ZEN AS PANPSYCHISM
ZEN AS PANPSYCHISM Panpsychism is the view that mind or soul (Greek: ψυχή) is a universal feature of all things, and the primordial feature from which all others are derived and this is a common theme in Zen. Master Mangong Wolmyeon described it as [2]: “What is referred as ‘mind-only’ in Buddhism— the central philosophy […]
THREEFOLD LOTUS: ALL PATHS LEAD TO ENLIGHTENMENT
THREEFOLD LOTUS: ALL PATHS LEAD TO ENLIGHTENMENT In Chapter 12 of the Lotus Sutra the Buddha teaches that everyone can become enlightened (women, animals, and even the most sinful murderers) through the stories of the dragon king’s daughter and Devadatta. The Innumerable Meanings Sutra (part of the Three-fold Lotus Sutra) says that “all dharmas are […]
SARCASM AND IRONY AS PHILOSOPHY
SARCASM AND IRONY AS PHILOSOPHY Sarcasm is not [always] wrong speech and is often a systematic shortcut for philosophical analysis. Sarcasm can be found among philosophical discourse such as when Socrates pleaded with Euthyphro to teach him what the latter knows (quite clearly making fun of the guy for the benefit of the audience) and […]
SARCASM AND IRONY AS PHILOSOPHY
HOW FAR WILL YOU GO WITH NON-DUALITY? Few schools of Buddhism dared take non-duality to its logical conclusion. Zen teachers often dare, yet none were as radical as the Taintai school, and Siming Zhili (960–1028) went to the very end and concluded: “Other than the devil, there is no Buddha;..other than the Buddha, there is […]
CASE AGAINST MATERIALISM
CASE AGAINST MATERIALISM MATERIALISM The theory of materialism holds that the only thing that exists is matter or energy; that all things are composed of material and all phenomena (including consciousness) are the result of material interactions. In other words, matter is the only substance, and reality is identical with the actually occurring states of […]
I AM AN EXTREMIST
“I’m, an extremist…! Outside the mainstream, that’s me; – vegan pacifist! I teach peace and love; love your neighbor as yourself; turn the other cheek. Intellectually, everybody supports me; yet not in practice! Unconditionally – I love you and everyone. Extremist, I am…!” By BupSahn Sunim
THE REVOLUTION: LIVE AND UN-TELEVISED
“A revolution, but not fought with sticks and stones; – turning of the heart! A change from within only you can change yourself; – can’t do it for you! If someone needs help, then try your best to sort it; – if you can’t, you can’t! Most importantly, stay still and work on yourself; – […]
ZEN MIND, BEGINNERS MIND
“Like eager students, not wanting or rejecting; – willingness to learn! Nothing do I know, not a clue what’s going on; – the beginners mind! Beyond right and wrong, beyond doctrine or theory; – it is what it is! State of no clinging, attachment or aversion; – just being like this! If it rains, it […]
RIGHT VIEW IS NO VIEW
“Right view is no view, do not submit to figments; neither cling to views. Neither attach to the purified and bright-view. – no view is right view! Attach to nothing. free your mind from everything; – neither follow views! Let others have them; This Sublime Holy Path will – end all suffering! Right view will […]
BE AN ISLAND HAVEN UNTO YOURSELF
“Rely on no-one, be your own island haven; let the truth be won. Alone, this way please tend, when there’s no wise, prudent friend; – this truth defend! Refrain from evil, going alone is graceful; fools are unartful. Search all domains, none is dearer than your-aim; others are the same. Admirable friends, are the whole […]