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Politics : View from the Center and Left -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: biotech_bull who wrote (72781)	6/18/2008 1:16:29 AM
From: Sam	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 543134

I have to disagree with that conclusion, my interpretation of the Tao is that it is more about understanding the true nature of the Universe. FWIW, my interpretation is that it is about achieving a sustaining balance. Which is based on understanding the true nature of the universe. Or, perhaps better, the true nature of the human condition.

To: biotech_bull who wrote (72781)	6/18/2008 10:19:27 AM
From: spiral3	Respond to of 543134

I have to disagree with that conclusion, my interpretation of the Tao is that it is more about understanding the true nature of the Universe. BB yes, I think yours is a more accurate characterization, bit of sloppiness on my part, my apologies. When I wrote that I was thinking of an analogous concept for nirvana, from a Taoist pov. As to what comes first, understanding of the true nature of the universe or balance, I'd say that harmony is co-arisen :) Just for the record Madhyamika Prasangika is a specific school of Tibetan buddhism, part of the Mahayana school. There are many variations out there, just wanted to be specific about the source of the particular iteration of emptiness I was describing. I guess it doesn't matter how you get there - as the Zen masters put it, you can get there chopping wood and carrying water. True it doesn't matter how you get there, we each have our own dispositions and aptitudes, will be drawn to one or the other. Any individual will find some advantages / disadvantages in the different methods, the difficulty is noticing when one's progress is being hampered by misunderstanding, some schools provide you with conceptual antidotes, others just whack you upside the head, to bring your awareness back into the present moment. Bit of a gross simplification, but in the end it's not about one right way, or about particular philosophical concepts, no matter how counterintuitive or useful they are, it's about the quality of one's day to day experience and ultimately how one relates to others. This is where the application of western concepts falls apart, is it a religion, is it a philosophy, in their original context, it is all about action, these are paths, it's about walking the walk. Before enlightenment chop wood and carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood and carry water. My interpretation is that this is a reminder to be mindful in all ones actions on a daily basis, to be fully aware in each moment and completely present to what one is doing. My understanding is that even when these great heights of spiritual development are achieved, you still have to chop wood and carry water, meaning that the only thing that changes is one's perception. Saying that there are a lot of wacked out Taoists out there, perhaps a bit unfair to single them out, there are a lot of wacked out Buddhists too. Any way, enough OT from me.