C T

I think where difficulty and struggle begins is when, as emotional beings, we get stumped by conditioning -- as men, we learn from a tender age that crying is weak, and as women, emotional irresponsiveness leads to failure. It takes guts for real men to shed tears out of tenderness/empathy, and women with all their responsibilities and juggling home life and professional demands are entitled to be stronger emotionally. What would become problematic is allowing disharmony... not knowing when its time to do the right thing. On a positive note, there seems to be a raised awareness around this matter of opening up more to release stress-related contractiveness, and men and women are slowly rekindling their inner, more spontaneous nature. Male CEOs are now learning to smell flowers and finding joy in intimacy, whereas their female counterparts are starting to become comfortable with guzzling pints of lager and smoking cigars!! (just kiddin, the last bit)

Yes, purified emotions... or transcendent emotions, 3Bob! You said it well. In my mind, to be without emotion is as if something has withered or died, like you mentioned above. I sense that a growing spiritual practice leads in the other direction, no?

spot on!!

Hi Kajenx, Im sorry you feel as if i've been ignoring your thoughts and expressions. I dont think in my heart that i have been insincere. Im enjoying reading your reflections very much -- imo they are well thought-out, and considerable mindful attention have been transferred from thoughts to words to action. Its a good indicator of someone who takes time to contemplate their situation, so thank you sincerely for this. Its quite inspiring to know that you are in a good space resulting in increased energy and creativity in your work and life. Just one tiny point which needs clarification: Its not clear to me why you equate contraction with emotions. Could you explain further? In my experience, transformed emotions brings about correct view of reality, and also arouses compassionate urges to be kind, thoughtful, and all the other transcendent states both for self and others, which results in a very expansive state of being. This is the area where there appears to be some niggling doubts. Blessings!

Mantras are like Verbal mudras!! Thats it!! All these years, never even crossed my mind to see it this way haha! Learnt something new today. Mantras and mudras act like funnels to direct the mind! Thank you!!!!!

Love absorbs and dissolves all ideas about what is right and wrong. In the presence of Love, there is a certain subtle light which holds no discriminative glow. Why? Because the nature of Light is to shine, and the nature of awakening to reality is to Love, equally.

@ Stosh... In your opinion, what is motivation based off? My take is that motivation stems from a desire for something. A desire for nothing, is that a sort of motive too? Aren't motives generally linked to emotions? Help me to figure out, please! I still maintain there is nothing wrong/despicable/resentful/guilty with having anything, emotions included. There is a misperception among a number of 'spiritual' seekers who seem to equate the spiritual life with non-possession and barrenness. Funny thing is many fake gurus in India know this skewed Western mindset, and set out to milk seekers left, right and centre hahaha!!! Material possessions are burdens,they tell their devotees, give them up if you want everlasting peace & happiness, donate everything to your ashram!!! I know a few businesspeople who give a large chunk of their income to such gurujis. If one is not able to handle emotions, dont even think about progressing too far on the spiritual path. Emotions are safety cogs, nature's gift to human beings. Please welcome it, not dismember it.

Aren't emotions synonymous with aliveness? Motivation is based on emotion. A person gets the will to diligently practice Chi gung. What is the source of that motivation? In Vajrayana, emotions are fuel for transformation. The greater the emotions, the greater the potential for entering and connecting with our true essence (aka Buddha nature). There are other pertinent questions we can ask and explore, but im pushed for time right now, so will come back to this interesting discussion later on.

The emphasis in Buddhism, for example, is on non-attachment, which some may confuse with detachment. There is a very subtle difference between these two concepts, but a difference exist nonetheless. Its very difficult, if not impossible, for a normal functioning person to be emotionless. I have never come across any advice by Buddhist masters or teachings encouraging the eradication of emotions. But i'm not really well-studied, so who knows, my view could be completely without basis.

Excellent advice.

If im not mistaken, 'Wu' refers to the state of the absolute. But MH can correct me on this.

If thats the way SJ chooses to express himself, so be it. Its a start anyway. Beats the drone of Malcolm's pasties anytime, thats for sure.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ binned ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Discourse -- formal communication of thought by words or writing. This is the everyday meaning. Simple Jack's version of 'discourse' -- quoting Malcolm at every opportunity. Wake up man, learn to express from the heart. Tell us what the teachings have done for you! Gladden us with your personal journey!! Allow us to share your frustrations and your fears, your progress, your elations, your goofiness!!! Buddhadharma is not a piece of drift-wood... its alive, it breathes thru you and me and everyone else, so why are you hesitant in its pulsating, vibrant flow? Please, Show us your rainbow! Lighten up!

If you think it will help, by all means! @ the OP... check this out -- http://inhabitat.com/fascinating-photos-reveal-the-world-of-people-living-out-of-the-system/eric-valli-photos-people-out-of-system-1/?extend=1

You are right about finding the right audience for the technical stuff... usually its an audience of one... myself, during contemplative study time. Our participation here is primarily to share experiences and understanding, to get a glimpse of how the Dharma is practiced by others, to be inspired by their progress, and to lend some kind words of encouragement should someone encounter some sort of small setback. The means to do this is not confined to using simplified language, but more importantly, authentic language -- this is what i mean by 'speaking from the heart'. Oftentimes, this requires nothing more than a genuine desire to wish others all the happiness and joy they deserve. Don't you think so? Isn't this what Buddhadharma is in essence?

_/\_

Speaking of Lama Zopa...

Sometimes you wish they would just speak from the heart, and imitate the real gurus, those who keep to the precept of considering others as more important than themselves. Some teachers i have met shined with humility and kindness, and their inner light blazing so brightly and warm that people just feel drawn to them without actually knowing why. The epitome of such a presence (for me) is Lama Zopa Rinpoche. He works tirelessly, even when he was at one time quite ill, to share the Dharma in the most compassionate way possible, not only to fellow humans, but to every other sentient being, be it animals or insects, blessing them all as he goes. I just happened to be thinking with deep gratefulness about Lama Zopa, just before i read your post. Happiness and many blessings to all on this auspicious day!!

Thank you too, Stosh! Peace and much blessings always!!

Thank you sincerely, MH. Im very happy it resonated well with you.

http://www.dailygood.org/story/652/the-shining-fire-hydrant-birdman/

four hundred pages a voluminous digest put it on the head

After reading thru your posts, it appears that you are on the right track. Having said that... some do actually forget there is no real destination, just a continuum of refining union of method (form/compassion - relative) and wisdom (emptiness - absolute) thru deeper and deeper connections with the 3 Jewels arising not as blind faith or a feeble reliance on dogma, but a growing assurance and living faith (as a result of overcoming doubts) that freedom is already there, and doing more or doing less does not enhance or diminish it in any measure. The 3 Jewels is the basis for the sustenance/nourishment of this freedom. By virtue of the relative, we maintain the discipline and ethics of correct practice vis-a-vis Right View and so on. By virtue of the absolute, we let go of even that, just like putting aside the boat after we have crossed a river. I know this is the Taoist section, so thats all i want to input. Pardon my intrusion. May your path be free of obstacles.

Keen eyes!