Learning, Or Doubting

On Saturday nights after mediation and dinner, we quote words of the “Masters” and call the evening Teisho [a formal presentation of dharma] (from the Japanese), but who and what are called Masters?

A lot depends on when they lived, what they said. But why? Some did not say anything. Some are trying to make a name for themselves. But why bother?

Did the silent ones enjoy sex or did they enjoy eating good, rich foods? The latter means the body is being catered to, which is normal.

We would not quote “good” words unless they meant something. No matter who was speaking, if he had a reputation, he would be listened to.

The point I’m making is that you were deemed “wise” because people believed you to be wise. If Yogi Vasistha claimed to be thousands of years old, it’s because he had built a great reputation. This does not mean I read (and believe) sayings of famous great Zen Masters or do not.

Sales and sayings are great when I concentrate on them; I get something from them. But there is no way I can gain much of a way of living from them. So keep reading famous words and keep on learning, or doubting.

Another Handful Of 20th Century Psalms

Everyone wants something for nothing, but everything will be paid in full.

The memory of things future.

What do people mean when they say “all is one?” Do they act as though all is one?

No two live in the same world.

Without Compassion, there is no Wisdom. Accumulation of knowledge can be like over-eating. Let “what is” shine through in the silence. It’s always there anyway.