polygamy, polyamory, communalism

J- I do see that it is possible to have some small degree of fulfillment and growth through talking about things. The problem is that we are very lost in the mental functions and there is no functional conclusion that can come from it. Most stop there, for the most part, and not do the internal work which is needed for completion. Verbal exchange can, at best, be used as a “lead in” to the deeper spaces of the heart, and, in fact, I am sure that is the only good use of it. As Li Daochun says below- “…to convey mind, by mind.”

I have included below two most interesting sections from The Book Of Balance And Harmony (trans Cleary) to elucidate my feelings on this subject. Here is the first:

from section 20-
Veiled Words

Buddhist literature says that if people want to know all the Buddhas of the past, present, and future, they should see that the natures of the world of phenomenon are all created by the mind. This means that when there is creation, then there is change; creation and change both derive from mind.

People think that what creates and changes myriad beings is the fashioner of creation and change, but I do not agree. There is basically no fashioner of creation and change. This is what I call self-creation and self-change.

The forms of all in the world that has form are originally nonexistent. Producing existence where there was none is called creation. When there is production, then there is destruction; when there is destruction, there is reversion to nonexistence. This is called change. Repeated creation and change is the norm for beings.

The essence of the unique reality is fundamentally existent; it exists but has no form, so it has no creation or change. This is the norm of the Dao. People only know it has no creation or change, and think it does not create or change- they do not know there is great creation and change existing therein.

Who can know this without clear understanding? Those with clear understanding, those whose knowledge and wisdom are perfected, are able to see al phenomenon as empty of absoluteness. Then the unified mind returns to tranquillity, and lives independently in a transcendent state. Therefore there is no creation or change for them.

Those who do not clearly understand are eternally fixated on body, mind, society, and events; and they inwardly dwell on sensations, conception, actions, and consciousness. Therefore they change along with the world, are born and perish along with forms.

What the eye sees is called form; received in the mind, it is called sensation. Once taken into the mind in the form of a mental picture, it is called conception. When conception continues, it leads to doing; this is called action. The result of action, conforming to the good or bad nature of the action, is called conditioned consciousness. The flurry of conditioned consciousness is the root of routine existence. Thus it is impossible to get out of creation and change.

Anyone who is not bound by illusory objects, not defiled by the impact of phenomenon, not obstructed by wandering feelings, and not afflicted by craving, will then be able to see forms, sensations, conceptions, actions, and conditioned consciousness as empty of ultimate reality. Since these are empty, how can there be creation and change? This is what the Buddhists call the ineffable mind of nirvana.

This is the final section in his book:

Throughout the ages people have fixated on unreal objects in the midst of dreamlike illusion, forming the seeds of repetitious life cycles. Therefore they are born and die without hope of release.

If, on the other hand, people in the midst of these dreamlike illusory objects can experientially know them for what they are, and thus dissolve fixations, they can reach enlightenment.

One day I brought up this issue for my students to look into. Two or three of them understood to some extent, so I composed this essay for them, to convey mind by mind.

If you can realize directly, inwardly understand and tacitly comprehend, then you know how and where to stop, not recounting the past, not worrying about the future, not being attached to the present. When these three are combined, you attain great independence, you roam freely in the ocean of tranquillity, wander in the homeland of nothing whatsoever, float in the realm of contentment.

When you get to this point, you will know that creation and change have no power over you. But there is still something yet higher. Tell me, what do you call that which is higher? Turn over the legs of nothingness, smash cosmic space to smithereens, and only then will you be done.

I’ve always disliked the Buddhist doctrines and if you admire them that would explain why we don’t see eye to eye. I could reply further but there’s no point. Thanks for taking the time though! 🙂 j

I’m beginning to form the opinion that you just like to argue, Jason. Am I right?

“This is the Harmony of the Universe, that Love unites the Will to create with the Understanding of that Creation: understand thou thine own Will. Love and let love. Rejoice in every shape of love, and get thy rapture and thy nourishment thereof”

Book of Thoth, Aleister Crowley

I really like that – doing and listening, yang and yin, and bliss thusly arises.

What in your feeling is ‘changeless’?