Enlightenment and the Hermit

[C T]

The idea of enlightenment is of no concern to a hermit.

 

Even those who spend most of their lives in retreats do not focus on enlightenment. They choose instead to live a life of clarity and non-harming, to themselves, to others and to the environment. In this way they return to total sanity, which some call Wholeness.

 

Those who are single and who opt for this way of living would find it less complicated to adapt to such a change than say 'householders', namely those with family ties, mundane responsibilities, and jobs for example. The demands on a householder requires that his/her priorities are set right. Look after all mundane affairs mindfully, and then when all is in order, the spiritual path would have no hindrances. There is a certain auspiciousness tied in to this common sense. Some of the contemplative traditions recommend this sort of practical approach to spiritual cultivation. I know Buddhism/Hinduism/Confucianism encourages this format.

 

My father is a Theravadin Buddhist. Born as one, and practiced as one. Daily meditations, surrender, devotion etc. Very devout. He was also a stockbroker for 35 years. One day he simply announced he was giving up the business and handing it over to my older brother, who is a qualified Accountant and working at that time as an Assistant Manager in a Financial Institution. He was given a six-month familiarization training, left his job and then assumed the role vacated by my father. He is still trading to date.

 

Since his retirement my father became a recluse. Totally. He gave up all his little pleasurable hobbies and pursuits, and tuned out of everyday life. He has stopped leaving the house, and almost ceased to even walk around in it, preferring to stay in his study and contemplate on the Dharma and do his prayers and meditation. My mother cooks his meals (one a day) and looks after his meager needs, like once a week on Saturdays he has to make an offering of sweet black sesame custard to the holy ones, so she makes sure this is done. Other than this he asks for nothing.

 

He is neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with his life as it is now. He is just present, as i can see it. He says he has fulfilled his responsibilities and no longer have any ties with society and owes nobody anything, hence there is little to obstruct the fulfillment of his final wish, which is to prepare himself for leaving with a clear, undistracted mind. I remember casually asking him once if enlightenment was his goal, he laughed, put his hand on shoulder, and said i am being very honorable (to him) to suggest that enlightenment is achievable. I wanted to hear more, to know what he meant, but was politely dismissed from the room.

 

Three days later i got a mail in the post. It was a blank card save for a picture of a pippala leaf (or Bodhi tree leaf) [like this http://www.enlightenedhorsemanship.net/tag/pipal-tree/ on the front. Opening it, the words inside said, "Enlightenment is for those who seek. Would it mean anything to you if there is no seeking?" It was from him. That was the only card he ever sent me. Of course there were birthday cards and all that, but they were always sent by mother. That particular day i felt very close to my father.

 

Such is a life of one.

 

 

 

(Thought it might be okay to share this story here.)

Edited August 23, 2010 by CowTao

[Brian]

...

[mYTHmAKER]

Beautiful

Cow Tao Thanks

Edited August 23, 2010 by mYTHmAKER

[Brian]

...

[Apech]

The idea of enlightenment is of no concern to a hermit.

 

Even those who spend most of their lives in retreats do not focus on enlightenment. ...

 

Since his retirement my father became a recluse. Totally. He gave up all his little pleasurable hobbies and pursuits, and tuned out of everyday life. He has stopped leaving the house, and almost ceased to even walk around in it, preferring to stay in his study and contemplate on the Dharma and do his prayers and meditation. My mother cooks his meals (one a day) and looks after his meager needs, like once a week on Saturdays he has to make an offering of sweet black sesame custard to the holy ones, so she makes sure this is done. Other than this he asks for nothing.

 

...

 

Thanks for sharing this about your father.

 

I know it is a trivial and minor point but what is "sweet black sesame custard" ... is it nice? Do people eat it?

[Aetherous]

What an understanding wife. Nice to hear personal stories.

[C T]

Thanks for sharing this about your father.

 

I know it is a trivial and minor point but what is "sweet black sesame custard" ... is it nice? Do people eat it?

Thanks for the nod A7, Mythmaker, A Seeker, Scotty.

 

.......... ...........

 

The 'custard' is made by first soaking the seeds in water overnight. These are then grounded and cooked slowly until it starts to thicken up. It can be sweetened with honey or sugar.

 

Once ready its allowed to cool, and a small portion is set aside for the offering. This is then brought to the altar in his room when he begins the rituals and offered after prayers are said over it. Stays there overnight, and the next day we are all given a tiny spoon of it as a kind of blessing. Everyone seems to like the taste, and would usually eat the extra bit thats not used up as a dessert. The texture resembles soft, smooth peanut butter, or even like slightly watery porridge. Personally i am not very fond of the taste, although i know black sesame seeds have exceptional nutritional value, and is used in both Ayurveda and Chinese medicine.

 

Some info here for your perusal:

 

http://www.yogsandesh.org/articles/44/1/Improve-the-Health-with-Sesame-Rapeseed-Linseed-and-Groundnut/Page1.html

 

http://www.naturopathydigest.com/nutrition_herbs/herbs/black_sesame_seeds.php

 

But in this particular practice that my father does, its probably linked to this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sesame (read section under Mythological Background)

Its interesting to note, in the same section, that the black seeds are also used in wiccan practices for conception, to attract wealth and also for protection. Do you know if they are used in ancient Egypt as well?

 

Thanks for the interest John.

 

(Btw how was/is the holiday? Are you back in Manchester or still in Portugal? )

Hope you had a great time!

 

 

 

 

(apologies to OP for deviating slightly.)

[Apech]

 

 

But in this particular practice that my father does, its probably linked to this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sesame (read section under Mythological Background)

Its interesting to note, in the same section, that the black seeds are also used in wiccan practices for conception, to attract wealth and also for protection. Do you know if they are used in ancient Egypt as well?

 

Thanks for the interest John.

 

(Btw how was/is the holiday? Are you back in Manchester or still in Portugal? )

Hope you had a great time!

 

 

 

 

(apologies to OP for deviating slightly.)

 

Still in Portugal for a couple of weeks yet.

 

The use of sesame by the ancient egyptians is disputed as while some say that tomb paintings show it was used in bread actual physical evidence is only from later periods and may be arabic influence - no one knows in other words. But if instinct is anything I would say they knew about it.

[Pero]

It's easy to escape into the mountains or into nature to be a hermit

But it's not easy to be wake up/reach "enlightenment in everyday life...

 

So you're saying you like the "hard way" or something? Why? You think it's cooler, makes you better or what? ...

 

And also, I find it laughable that people think going into retreat is easier than staying in society. If it were easy a lot more people would be doing retreat. It's difficult to leave all of your attachments behind or have the proper conditions to go into retreat.

[DalTheJigsaw123]

Well Leon, one of the best ways is by first understanding that this society you find yourself in doesn't care whether you live or die. It's just an economic system. This should help the beginning of drawing the boundaries and focusing more on the biological/'spiritual' self since this world will not take care of your life (in fact it might even kill you "before your time" through stress, toxins, etc). Thios can go along way to explaining our feelings of 'lostness'/dissatisfaction with the life we find ourselves in. Do you want to take control of your own path no matter what the cost to that abusive relationship we call citizen/society? These are just some preparatory thoughts on the hermit way. Ultimately the act of withdrawing from the world of people is the ultimate critique of that worlds failure to accomodate difference or even sanity? Any honest hermit will tell you that mankinds social 'way' is a little passe, a little past its use-by date,worn out, laughable...- just that not many ask for a hermits opinion and if they do then not many speak an answer that is pallatable or even bother to answer at all.Paul

 

 

Those are some very good points:0

However, I still think the balance needs instilled...

Live in society and leave it when you need to, in order to recharge yourself.

Come back and do it again...

What do you think?

[DalTheJigsaw123]

The idea of enlightenment is of no concern to a hermit.

 

Even those who spend most of their lives in retreats do not focus on enlightenment. They choose instead to live a life of clarity and non-harming, to themselves, to others and to the environment. In this way they return to total sanity, which some call Wholeness.

 

Those who are single and who opt for this way of living would find it less complicated to adapt to such a change than say 'householders', namely those with family ties, mundane responsibilities, and jobs for example. The demands on a householder requires that his/her priorities are set right. Look after all mundane affairs mindfully, and then when all is in order, the spiritual path would have no hindrances. There is a certain auspiciousness tied in to this common sense. Some of the contemplative traditions recommend this sort of practical approach to spiritual cultivation. I know Buddhism/Hinduism/Confucianism encourages this format.

 

My father is a Theravadin Buddhist. Born as one, and practiced as one. Daily meditations, surrender, devotion etc. Very devout. He was also a stockbroker for 35 years. One day he simply announced he was giving up the business and handing it over to my older brother, who is a qualified Accountant and working at that time as an Assistant Manager in a Financial Institution. He was given a six-month familiarization training, left his job and then assumed the role vacated by my father. He is still trading to date.

 

Since his retirement my father became a recluse. Totally. He gave up all his little pleasurable hobbies and pursuits, and tuned out of everyday life. He has stopped leaving the house, and almost ceased to even walk around in it, preferring to stay in his study and contemplate on the Dharma and do his prayers and meditation. My mother cooks his meals (one a day) and looks after his meager needs, like once a week on Saturdays he has to make an offering of sweet black sesame custard to the holy ones, so she makes sure this is done. Other than this he asks for nothing.

 

He is neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with his life as it is now. He is just present, as i can see it. He says he has fulfilled his responsibilities and no longer have any ties with society and owes nobody anything, hence there is little to obstruct the fulfillment of his final wish, which is to prepare himself for leaving with a clear, undistracted mind. I remember casually asking him once if enlightenment was his goal, he laughed, put his hand on shoulder, and said i am being very honorable (to him) to suggest that enlightenment is achievable. I wanted to hear more, to know what he meant, but was politely dismissed from the room.

 

Three days later i got a mail in the post. It was a blank card save for a picture of a pippala leaf (or Bodhi tree leaf) [like this http://www.enlightenedhorsemanship.net/tag/pipal-tree/ on the front. Opening it, the words inside said, "Enlightenment is for those who seek. Would it mean anything to you if there is no seeking?" It was from him. That was the only card he ever sent me. Of course there were birthday cards and all that, but they were always sent by mother. That particular day i felt very close to my father.

 

Such is a life of one.

 

 

 

(Thought it might be okay to share this story here.)

 

 

Thank you so much for sharing this story!

I loved it and appreciate you pouring yourself on here:)

[DalTheJigsaw123]

So you're saying you like the "hard way" or something? Why? You think it's cooler, makes you better or what? ...

 

And also, I find it laughable that people think going into retreat is easier than staying in society. If it were easy a lot more people would be doing retreat. It's difficult to leave all of your attachments behind or have the proper conditions to go into retreat.

 

Cool?

Lol!

No, just find joy in being challenged and finding a way out of the maze.

Or more like looking and not finding anything, but the point is always looking.

It gives me something to look forward too!

Thanks!

[Birch]

Paul, I'm thinking maybe you need to move to a different neighborhood or something! The society you describe is almost unrecognizable to me. Sure, there is an economic component to the civil society in which I live but that's just a slice of the pie.

 

This morning, we had a knock at the door -- it was the 8-year-old boy from across the street. He had a basket of eggs and wanted to know if we'd take some since their chickens had produced more than they needed. I only took four. They are a slightly odd mottled bluish color but the two I turned into an omelet with mushrooms and cheddar were awfully tasty along side my pot of green tea!

 

After seeing your post, I went into the living room to pick up last week's paper (only comes out on Wednesday, you see). Front page had three stories:

 

One is about the high school football coach starting his 25th year there. Talks about how he had wanted to be the coach there since at least his freshman year in college (he went to Mars Hill, in case anyone was curious) and a little about what it was like to coach Brad Johnson (he built a new football field for the school a few years ago as a way of giving back to the community, BTW).

 

The second is about a charity event for a local disabled man (his neighbors in his apartment complex have organized a fund-raising gospel singing lakeside down at the town's park, across the street from the golf course and croquet field). He was born with club hands & feet and his wife has cerebral palsy. They do outreach work in local nursing homes and his wife has been lifting his wheelchair in and out of the van but he now needs an electric chair (which he has) but she can't muscle the new chair in and out so the community is buying him an electric wheelchair life for the van.

 

Third story is about the solving of the recent crime scandal. The middle school was vandalized a few weeks back, with riding lawn mower being set on fire. The fire damaged a utility shed and they apparently also broke the fence and tried to set a concession stand on fire. Anyhow, the three teens from the neighboring town who were responsible have been caught.

 

Turning the page, there's a big story about the woman who has been the organist at the First Baptist Church in that same neighboring town for the last 50 years. She has never excepted money for her service to the community and it doesn't appear that she is retiring -- looks like they just wanted to honor her at a reception there yesterday afternoon at the church's family life center. The community was invited, according to the article. That page also has a smaller article about the HS Booster Club's annual Hall of Fame dinner, Gonna be a big deal this year because UNC basketball coach Roy Williams is being inducted, and they are only selling 150 tickets (probably all the HS cafeteria will seat) so you'd better act fast if you wanna go.

 

The next page is dedicated to a photo montage of last weekend's Sourwood Festival. Section B has several stories and more photos. The honey crop was especially good this year, which is nice because last year's crop was nearly nonexistent. The bluegrass all weekend and the clogging exhibitions on Sunday afternoon were nice, as were the games for kids and the talent contest (the winner did an enthusiastic "Mustang Sally", BTW, but I preferred the girl who sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" -- I suspect there was some reverse bias there, however, because of her recent celebrity after MTV did a show about her a year ago or so...) Anyhow, there WAS some blatant commercialism present, and my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed some panko-crusted mushrooms w/ a creamy chipotle sauce and an excellent local organic pale ale. I think my son tied the chopped pork BBQ that the HS band parents were cooking.

 

Next page is the editorial page, and the primary focus seems to be on whether livestock (like my neighbors' chickens or the llamas up the street) should be permitted in town.

 

Don't get me wrong! It's not like this is an entirely peaceful and sleepy town! Heavens, no! Traffic was a mess a couple months ago when Obama came to town to visit Billy Graham (he live right up the road, you see) and we have crime here, too! In fact, this week's paper also has the previous week's police blotter and it shows two drunk driving arrests (one driver also had a suspended license) and there was a purse-snatching at the grocery store out by I-40.

 

Those aspects of big city life have to be balanced against the cultural benefits, I guess -- like the outstanding local Japanese banjo player Akira Satake who played again at the White Horse on Saturday. He was inspired as a child in Okinawa years ago by a Doc Watson record (Doc, you may know, is a blind guitar player from over in Watauga county -- I used to hear him play fairly often in high school because a bunch of locals would get together and pick on Saturday evenings in the old carpet store above the Hilltop Drive-In) and he now makes his own banjos. Seems that the banjo was surprisingly similar to a traditional three-stringed Japanese instrument, which he also plays. Anyhow, my wife & I walked down to the show while my son was in Asheville at the Coheed and Somebody concert (along with Porcupine Tree...)

 

Guess what I'm saying is that society in MY part of the world involves community and joy and music and laughter and mutual support and friendship and a whole bunch of other aspects besides economics. What about the rest of you TaoBums? What is your neck of the woods like???

 

 

Huh ?

 

Sounds kind of like "too good to be true". I've seen movies about such places, there's always something going on under the neat exterior

 

Thank you Mr Cow for the story. Is everyone around him bearing his practice very well? Did he ask anyone whether they wanted to have the roles he left them when he decided to retreat? Was everyone expecting it because it's what you do after fulfilling the "obligations"?

Apologies for so many dumb questions.

[Gerard]

...And also, I find it laughable that people think going into retreat is easier than staying in society. If it were easy a lot more people would be doing retreat...

 

+1

 

Besides people find it even difficult to sit down and meditate daily IN SOCIETY.

 

I think some users are aiming way too high in here.

Edited August 24, 2010 by durkhrod chogori

[Guest paul walter]

I disagree.

 

 

I guess it's a matter of your ego against mine then

Edited August 24, 2010 by paul walter

[Guest paul walter]

Paul, I'm thinking maybe you need to move to a different neighborhood or something! The society you describe is almost unrecognizable to me. Sure, there is an economic component to the civil society in which I live but that's just a slice of the pie.

 

 

No,A Seeker I'm fine with the 'reality' I see all around me eveyday-as I've said before I'm certainly not middle class so don't 'see' things the way most others do (with self-interested/self-justifying blinkers on)on this forum. I'm glad you liked Cowtao's story about his dad--c'est moi! Say hello Mr Rogers for me if you see him

"She wore Bluuuuuue Velvet....."

Edited August 24, 2010 by paul walter

[Guest paul walter]

Thanks for sharing this about your father.

 

I know it is a trivial and minor point but what is "sweet black sesame custard" ... is it nice? Do people eat it?

 

 

Black sesame is one of the taoist foods of choice--if you grind it it becomes black tahini.

[Guest paul walter]

Those are some very good points:0

However, I still think the balance needs instilled...

Live in society and leave it when you need to, in order to recharge yourself.

Come back and do it again...

What do you think?

 

 

Well the issue of "balance" is mmore usually an issue of fear!. This society we are talking of is desperately out of balance, so what does one need top do in order to re-balance the scales? Why would someone wilingly come back to pollution, mental illness, cars, pressures of all kinds (most 'invisible') etc when there may be a chance of something 'better'? Just thoughts....

[C T]

Is everyone around him bearing his practice very well? Did he ask anyone whether they wanted to have the roles he left them when he decided to retreat? Was everyone expecting it because it's what you do after fulfilling the "obligations"?

 

Hello Kate..

 

We always had a sense that he was on a slightly different level as a person (quite eccentric really). For example, his wardrobe consists only of white pants and shirts - except for his (all black) socks, sandals and a few pairs of black business shoes. When asked why, he always gives the same answer.. "Saves making decisions in the mornings!" One thing's for sure, we never ever lose sight of him in a crowd!! hehe (Oh, forgot to mention his one grey suit, the one he wore at his wedding, also when getting his passport photo taken, and the one he wants to put on again when he leaves... making it a grand total of 3 occasions that he puts on a suit!!)

 

Yes, there was no conflict with regards to his very personal choice to withdraw from the world at that time. It was mentioned a few times over the years. And he was also quite an introverted individual anyway. As it drew nearer, we could see that his actions were in harmony with what he wanted to bring to realization, in that he made sure all the nitty gritty bits were gradually smoothed out and taken care of to allow for a seamless sort of transition. I was always the only outspoken (read rebellious - middle child syndrome?) one at home, and was not keen to learn the ins and outs of his business as i had absolutely no interest in that calling at all. Needless to say he was disappointed but did not really fuss over it too much. As for the bro, being the firstborn, he was groomed for it, which explains why he was persuaded after college to take up Cost/Management Accountancy as a kind of eventual springboard into stock-marketing. Tough world for steely minds, thats why i knew i would not be cut out for it. Too pliable inside.

 

 

@PW... :D

[Brian]

...

[Brian]

...

[Marblehead]

"She wore Bluuuuuue Velvet....."

 

First recorded by Tony Bennett in 1951 and then again in 1955 by the Clovers. Beautiful song covered by many artists.

 

Peace & Love!

[Marblehead]

(Banjo music, on the other hand, is concentrated in small mountain towns and, while I quite enjoy it, it has gotten a bad rap... )

 

Well, I love banjo music so don't be talking nasty about it. The banjo is originally an african instrument brought to the states by the slaves and was originally a rhythm instrument untill a forth string was added to it. My dad had a four-string banjo. He played really well when he wasn't drunk.

 

Peace & Love!

[Brian]

...

[Marblehead]

LOL! Well, I was trying to come up with something Kate might consider a negative so she wouldn't think I was fabricating. Personally, I love the banjo, especially claw hammer style. Steve Martin (the comedian/actor) is now playing his with the Steep Canyon Rangers! I haven't had the chance to catch them this tour but the Rangers have played in Black Mountain many times (mostly at a little bar downtown named "The Town Pump) so I'm hoping he'll return with them after the current national tour is over. He's a pretty decent picker!

 

Oh My Goodness!!! We might have to start a Bluegrass thread. Hehehe. Yes, I have heard Steve Martin play but it was a long time ago so the memories of his playing are gone.

 

You want claw hammer? Check out Larry Gillis. One of the best. Actually, J D Crowe is good too.

 

The tours get down my way starting in September. Yes, I have heard of the Steep Canyon Rangers. Listened to them on the net. I don't get any bluegrass on local radio here so I have to rely on the net.

 

I have a pretty good assortment of bluegrass in my music collection.

 

My favorite band right now is the James King Band. Too bad Longview broke up. I thought they were really great. I have all their recordings.

 

Peace & Love!