts as we often speak in the context of meditation.
Got it. I have read about Zen as well. Sorry about the confusion on my part. I am so anxious today Albert. The bluebird babies have their little heads peeking out of the house, meaning they will be fledging soon and I don’t want to miss it. I am a little preoccupied.
Wow!!! You have fun activities to do today, Carol.
Yes I was able to see all of the birds leave the nest.
You got your zen on my buddhism! You got your buddhism on my zen! They taste great together…
They originate from one source but have parted ways in approach and method, however essentially the same; Enlightenment.
They are complimentary, yet separate
I agree if you say so. Both classical Buddhas and Zen can enrich each other.