Coming full circle

[earl]

OK, I've now come full circle myself, sort of. I give immeasurable thanks to Tariki, for his many posts referencing Jodoshinsu pure land Buddhism, which recently watered some seeds of latent interest on my part sending me off on a journey to study many forms of pure land thought, in general, and Jodoshinsu in particular-it is now the Dharma door I've embraced. In the latter school our ignorance or "bombu" nature, (lovely term meaning the foolish nature of humans which allows their deluded nature and inability to really understand ultimate reality of their own accord to interfere with attaining full enlightenment via their own efforts alone), is fully embraced as the beginning of true wisdom implying the need to wholly entrust oneself to the all saving wisdom and compassion of Amida to bring them "home." In reading some of the contemporary masters of this tradition I ran across a statement that really rang true to me: that until ultimate enlightenment is reached, all Buddhist insights and methods of practice are expedient means and that until the enlightenment is reached one still requires them to advance to that other shore-or as this 1 guy put it, don't ditch the raft til you're there or you'll drown in samsara. Too many, even of Buddhist learning do so as they reach a certain stage where they believe they understand "emptiness" and prematurely set aside the raft they were on. I write with the enthusiasm of a real beginner now- a bombu individual-Jodoshinsu has reinvigorated my practice in a new direction. To embrace this path 1 must deeply acknowledge their deluded folly of false knowledge-1 guy spoke of how there are 2 types of practitioners that may fruitfully embrace such a path-one of such great spiritual insight that they understand the subtle profundity of the message and the others who are not too burdened with a bunch of partial or false knowing that they find it difficult to put complete trust in Amida-"shinjin." I know I'm not the former-I just hope I'm not the latter-"too smart for my own good." there's "Don't Know Mind" in Zen but most of us really don't know what enlightenment is or how to attain it-small "d" & small "k." This is the path for those of a Buddhist orientation, (of which I primarily am) who want to truly embrace their ignorance. To give a taste of how such a mind of contrite ignorance is utilized in Jodoshinsu, I offer up this wonderful piece by a contemporary practitioner, David Brazier:

Amida-shu: Instructions in Nei Quan and Chih Quan
buddhist terms aside, there are even wonderful insights in this piece that could appeal to the theists, Christian or otherwise, here. have a good one, earl-striving for true beginner's mind

[wil]

Revelations and contemplation on current location are awesome...

If you don't know where you are going that is one thing....

but if you don't know where you are...

[earl]

To quote that great bodhisattva, Homer Simpson, "Duh'oh."
Nammo Amida Bu, earl

[mee]

Originally Posted by Paladin

Well, it has been a long time coming, but it's finally here. After many years of study and practice in everything from philosophy to Christianity, to Buddhism and several other diciplines I think I have arrived at the spot where I have no clue whatsoever about anything.
Oh, I still know why an engine works, and how to check the torque specs on a tranny cover, and even how to cook dinner, but as far as reality, ultimate truth, or enlightenment is concerned I know absolutely nothing.
There are some advantages to becoming stupid in this way I think, for example I can't really know for sure if someone else's ideas are right or wrong as long as no one is harmed. Oh, and I really like trees, and watching clouds makes me feel happy, but that isn't really knowledge is it?
I listen to poetry with the same intensity that I used to reserve for dharma talks, and stories and movies about the human condition make me pause as if there might be something there I need to hear.
AA meetings are interesting, people there are dealing with life as it is and trying their damndest to cope.

So I guess my question is, has anyone here become an idiot as well, or is it just me?

"Happy is the people whose God is Jehovah!"—Ps. 144:15.

[earl]

Hello mee. Guess I had that coming as I had just "witnessed for Amida." Guess that makes me an Amida Witness. You give thanks in the Holy Name, I give thanks in the Holy Name. Perhaps giving thanks is all any of us need to do. As that wonderful haiku poet of 18th century Japan, Issa, a follower of Jodoshinsu put it:

"A moonlight night; we few assorted cranks,
fogies, and halfwits call the Name with thanks."

Gassho and thanks, earl

[mee]

Originally Posted by earl

Perhaps giving thanks is all any of us need to do.

This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ. JOHN 17;3 . ..................taking in knowledge leads to everlasting life .

O let people give thanks to Jehovah for his loving-kindness

And for his wonderful works to the sons of men. PSALM 107;8

[Azure24]

Originally Posted by Paladin

has anyone here become an idiot as well, or is it just me?

No it's just you! Only joking. I just think we all need to just switch off. Forget about what other people are saying and look deep within ourselves.

[Paladin]

Originally Posted by Azure24;123720[B

]No it's just you[/b]! Only joking. I just think we all need to just switch off. Forget about what other people are saying and look deep within ourselves.

See? I Knew it, I just knew it... looks like my wife was right after all...

[Pathless]

Originally Posted by Paladin

See? I Knew it, I just knew it... looks like my wife was right after all...

No, no, you're not alone. I'm at my happiest when I'm an idiot. When I'm bloated on theory or other knowledge, I get gassy and cranky.

[flowperson]

Paladin,Pathless...Sounds to me like both of you are more than ready to retire to the " O F " corrall pardners, and keep Snoopy and me some company.

flow....

[Muslimwoman]

I am still sitting in the corner, with my pointy hat with a big D painted on, happily basket weaving.

[seattlegal]

Originally Posted by flowperson

Paladin,Pathless...Sounds to me like both of you are more than ready to retire to the " O F " corrall pardners, and keep Snoopy and me some company.

flow....

**peeks in, sees all the old farts hanging out, and wonders what to do about keeping them sharp...**

Hey, guys! What's the best thing for lunch?

{If that doesn't do it, I don't know what will...}

[flowperson]

Hmmmm...today I believe that we'll have a chilled vegetable salad of cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, peeled cucumber chunks, avocado pieces, blanched broccoli crowns, green onion slices, chopped hard boiled egg, and strips of white wine braised chicken breast all topped with a roasted garlic vinegarette dressing, topped with bagel chip croutons.

We'll also have freshly baked banana-walnut-craisin bread with canola spread as a sidelight. And then have as a dessert mixed and chunked pieces of cantaloupe, kiwi fruit, green seedless grapes, braeburn apple, pear, and banana, all mixed with a tablespoon or so of wildflower honey and refrigerated for an hour or so before serving.

We'll serve sun tea over purified ice cubes as a beverage , 50% green tea and 50% English breakfast, with a heaping teaspoonful or so of dark brown sugar stirred into each glassful.

Telecommuters are always welcome at the "O F" Corrall y'all.

flow....

[InLove]

I'm having flashbacks to the old "Hee Haw" television show. "What's for supper, Grandpa? (Y'all can laugh if ya like, but my mom actually knew Grandpa Jones and Roberta (I think that was her name?). Got pictures--she was in a play with them and everything!

But you guys probably don't know who I'm talking about, right? (If'n ya do, ya get extra O.F. points....)

InPeace,
InLove

[Paladin]

Of Course InLove, I used to watch Hee Haw when I was a boy, back when we was just a pickin and a grinin