Friday, July 24, 2009

cool dude with good thoughts

Urge to change the mind frame. The idea relates to the witness that notices. This is the cool dude; the objective scientist who observes and who does not judge. Stuff turns up in mind - this is outwith conscious control. Let it come. Notice it and let it go.

I am attracted to the notion of being a cool dude but I am presently far from that ideal. Stray thoughts can really infest the attention centre where they are closely wound together with feelings and emotions that have roots in who knows what earlier causes and conditions. There could be a systematic list of the main topics that cause distress. But that would be too scientific and intellectual. Rather than conquer them one at a time there is the notion of getting behind the general principle and cutting off the process at its roots.
 
Thich Nhat Hahn has the notion of watering seeds. Do not water the bad ones but do water the good ones. There is a matrix - continue watering the good ones that are already present and encourage other good ones to arise. Stop watering the bad ones and take steps to prevent other bad ones from arising. This begs the question of good and bad - the key is the effect of a feeling/ thought. If it leads to equanimity it is good, if not it is bad. By their result shall ye know them.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Shambhala - Buddhism Basics

Shambhala - Buddhism Basics: "Mindfulness is pre-symbolic. It is not shackled to logic. Nevertheless, mindfulness can be experienced—rather easily—and it can be de�scribed, as long as you keep in mind that the words are only fingers pointing at the moon."

Buddhism

Buddhism