Correspondence with Edgar
<<From Edgar>>
Greetings Mr. Suzaki,
Your posts appear as a matter of odd timing. I've been thinking of killing my folder lately. It's not as much fun as I thought it would be. However, you certainly seem to be a curious character. I loved your favorite personal quote: So what? (Though I think it would be more effective without your parentheses.) I did some speed reading on your home page. Yup, you're quite the character. Tons of information & thoughts, but too bad you haven't mastered html. Shucks, I used to think I was a blabber-on writer. Fact is, you've got me beaten in every aspect. Though your English as a second language is an obvious handicap, still, you do come up with some curiously charming phrases. In particular, I like some of your chapter titles. They taste like algebraic poetry:
Introduction of X
Law of Entropy and X
H-Individual
H-Society
H-Universe
Flies Trapped in the Window.
Aligning X to Our Conscious Mind
Ability to Detect X
Catchball with X (God)
Expression of X,
Voice of X
Sensing X
As for the content of the chapters, sir, I must say that you certainly lead a complicated life. I'm tempted to say "interesting", but "curious" seems more appropriate. Moreover, your writing reminds me of Japanese Literature. I can't think of any other nationality that thinks the way you Japanese (males) do. Also, I hope you're not thinking of selling more books in the usual Japanese fashion--by committing suicide. (Shitsurei shimashita!)
As for a general comment on the larger body of your writings, I will say that remind me why I chose Zen rather than philosophy. Philosophy is complicated; Zen is simple.
>Your writing, thinking, acting or life style
may be contrasted with mine as well. In short, you seem to be in the
middle of life’s action, which in my case was one of the reasons to leave
Japan and to come to the U.S.
Congratulations on escaping the fate of spending your entire life as a Japanese "salaryman".
>Having said this way, you may say, I am on the second floor in that gray
matter, while you may be at the first floor.
Actually, I prefer to think of myself as residing in the basement. And how many floors are there in your construction anyway? The Zen answer--as correct as it is boring--is that there are no floors. (But there are lots of stories!) The exact words are: Mu ichi butsu.
==
>Still, something seems to be common (ground).
I think it's the fact that, in the mood, we can write forever, even write forever about nothing...and not be bothered if few respond. You seem more serious than me, however. Fact is, I can't even take myself seriously. I blame it on too much zazen. Zazen made me the idiot that I am today. For that, I am eternally grateful.
>I also have interest in Zen and have a club where only a few visits. If
you are interested, please check by visiting, http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/philosophylifemanagement.
I glanced but didn't read. My ISP is goddamned slow--especially after 11pm (telehodai rates)--so I don't browse much in Yahoo! Clubs. Your homepage was much easier to breeze through.
>As for you as a person, I have few questions if you care to answer:
- Why did you want to become an abbot in Zen temple in Japan?
Initially, I just became a monk--with absolutely no intention of becoming an abbot. I came to Japan immediately after graduating from high school. Why? Because when I was 14 years old, family tragedy struck...the classical case with most Zen monks. As a result of that tragedy, I became obsessed with "Why?" (You have your "So what? I had my "Why?") From the age of fourteen I began searching in the usual places: philosophy, religion, etc., reading everything I could get my hands on. (Don't ask me how I graduated from high school; I certainly didn't do any homework.) Yet, no answer. Finally, Zen caught my eye. No answers were given, yet, Zen writings seemed to indicate that some answer could be "obtained". I decided to give it a try. Of course, Zen training was hell--in so many ways I cannot describe--yet I decided to stick with it. Ultimately, it worked. All that zazen. Sheesh! I lost my "Why?" ages ago.
As for becoming a Zen abbot, well, that was almost an accident. Though I liked temple life, one can't exactly "hang around" in other people's temples forever. So, I had to get my own temple. Actually, I never wanted to be an official abbot--all that annoying social responsibly stuff. Manners, expensive robes, ceremonies, boring duties & obligations (on-giri, tatemae-honne, dankasan, danka mairi)...enough crap to flood the sewer system of a medium sized city! All I wanted, really, was to live in my own temple. The Japanese authorities wouldn't allow it to happen unless I became officially certified. So I got my jushoku shikaku, my abbot's license. After looking around , I eventually found a semi-isolated temple, a hermitage, that had been dead for 26 years. No temple members whatsoever. Lovely. And in the mountains, away from tiresome civility. Damned little protocol. Just right for a Zen brute like me. Know what the title on my business card is? "Manuke bozu." I certainly don't pass that around among Zen officials, but common folks get a good laugh out of it.
==
>- Having seen the nature of how these temples are organized, how do you
see yourself connected to that structure and how you might address the
problems as I sense there are?
Interestingly, my nickname in Japanese Zen circles is "Kurofune Osho." A foreboding title, for sure, and given because I'm the first foreign abbot in my sect in Japan. Personally, I feel well connected. Basically, I like Japanese people. I experience less prejudice than I had anticipated. Yet, I do sense plenty of "reservations"--even some fear--among many Japanese clergy. But as you say yourself, "So what?" I don't see myself revolutionizing the Zen system. Indeed, why bother? I would surely face fierce resistance if I tried. In any case, I see no benefit in trying to change things.
I do however, make a fair amount of speeches. In Japanese & in English. Moreover, just like any American, I say everything that is on my mind. Generally, foreign audiences like this, but Japanese audiences are easily shocked. I answer all questions & I don't hide much. I do try to be more subtle with Japanese listeners, but still I can feel they are embarrassed at times. (So what?) One comment I often hear from the Japanese is "Obosan rashikunai". (You don't act like a monk.) Half the time it's in a critical tone of voice, half the time they say it as high praise, grateful that I'm so open about everything. If the comment is made in a critical or skeptical tone, I reply : Nihon wa obosan rashii obosan mo ippai iru. Mo hitori iru kai na! (Japan is already full of people acting like monks. Why would you want another one?)
>- Where in Japan do you live?
I seldom reveal my location to anyone, let alone broadcast it online. Even when communicating with various forms of the Japanese media, I only do so under the condition that they not reveal my location. Though I enjoy occasional guests, I enjoy my solitude even more. And since I live in a temple, I don't have the liberty of locking my door when I feel like being alone. That said, ikoma-sanmyaku ni orimasu.
And thanks for the curious poem. I might like to comment on some lines at some other time, but as you know it's obon season in Japan now. I'll be spending the next few days assisting at my shisho's temple in another city. And you can bet I'll be sweating buckets in the heat. Though pretty, robes can be such a pain at times. I never really liked such ceremonies anyway.
Your pal in Hell,
Edgar Hell
<<From Me>>
Hell is Heaven, Heaven is Hell
You lost "why," "why" lost you
Thank you Edgar for refreshment from the basement! The passages crossing either between basement and second floor or across the Pacific Ocean over the net are already rewarded. ( I also wish Japanese hot summer is treating you well, too.)
But need to ask so what still. So, here is a catch ball back to you in the form of few questions from the gray matter (actually originated from X or Bussho). As you know this gray matter needs some connection with basement (or X).
> I lost my "Why?" ages ago.
When you lose "why" and live in the basement, away from philosophy and complicated thoughts, is it as-it-isness (nyo, jinenhoni)? And, everyday a good day (hyakujo)?
Is that the Way (Butsudo) in basement? Also, what kind of training do you do in the basement, if you do?
>Fact is, I can't even take myself seriously. I blame it on too much zazen. Zazen made me the idiot that I am today. For that, I am eternally grateful.
Is this the answer to the previous questions? Manuke Osshosan?
>Actually, I prefer to think of myself as residing in the basement. And how many floors are there in your construction anyway? The Zen answer--as correct as it is boring--is that there are no floors. (But there are lots of stories!) The exact words are: Mu ichi butsu.
If we see second floor represents conscious mind and basement unconscious mind, we see there are certain relationship between them. This relationship makes it such that there are certain things that can be done across and certain others that cannot be done (relating to Karma, or Go in Japanese for example in unconscious while discriminating thoughts in conscious mind) So, I see the floor(s) constructed as I am sure you see it. Then, Zazen and Koan exercise may be viewed as providing ways to develop certain structure or relationship so that the whole can develop a harmony. Or is this a wrong question to Manuke Osshosan?
I may be getting too much into this subject, perhaps. We can skip this discussion if cumbersome. Or, KAAATZ, or 30 hits of stick may do.
Yet, one of the reasons Zen is not understood is to jump to conclusion and not explain the process well as I see it. OK it is referred as, "Kyoge Betsuden, Furyu Monji" or cannot be described in words. But one reason I am writing about X, H-values, etc. as you found in my homepage and club is to explain the unexplainable thing in modern day language. (so that the process of struggle to go through may have some reference point in the process)
Any way, in my case, few resources that I often refer to are:
Mr. Nakayama is 84-85 years old, outside of Zen circle but has written many books on creativity and zen. One of which is called, "Dogen san no Anraku Seppo" (If interested, may be obtained from Business Design Institute, 052-972-6540.) I speak with him once every month or so over the phone.
Prof. Nara used to be the principal of Komazawa Univ. Occasionally, I see him when I am in Japan. He is often on TV.
Anyway, that is all for now. BTW, is there any material about your speech in Japanese or English that I can read?
Have fun, Kurofune Osho-san
<<From Me>>
Catchball with basement continued
Basement
If we see basement is unconsciousness, we should find that unconsciousness has its own programs in itself. Some are related to life saving, healing, etc. It is a magic and source of creativity. Others are related to past experiences and down deep logic of some kind that may be called Go or karma. One form of Go is imprint. When we are young, we learned from parents without knowing anything about it.
For example, I like nature. And this may be an imprint from my mother’s liking. My father was curious about many things, but also power oriented. I have some of these in me as well. So, down deep in me, before my conscious mind started to develop, I got these impressions as imprint to form my character. Just like certain bird after birth follows anything moving thinking it as mother, the imprint may have fairly significant impact in our personality.
I am sure there are other programming that has taken place perhaps later in life or even before my birth. These are also stored in unconsciousness. It is like mind habit helps addressing things autonomously without spending time as we may do in our conscious mind. May be it is in machine language if I were to use the computer jargon. It is fast, but hard to understand from outside. That is to say less check and balance is done. Some form of this is intuition, emotional response to certain input, basis of personal characteristics or likes and dislikes.
Second Floor
Contrasted to this is our conscious mind. It is logical (often in narrow sense). It uses words. It can be modified or newly created as need arises. So, this is like typical programming with Basic language. It is higher level language. It takes time to process in CPU, i.e., frontal lobe.
When we communicate for example, we use words. Words are bundled together to convey some meaning. The meaning was to add to the life’s process so that our life can be managed better by clarifying or following certain basic rules of life. Then, we found we can add more and more rules to make our life better, e.g., search food, avoid threats, use tools, etc.
So, in the second floor, there are lots of these tools to dissect things, make judgment, etc. If we use these tools well, we can make difference in how we live. We can eat more, relax more, live longer, avoid danger, etc. But if we do not use these tools well, we may become the slaves of these tools.
For example, we may be used by time, and all marketing programs may run our life by bringing more viagras, movies, clothes, books to read, places to go, things to do, etc. If we do not follow these trends, we may see us even not to fit to the society as well. (so what?!)
==
So What.
So, unconsciousness has unknown, mysterious characters that drive our life. And some of the programs there may not follow the Way in the eyes of human because of Go, imprint process, etc. On the other hand, consciousness may make us to become slaves of tools if we are not careful. In other words, one is nature, the other is artificial. And we have both elements coexisting within us.
So, the questions are:
- What can we do to use, delete, or improve these programs in basement and second floor run following the Way?
- If we are seen as product of the environment, who is the master to run our life? (Who run the programs?)
Actually, to answer these questions, I came up a phrase like catch ball with X, i.e., non ego experience. What it means is, to help find and follow the Way is like the process of listening to truth, the program of universe, Bussho, or X. Saying this differently, for Shomon, The Eight noble paths are ways to help getting on track as they represent good check and balance processes (This training may work more on the second floor). Or, Roku Haramitsu for Bosatsu (More on the basement)
Then, the master is the original self, cosmic consciousness, or X. So, second floor can try to run his life. Or, basement can try to run his life. But, ultimately, is it not the combination of these, following the Way, run by original self with wisdom and compassion? And when we realize that, we see that there are no floors even though there are floors. Or, depending on what programs we use and how, we may be running around from second floor to basement unless we are there at different floors at the same time.
Or, are you suggesting that basement is not unconsciousness but X itself? Somehow, I am not sure. 1) If basement is unconsciousness, you are in the Garden of Eden. Then, you are not human any more. (good for you) 2) If basement is X, how do you (X) reconcile with human elements?
Or the last possibility is: 3) If you are the master, you do as you (i.e., unconsciousness) wish and not go beyond the boundary (i.e., consciousness). (congratulations!)
Hopefully, we do not get trapped into the labyrinth of words and maintain "so what" to cut through them. (Yes, I keep that phrase.)
==
<<From Edgar>>
>> I lost my "Why?" ages ago.
>When you lose "why" and live in the basement, away from philosophy and complicated thoughts, is it as-it-isness (nyo, jinenhoni)? And, everyday a good day (hyakujo)?
I have no objection to your explanations. Yet, I can't say I've ever attempted to define the terms or conditions of my lifestyle. I see no need to.
>>Is that the Way (Butsudo) in basement? Also, what kind of training do you do in the basement, if you do?
Ultimately, all ways are Butsudo. We humans have a habit of defining Butsudo, the way, or God, within the bounds of our own personal imagination. A small mind believes in a small (minded) god. A narrow mind follows a narrow way. As for myself, I no longer consider anything I do "training". I don't train, I don't strive, I don't follow and I don't lead. Posted in the genkan (entrance) of my temple is the following:
----------
Daily Schedule
Get up when I want
Do what I want all day
Go to bed when I want
That's all.
-----------
>>If we see second floor represents conscious mind and basement unconscious mind, we see there are certain relationship between them. This relationship makes it such that there are certain things that can be done across and certain others that cannot be done (relating to Karma, or Go in Japanese for example in unconscious while discriminating thoughts in conscious mind) So, I see the floor(s) constructed as I am sure you see it. Then, Zazen and Koan exercise may be viewed as providing ways to develop certain structure or relationship so that the whole can develop a harmony. Any thoughts? Or is this a wrong question to Manuke Osshosan?
You certainly like to complicate things, Mr. Suzaki. Japanese Zen (priests) do not think of conscious or unconscious minds, nor do we think of psychology. Our primary concern is the awakened mind or the unawakened mind: All else is basically irrelevant. From this viewpoint, definitions, psychology, etc., have little value. When I said I reside in the basement, I meant it mostly as a joke: I like the image. Spiritually minded folks sometimes like to elevate themselves in different ways; I prefer to dig in the opposite direction.
>>I may be getting too much into this subject, perhaps. We can skip this discussion if cumbersome.
Or, KAAATZ, or 30 hits of stick may do.
By Zen standards, yes, you are painfully abstract. However, "So What?" I see no harm done. As for the KAAATZ, or 30 hits with the stick...that seems ineffective online.
Our human tendency is to sometimes over-abstract things. Example: In my temple I have created a classical style Zen garden (karasansui, sekitei). Lots of lovely gravel I rake into waves, and a few larger stones. Visitors like to associate the stones with other things. "Is that stone a lion?" "Do these rocks represent continents?" ...And my reply? Well, that stone is just a stone. These rocks are just rocks. (Designed in a way that pleases me.) However, if you wish to see lions or continents in them, go right ahead. (Yet, I confess, I sometimes wonder why people like to make the rocks represent other things.) When visitors go to Africa and see a lion, do they turn to their guide and say: "Does that lion represent a stone?"
I am familiar with the publication PHP, though I have not seen a copy for many years.
=
>>Anyway, that is all for now. BTW, is there any material about your speech in Japanese or English that I can read?
Sorry, I don't keep copies. You wouldn't find them interesting anyway. I just scribble down a few lines of topics I intend to speak about, then I stand up & speak from the gut. I am not a scholar & I never pretend to be. Besides, there are already many Buddhist scholars in Japan. Basically, I just tell my story, my view, my experiences. Most people just want to know about me personally--why I become a monk, why I became an abbot, what I think about Japanese Zen Buddhism...etc. Mostly the same questions, but inevitably different angles to the questions. I enjoy my speaking engagements very much. After my last 2 hour speech in Kobe, I sat down in a park with 6 people & spoke with them for another 3 hours. The questions are endless but I don't mind. Religion & philosophy can be enjoyable topics.
Your Rinzai boy in Hell,
Eddy
|
My Dear Mr. Suzaki, While your discussions regarding conscious / unconscious mind may be relevant in some schools of Buddhist thought, this does not hold true in the Zen sect. Ever read any psychology treatises written by a Zen master? I know I haven't. Zen has little interest in analyzing the surface of that which does not exist. The purpose of Zen is to puncture. Puncture both conscious & unconscious mind. Puncture H & X; puncture A to Z. Even the Buddha is given a flat tire, so that you may dismount his great vehicle and continue on foot. Not even God can outlive a sharp mind. In the end, even punctuation gets punctured. In short, nothing survives one good hour of zazen. In the words of Ikkyu: I'd like to offer something to help you But in the Zen school We don't have a single thing! Still playing in the basement, Edgarless Hell |
<<From Me>>
Edgarless Edgar, Hell in Heaven san:
Here are another catch to empty basement (Can you hear the sound of ball received in emptiness?)
BTW, I may be in Japan in the week of Oct. 4th as a part of my around-the-world business trip. It may be fun, if not exhaustive, to go over these points(?!) in person if we’ve got some time. Speaking about my seminar, I constantly ask "So what ?" to respond to the audience’s question among other horrible thing I do to get paid for the time I confuse them. My seminar is about organizational changes, empowerment (not exactly on enlightenment), continuous improvement, etc. If interested, please take a look at my books at Amazon.com by author search Suzaki.
Also, a little more of my background: After enough traveling and confusing the audiences in various countries, I reduced to work less than 50 days per year. I play Go on the net, do some fly-fishing, have American wife(!!) and ten-year-old son. But my main work is this "stuff" - to confuse more people(?!) by writing a book about it. Before I finish, I may confuse myself, or finish but nobody read it. It may be also very possible that I do not finish before my time is up, too. Whatever the case is, I say, "So what?"
Talking to the empty basement,
Perhaps I should listen more…
From a man undefined
To a man who lost definition
==
<<From Edgar>>
The wolf, masqurading as a sheep, attacks the fox!
The fox, masqurading as a monk, bats an eye.
Ah, Mr. Suzaki, you are turning out to be a challenging & fascinating poster. Three gassho for you! If only I had more time to keep up with you....
>>Here are another catch to empty basement (Can you hear the sound of ball
received in emptiness?)
Can you taste the sound of a ball thrown in a full void?
>>- As a Rinzai boy, and a Zen abbot, you should know Yako-zen (Field
Fox Zen). It addresses "Not to be blinded by the laws of cause and effect"
as opposed to "Not to fall into the laws of cause and effect." Is it possible
to hear how you take this Koan?
Thank you, but I won't "take" this koan. Generally speaking, I'm too lazy for koan analysis anymore. However, given a choice between "Not to be blinded by..." and "Not to fall into..." I choose "To blindly dive into...."
>>Is it possible if you can explain to me
how your practice of Zen is different from Yako-Zen? Your posting at
Genkan may be fine as it is. You also mentioned no training. Of course,
you do not train or strive to follow the Way if you just live in the
basement. I still sense something is missing as I questioned before.
If you sense something is missing it's probably because I frequently skip details. First, let's define Yako Zen. From Jap. Eng. Buddhist Dictionary, Daitoo Publishing:
"Wild-fox Zen. This refers to the zen of those who, without zazen training, pretend to be enlightened, and deceive others like a wild fox."
When I was younger, and in search of "Why?" I did plenty of training. One year of J. Zen monastery training, several years in various temples, etc.. I don't emphasize it because it interests me little now. Suffering contests (to gain respect)--about who endures the most pain during training--are unbelievably boring. Fact is, I easily win all such contests. So what? Sometimes I think it is nothing more than a testimony to stupidity--though it was a lovely challenge at the time. Every day a Mt. Everest. Shall I admit to being the first foreigner to graduate from an 800 year old Zen monastery? One year of 22 hour days--get up at 3 a.m., go to bed at 1 a.m.--no heat, no hot water, no privacy, no time off, no free time, no women, no change of diet, no change of pace, no fun, just zazen until your legs fall off.... Yako Zen? Bow wow!
And, Mr. Suzaki, do I really "pretend to be enlightened"? If so, please tell me where; it must me a misunderstanding. If anything, I generally insist upon my own *un*enlightenment. During one speech about three years ago, I explained--to a surprised audience--why I was *not* enlightened, and why I would *never* be enlightened. (Endarkenment, you see, is ever so much more fun!) For me, enlightenment just seems so dull & other-worldly... I say let others compete to be the most enlightened. Alone in my basement, I remain unchallenged in my competition for endarkenment.
Speak to me about Zen & I'll reward you with a yawn big enough to park your car in.
Speak to me about enlightenment & I'll offer you an entire garage.
If you seek Yako Zen, Mr. Suzaki, please look in the other clubs in this forum.
==
As for my statement that I no longer do any (Zen) training...this is true. However, I do lots of "work" around my temple, and other temples as well. Some priests refer to this as "samu", work training. Well, okay. But I no longer think of it as "work" or "training". Instead, I think of it as "play". I sometimes refer to my temple as a Zen Playhouse. Whether it's "work" or "play" seems to be a matter of opinion. Let's just say that I fool around alot with my Zen toys: broken shovels, dented buckets, rusty hoes, bamboo rakes & bamboo brooms....
>>- In my club, I recently posted essays on "enlightenment." Yes, what a
title and so many words there! I mentioned there that there is no perfect
person and that there is no enlightenment if there is no illusion, etc. In
other words, if you are awaken all the time, you will not know if you are
awaken or not. When you say that you are still playing in the basement,
how do you know that you are in the basement? In any case, if you can
comment to the post tied with your personal experiences, I would very
much appreciate it.
For you, Mr. Suzaki, I will attempt to read your essays. Give me time, please. Believe me, it's hard enough keeping up with you in this club alone! ;)
>>- Also related to this point, and your comments on "defying description,"
I have wondered about that phrase. I may have understood a bit more
now after few catch balls. In any case, if there are lots of jokes and if I
don’t get them, that is too bad. Rinzai approach is more intuitive and
perhaps I am too slow. But, so what? I read the Ikkyu’s quote, but can
you then explain to me why there are so many sutras, so many sermons of
Buddha, volumes of Shobo-Genzo, Works of Daisetz Suzuki? There is
nothing wrong about description, as you say no harm. Is that all?
All great art (including "religious" writing) defies description--by creating something new...something worth looking at or reading. Daisetsu Suzuki created nothing new, but he did introduce something new (to the West.) Ikkyu, Dogen, the Buddha, on the other hand, were all genuine creators. Though my intention in this club was intentionally extremely lofty, I did it because the other forums, to me at least, mostly offered second hand versions of yesterday's news. For me, such dharma talk is death by a thousand yawns. I'd much rather bore myself to death in my own club. A glorious failure excels.
Ikkyu's simple poem can be interpreted in various ways. I prefer Ikkyu's interpretation. Can you tell me what that is?
>>- With regard to the discussion on uncons. and consciousness, psychology,
etc., Daisetz Suzuki from Rinzai School addresses these points. Dogen as
well, e.g., Uji in Shobo-Genzo. Koan and Zazen address these points, e.g.,
Yakusan Hishiryo Koan on "Be conscious about unconscious, or Hishiryo,
i.e., non-conscious." In fact, the way I see it is that everything in Zen
relates to studying self, mind, Butsudo, and therefore these subjects. Why
do they discuss? Because an aim of Zen is Chigyo-Goitsu, or knowledge
and act in one as I see it. Perhaps, no need for Yako-Zen?
Ah, you are much better read than I am. Except for two books purchased recently--Ikkyu's poetry & Hakuin's autobiography--I have been unable to read any Zen books during the last twenty years. I found them all quite unbearable. Zen romance. Zen Philosophy. Zen pornography. Daisetsu Suzuki, as I recall, reads like an encyclopedia. That he discussed psychology is not surprising to me, considering that he mostly addressed American audiences. As for your other examples...I believe you & I are suffering from yet another J/E language problem. Traditional Zen texts & koans do not analyze consciousness & unconsciousness the same way Western psychology does. While you correctly point out *an aim* of Zen (Chigyo-goitsu), I hasten to add that *the aim* of Zen
>>- Having said that, we may be still talking about the same thing. Me from
second floor and you from basement. That is why the "passages" appear
to be interesting. You are trained in Japan originally from the U.S. in the
way that ejects the very point of dualism. I, originally from Japan, had
engineering and business training in Japan and in the U.S. to run the
world with intellect (more or less). You appear to have made a major
shift to the world of oneness, dropping everything, Mu Ichi Butsu,
whereas my path is spiral (Butsu butsu..).
Nice paragraph. And Christ! you're an engineer! (Okay, only in education.) Sheesh! No wonder you're such a mechanical Buddhist! ;) I'd say I'm at the opposite spectrum of the philosophical rainbow. I like to fart around with words, thoughts, concepts; whereas you seem to prefer building structures (sometimes with other people's minds.) Okay, I used to do that too. But then I started doing zazen for 15 hours a day--for months at a time. None of my structures could withstand such zazen. It's the ultimate eraser. Want to pass the first Zen koan? Show the master your empty slate. Be prepared to explain.
>>BTW, I may be in Japan in the week of Oct. 4th as a part of my
around-the-world business trip. It may be fun, if not exhaustive, to go
over these points(?!) in person if we’ve got some time.
I expect it would be goddamn fun to meet you. What Japanese cities will you be in?
>>Also, a little more of my background: After enough traveling and
confusing the audiences in various countries, I reduced to work less than
50 days per year.
"Life is short. Better to do nothing at all." So you've got it down to 50 days a year? Clever boy. And I used to think I had the working world beaten. Shucks, now I find a fellow who accomplishes less than I do. I'm jealous.
>>I play Go on the net, do some fly-fishing, have
American wife(!!)
An American wife!? Now I'm no longer jealous. Has she trained you yet? And as for the fly fishing, be honest. Which would you rather do? Spend a good day fly fishing--breaking Buddhist precepts in the process--or listen to a dharma talk by a famous master?
>> Talking to the empty basement,
Perhaps I should listen more…
From a man undefined
To a man who lost definition <<
The empty basement can talk for hours
never minding what he says, nor who is listening.
"Pass the shovel, please."
So that I may dig some more.
Illusively yours,
Edgar Coyote
======
<<From Me>>
Two Dreams
I had two dreams last night. The first one was about the painting of Van Gogh. It is about the farmer cutting what appear to be weeds with long farmer’s knife with a sunny bright sky in the back. Typical Gogh, the color was fresh and brush stroke was strong. The sky had twirling touch perhaps representing hot air, clouds and sun.
The impression was vivid. In fact, I could see this farmer cutting the weeds in strokes. The weeds got cut down in a sharp, smooth swing of the knife, one pile at a time. I could hear the sharp "zaap," "zaap" sound as the knife cut through the weeds. I could smell the grass. Later, I saw Daisetz Suzuki showed up in the dream, studying this paint. It appeared that he was studying this painting right before his death. Or it may have been after his death as I saw his coffin there.
After I woke up, I reflected on this dream as this dream puzzled me. Anyway, I thought the dream was about here and now. Living in each moment. And the cutting weeds with sharp swing of farmer’s knife represented the cutting of Bonno, i.e., illusion.
The next dream was more about the life’s chores. It took some time to remember this dream compared to the first one. Anyway, I was in a trip, ready to catch a plane. Then, the plane schedule changed and I was on the way to go to the new gate. I did not check the new ticket carefully and when I noticed, the ticket was issued with the wrong destination. Also, I noticed that it was on TWA instead of my usual United Air.
By the time I noticed, several luggage was to go with this wrong flight, others were in the train, and I was to find someone to coordinate all so that I can change the ticket while all luggage were to go with me to the right destination. So, I had to make phone calls, stop the train, and search luggage, etc. resulting in some confusion.
Long story, but what I took out of this dream is, do not get bothered with luggage (details, peripherals of life) but make sure the destination is right.
Yes, just dreams. Yet, all together, the message may be to focus on task at hand, here and now while we need to cut the peripherals in life with sharp farmer’s knife, throwing unnecessary luggage, Bonno, along the way.
Usually, I view dream is something to do with one’s problem consciousness, trying to resolve it unconsciously while asleep. Here are few triggers that generated these dreams, I thought. 1) I lost a large sum of money in stock market the day before. 2) I have been thinking of discussion with Eddy on conscious mind.
Reflecting on these dreams now, I may be closer to live in the basement. $ lost makes my luggage lighter, while the orientation toward Butsudo may take away the unnecessary support structure to my second floor.
By the way, here are points I was writing about the "state" and Butsudo.
State where all judgment is gone
State where you do not exist, you let go of your self
State where nothing exist
State where you are the Master and not the slave of anything
State when you are tired, then sleep, hungry, then eat
State where you become one with the laws of universe
State where you simply die when dying and meet disaster when meeting disaster
State where you become so humble that you do not realize you are humble
Stare where words lost meaning, nothing but reality exists then and there
State where you are rested, because there is no "you" and there is nothing to be rested
State where human emotion is gone
State where nothing matters
That is the state, nirvarna, as-it-isness
Then, there is the Way, Butsudo. So, is it not to keep walking the Butsudo, when you find yourself in illusion, or state of Bonno by "cutting the weeds" to get back to the State?
Eddy, you shared with me the following:
I'd like to offer something to help you
But in the Zen school
We don't have a single thing!
---Ikkyu
How about this one?
Eaten breakfast?
Then, wash dishes.
---Joshu
==
Well, after a little rest, here are few balls back to Eddy-the empty basement. There are few ping pong balls this time. But I am into the straight ball with my eyes open especially because there may be deceiving Coyotes around. I will do this from the bottom of your post backward.
>"Pass the shovel, please."
So that I may dig some more.
A monk was out and came back to the master by saying he can not go home because it was pitch dark out. A master brought a lantern to him. Right when the monk was to receive it, the master blew off the candle leaving the monk in the dark. At that moment, the monk got enlightenment. So, Eddy sama, find your shovel, please. You already have it.
>An American wife!? Now I'm no longer jealous. Has she trained you yet? And as for the fly fishing, be honest. Which would you rather do? Spend a good day fly fishing--breaking Buddhist precepts in the process--or listen to a dharma talk by a famous master?
My wife? You hit the nail while she hits nails all over me everyday. Actually, it is like getting Koan every few minutes if she is around, if not more Samu’s please! Hope you have a chance to meet her because no words can explain how she "trains" me unless you witness it. Further, my 10 year-old son has gotten enough training from us that he behaves like Manuke Kid. I now see the results of many "So what?" questions I asked to him, finally coming back to me. Then, you may find most appropriate person to use the words like "Compassion," and "Jigo Jitoku."
As for the choice question, the answer is, "Yes." I may be flexible as I have been with my wife for 15+ years! One cannot live by bread alone. I need hell in heaven, and heaven in hell.
>50 days or less of work: "accomplish"… "jealous"….
Those are not the words used in basement, I thought….Hmm.
>To Japan
Mainly in Tokyo area. But can be anywhere (almost).
>About my engineering background
Yes, and I did work at Toshiba for 10 years in Nuclear Power Division, doing computer simulation, safety analysis, etc. I was at GE in San Jose, too as an engineering liaison for Toshiba. Visited Three Mile Island after the accident, attended seminars, etc. After Toshiba sent me to Stanford for MBA, as a very rare case in the company, I quit, again a very rare case as I did not want to become even the president of Toshiba, especially in that bureaucratic mess.
Just before I quit, I remember watching a gold fish in a vase in the temple near the company, feeling like I was a goldfish in a vase(structure) wanting to break the vase and explore the world – which I did until recently. Then, I am exploring inner universe right now! (You see, I may not like structure. But at the same time, if we do not have structure at all, it is when law of entropy prevails. Life in a way is a process of developing "certain" structure while expressing the potential that challenges the useless structure.)
Then, I worked for strategy consulting firm, named Boston Consulting Group before coming to the U.S. some 15 years ago when I started to work as management consultant on continuous improvement. So, altogether, I am in the U.S. for 20 years out of 51 years of my life. Many say, I am not Japanese any more. I feel I do not belong anywhere. Few said, I am "U-chujin" (a man from outer space). I took it as compliment.
>About Koan, "Show the master your empty slate."
Sounds like a Koan on "Muji." (letter of nothingness, Mu) For now, I would just say, "Go visit the basement."
Let me share here a bit of my Zen training, or lack of that. BTW, I was surprised to hear that you did not seem to have done many Koans, especially in Rinzai Sect. Anyway, in may case, the last brief experience was with Maezumi Roshi in Los Angeles, introduced by Prof. Nara. He passed away about 5 years ago, and I had only a year of "knowing" him until then. He has been trained by Rinzai and Soto. I believe he got Inka from both sects and started Zen Center Los Angeles for Soto.
With him, I was not asked to do Zazen but had sort of "Sanzen" to his room with Koan, "Byo-Jo-Zedo" (Everyday mind is the Way), the one I chose. I did not pass this Koan before his death. And it was pity that I lost connection. But in this period, we discussed various things as he always invited me to stay and had chat or had lunch together. So, it was arranged loosely for me. In any case, after my encounters with him, Prof. Nara (he also has temple of his own) and few others, I developed some idea about the people in Zen circle.
Even though the exposure is limited, my gut feel is that I am not sure if I would trust my time with anyone unless I feel confident about that person. I would certainly check this person’s behavior to see if it represents Zen by asking "So what" in my mind. And, if I cannot see the fit, I have to study/practice by my own. (There is a Koan, "Even if there is Zen, there is no master." Meaning, you have to find your own. Also, there is a quote from Suttanipata posted in my club titled "Walk like a horn of rhino" to address this point)
In short, I have gotten a little idea about Zen in Zen circle. I would like to find a person sometime to relate to further, but so far, there seem no opportunity. (Actually, since I have some possibility to meet Mr.Itabashi, the head or Kancho of Soto Sect, I might try to see if this can happen this October.) As you mentioned, Zen literature in Japan "may" also indicate lack of Zen as well. If you know of anyone for me to meet, I would certainly appreciate that.
Mr. Nakayama is another person to be mentioned, but I will come back on this some other time. The ones I trust are: Certain Sutras, Dogen, Nakayama, and Daisetz. I like Daisetz in Iwanami Zensho Series of 30+ books. Especially, the ones addressed to Japanese audiences recorded from his lectures, and his work on Myoko-nin, and Bankei, I found interesting. (There is also a book called Suzuki Daisetz ni manabu Zen no chie, Jinsei no chie, by Takeshi Shimura by chiteki ikikata bunko – which I’ve read 10 + times.)
>While you correctly point out *an aim* of Zen (Chigyo-goitsu), I hasten to add that *the aim* of Zen
I put *an* for a reason especially respecting the one who lives in the basement. Chi represents consciousness (enough of this! But, so what!), so if you live in basement and stay away from description and intellect, which, btw, I sort of respect and feel attracted, you do not link up with "Chi." So this is the very fundamental point of the discussion we had, the point I raised from the beginning of our encounter.
Discussion on Yako Zen ties to this point. The way I understand Yako Zen is that, even though a person may be enlightened and lives in basement, he cannot prove because he is like wild fox. (Hyakujo Yako Koan) As the words, "Shitsu u Bussho" (everything has Buddha nature) indicates, fox has Bussho as much as stones and some pounds of flux or trees. The question, then, is "So what?"
So, I put "an" instead of "the." If there is "the," then, I see basement and second floor are connected – with "certain" principle that follow the laws of nature, therefore not Yako Zen. And this is what I want to see ultimately. Koan of Joshu on cleaning dishes is related to this point. Discussion on Daisetz is tied to this point as I will explain below. Anyway, to put "the" there, I see a need for endless Shugyo, the training. And this is the reason I asked if you do the training at the basement before.
Another Zen saying here is, "Both Buddha and Daruma are still in training." Dogen says something similar. Yet, another way to say may be, we go down to the basement first to find out that there is nothing there. Then, we come back to the first and second floor to do more training and to be able to connect to the world, again. So, this then represents hell in heaven and heaven in hell.
In "ten cow herding pictures" (Ju-gyu-no zu), this represents the last one where Hotei san comes back to the world smiling with dirty sack with bliss-bestowing hands. Bosatsu, then, is the one who can be enlightened and be on the other side of the river (Higan), yet not choose to do so and stay with people. When Yuima (from Yuima Sutra) says, "Shujo yamu, yueni ware yamu." (Because people suffer, I suffer.) That then represents "Compassion" (Jihi), the foundation of Mahayana Buddhism and Bosatsu as a Way.
And that perhaps is different state compared to the oneness in the basement (which I feel more tied to Telavada or small vehicle.) I realize these descriptions may bring boredom to you. And I may even prefer to talk about puncturing H and X, etc. Yet, also tied with Jodo Shin Shu/Myokonin, I sense very fundamental issues of Butsudo that may need to be explored along this line. (Actually, three vehicles may have been developed because of the fact that these issues depend on people’s preferences coming from different upbringings, imprint process while young.)
I like Ikkyu. But, I may guess that if there is difference between Ikkyu and Daisetz, this may be the point. You may have read some books of Daisetz. I read his books early on. Then, I learned the impression of Daisetz written by other people before I went back to read more of his work. Yes, there are books that are somewhat boring especially when he tried to "describe" something for the sake of doing it, i.e., inform to the West and help people "understand" about Zen Buddhism. But I saw there was much more to it.
In one of his speech, for example, he said something like; "People say that I tend to give the same story. But even if it is the same story, it is new every time. So, listen to the story that way." What a comment I thought! You say you can write forever about nothing even if nobody listens. As you noticed from my home page, etc., I also sense the energy when I(?) try to deliver something – even if nobody listens. Daisetz had that for sure and did what he did throughout his life. It sure is one man’s life with certain mission. And, if I say this way Eddy san, the same kind of energy is coming out when I communicate with you.
I tend to think Daisetz had "so what" attitude in his own way – except that it may be coming from the deeper place than that of mine. Probably, more holistic too, as he mentions he is fond of the quote, "Those who knows all, forgives all." Then, he expressed that core of "so what" in his way he could. BTW, how deeper or how well to express is not so much of importance. The first thing I sense is to relate to "that" stuff, the source of energy. With "that" identified, finding shovel or hand or anything to dig deeper may follow without much difficulty.
If Daisetz, Ikkyu, Eddy, Kio Suzaki or any body could use up all till the last ounce of wisdom or compassion left in life according to Butsudo, that sounds OK to me. In fact, I remember Daisetz used the word "Makoto" or sincerity to be able to reach that deep sense, the driving force. Well, there were more Butsu Butsu, (mumbling) here, I realize. Yet, having written thus far, I see that Zazen, KAAATZ or 30 sticks may be seen as a form of big "So what!" to get that "Makoto" springing out of us.
>Ikkyu's simple poem can be interpreted in various ways. I prefer Ikkyu's interpretation. Can you tell me what that is?
Ask Ikkyu.
>All great art (including "religious" writing) defies description--by creating something new.
In your spare time, you might read the post titled "Picasso" in my club (also included somewhere in my home page if you can find it…
>Give me time, please.
Take your time Eddy. The truth will not run away.
BTW I will send you my updated work of my home page with contents in "word" format if you leave your e-mail address at my yahoo mail.
Well, I think I covered enough.
Every time we throw a ball,
it comes back directly at us
– even if there is no receiver on the other end
So, aim it right,
then we may find us on the Way.
<<From Edgar>>
In response to your dream, Mr. Suzaki, I'll share a dream I created a few years ago. In this context, I think I'll title it "Yako English Teacher." I published it in a Japanese magazine under the pen name Billy Hell. For obvious reasons, I always hide my identity.
So I was walking through the park the other day, minding my own business as usual when--out of the blue--came a baritone voice from Hell.
Billy! Billy ja nai ka!
I recognized that voice immediately.
Otosan? I blurted.
Soo da, soo da! Hisashiburi da ne!
Hisashiburi indeed, I thought. I hadn't seen pa since he'd run out on the family some twenty years ago. And now, suddenly, there he was sitting on a park bench--looking none too prosperous either.
After an awkward moment I regained my senses and sat next to him. Not so much out of affection, mind you, but more out of fear that a long lost hug might soil my favorite Aoyama suit.
"Okasan wa?" He inquired dryly, with a sheepish grin on his face.
"Genki desu," I replied. "She hasn't aged a day since you left. Fact is, I'm now older than she is. I can't tell you how much this complicates things down at the ward office."
"And you, Billy," he said--quickly changing the subject--"I see you've become a gaijin.. Nan de?"
"I got tired of being Japanese," I said. All that overtime & low wages, the endless social responsibilities...it was a dull life. As a gaijin I work less, get paid more, and half the time people aren't even surprised when I act like a jerk."
"Naruhodo," he said, lighting up a fresh cigarette butt, the filter kissed with rouge. "So what exactly do you do for a living nowadays?"
Funny you should ask after twenty years, I thought to myself. Oh, well, just as well make the old cur proud of me. "I work in an international corporation," I gloated, warming up to the challenge. "On a daily basis, I manage several task forces of up to thirty people. In a multinational, multilingual environment, I alone am in charge of leading entire groups of eager men and women towards common goals which I alone establish, maintain and lead to fruition. Goals that we routinely achieve with immense personal satisfaction and growth. All of this is done with maximum returns on investment, low overhead and high company profits. And I am a popular guy. People like me."
"Soo ka," he said. "You mean you're an English teacher?"
That hurt my feelings. I ignored his impertinence.
"And I have a master's degree in my field--from a famous university in the United States of America."
"Soo ka," he said. "You mean you're an English teacher?"
I took a deep breath and straightened my necktie. "Furthermore, aside from the deep personal satisfaction I achieve from my profession, I am also amply remunerated for my devoted service. I have a modest penthouse on the 17th floor of the Osaka Ekimae Dai 6 Bldg. Every night after work I come home, pop a beer, and watch the sunset from a lawn chair on my balcony while listening to the Hanshin Tiger game on my stereo. Life couldn't be better."
"Honto," he countered. "You mean you live in a plush one and a half mat room somewhere off the Loop Line. Your apartment is so small that you can cook dinner, eat, and wash dishes in the kitchen sink without ever once leaving your seat on the toilet. Your futon serves as your bed, your couch, and your carpet. You have no balcony, perhaps you don't even have a window. The sunset you watch every night after work is probably nothing more than a postcard you have pinned on a wall.
Admittedly, though I entertained an advanced degree of imagination, my dear old dad, I now surmised, had somehow acquired a Ph.D. in reality. It was time for me to back up a bit. I solicited a cigarette. He produced a handful from his pocket. Preferring to share my lips with women, I selected the butt with blue lipstick scars on the filter. Otosan chose one at random and we fired up a round of cancer roulette.
"OK, pa," I conceded, loosening my tie. "It's not all that good, nor is it all that bad. It was tough being a gaijin at first; I felt as if I had fallen between two stools--neither of which would support me anymore. After a while, I got used to it. Later, I began to prefer it. Granted, the view is perhaps better from a stool, but you are not allowed to leave a stool. Down here on the ground, encumbered by neither future nor past, I am free to wander about this flesh garden as I please.
"Furthermore, to be honest, I don't even know if I have a balcony. Nor do I recall any pictures on my walls. Instead, I have a Mayumi who comes over on weekends. We turn on my TV and watch tropical island sunsets on Channel Zero. Stretched out on my futon, the waves splash right up to our feet. Seagulls fly overhead, sand covers my tatami and we bathe in the warm glow of the setting sun. Invariably, we wade in for some skin surfing. And at the end of it all, drenched and exhausted, we collapse into each other's arms and drift into sleep....
"Ii, ne," otosan said. "What was her name again?"
"Mayumi," I replied. "I just call her My-chan. We're getting married soon. I'm going to make her My Hell."
"Yes," he said, "that's usually how it ends up."
>>Actually, I was laughing here and there as I quickly read your last few posts. Anyway, I will
read them again later. But just wanted to say to you and me, "Have a Rest" when we need rest.
BTW, please call me Kio (for Kiyoshi), Eddy sama.<<
Well, Kio-sama, I was sincerely looking forward to that rest you offerred...then you hit me with 4 more interesting pages! ...Not to mention comments you requested regarding your Enlightenment series in your own club! Holy Cow, Kio! Don't you ever sleep! So now I'm about 10 pages behind you. Sorry. Please keep in mind that I have other things keeping me busy: my temple, the temple next door, a few girlfriends...all need frequent "servicing". Moreover, my ISP is annoyingly slow: frequently less than 1k per second, damn it! But when my subscribtion runs out next month, I'll try another provider. (So if I disappear for a week...)
But even with my slow ISP, I finally found you on Amazon.com. So, you are indeed a famous writer! Surprise Surprise. A genuine management guru! I'm impressed. It might be interesting to read your books, but I'm wondering if I really need to learn about improved production techniques. Got any chapters on "Weed Control"? How about "Improved Sweeping Techniques with Bamboo Brooms"? Believe it or not, in spite of my resolutely unproductive lifestyle, my favorite magazine has always been The Economist. Very Zen writing, that.
From your Amazon.com book review:
"As a consultant, Kiyoshi Suzaki has helped scores of Fortune 500 clients
improve manufacturing operations and get the job done faster, cheaper,
better, and safer."
Very impressive. However, my low ranking temple is literally among the Mis-Fortune 500. (In the temple ranking system of 1.0 to 8.9, my temple is ranked 8.4!) It was abandonned for 26 years--a total mess--before I moved in. A Zen garbage can. A Buddhist jungle. It took me nearly two years, sun up to sun down, working mostly on my own, to basically clean the place up. What could your books possibly have to offer me: I'm the poorest abbot I know! I have no danka-san, temple supporters. (I chase potential supporters away, prefering silent poverty over the commotion of wealth.) And I rarely leave the basement...unless it is to investigate the persistant stompings of someone like you upstairs. Bang! Bang!
And am I really supposed to call you, a famous (eiraisan) 51 year old Japanese man "Kio"? Hard to imagine, perhaps because I've been in Japan so long. But perhaps you really have adapted to casual American ways.
So I finally managed to glance at your essay on Enlightenment. Written like a true Buddhist engineer! Very detailed & analytical. Not bad. I've always preferred Japanese Buddhist explanations over Western ones. J. Buddhism is less romantic, less soggy. Still, you make so much effort! I myself am far too lazy. Consequently, when it comes to describing enlightenment, I prefer the direct approach of Zen:
Stones fly up into the air
A fire burns under water.
With such a description, there is no place for a fox to feed.
>>Well, after a little rest, here are few balls back to Eddy-the empty basement. There are few ping pong balls this time.
A little rest!!? What, 5 minutes worth! A few ping pong balls!!? More like a few thousand!
I spent most of the day thinking about, and trying not to think about, your latest 4 pages. Did some weeding...and after I was done, your messages were still on my hard drive. So I decided to prune my goya matsu. ...That didn't work either; when I was done, your messages were still on my hard drive! Sheesh! I open the door of my basement & before I know it I'm up to my neck in ping pong balls. Where do I begin?
How about the basement? It seems we are using various definitions for basement. Perhaps it will help if I clarify my definition. Until about 2 months ago, I sometimes posted messages in a folder called Enlightenment. It was the most popular folder in this Buddhism category, with up to 1000 page views per day. That interesting folder no longer exists because one of the co-founders, Flixworld, was a master surgeon; he employed merciless logic on many posters--reducing most comments to nothing (just like a Zen master does in dokusan)...so much so that the other co-founder, Nutmeggie, and her faction, deleted the entire folder. Boom! It was gone. Anyway, when I posted there, I used to sign-off with "Your Misleader," or "Your man in the basement". My folder, you see, was always at the very bottom of the category because Zen Hell begins with Z. I did that intentionally--to avoid becoming a popular club with too much traffic. If I had wanted lots of exposure, I would have called my club AAA Zen Hell.
If I continue using references to my basement it's because I continue to like the image. I don't use it to distinguish between consciousness & unconsciousness. Perhaps it's partly due to my absorption of Japanese modesty; you know, continually understate one's self-worth. But what I once used in jest, I now use--with you--in earnest. I like my basement lifestyle: the Zen boy who won't come out of the dark. A few posts ago, you asked me how I knew I was still in the basement. (Probably referring to the unity of unconsciousness.) Well, (not referring to the unity of unconsciousness) I now reply that I know I'm in the basement because I seldom travel upstairs to see what all the commotion is about. I rarely read Zen books (one book every 10 years.) I no long bother with koans. I seldom bother my head with "meaning". I don't give a hoot about satori. I don't "train". Etc. Etc. Instead, I willfully remain in the depths. The depths of stupid simplicity. Of ignorantly weeding my garden. Of chasing my female pleasures here & there... (Another gem from Ikkyu:)
With a young beauty, sporting in deep love play;
We sit in the pavilion, a pleasure girl and this Zen monk.
Enraptured by hugs and kisses,
I certainly don't feel as if I am burning in hell.
But now back to your latest ping pong posts...
>>My wife? You hit the nail while she hits nails all over me everyday. Actually, it is like getting Koan every few minutes if she is around, if not more Samu’s please! Hope you have a chance to meet her because no words can explain how she "trains" me unless you witness it.
Probably she's a fine woman, yet there's no reason for me to witness her training techniques. I know all about it. Categorically speaking, most native English speaking Caucasian wives think it perfectly normal to train their husbands. Merely to mention that they do so will inevitably bring offended howls of indignant protest. Even culturally brainwashed white husbands accept this as normal. (What a stupid culture!) And as you know, in Asia, it's the same story with the roles reversed. Males are expected to train their female spouses. The key to my popularity here in Asia (as it is with most white men) is that I have no intention of ever "training" my darlings to do anything.
>>To Japan
>Mainly in Tokyo area. But can be anywhere (almost).
That's too bad! My next speech with be in Osaka on October 2nd, just before you arrive? That one is sponsored by Yomiuri Shimbun. After that, I'll be speaking in Nara on November 3rd. If you can make it to either, please come. But please--no booing! The title for the first speech is being advertised as "Obosan to hanasoo." With that premise, I won't be making any preparations. As usual, however, I will be speaking from the basement. By that I mean that I'll probably begin in the usual way: "First, I want to make a few things perfectly clear. I am not a scholar, nor am I a Zen master. I'm not a Zen specialist, not a Buddhist specialist, not an eiraisan...." After that, I proceed to turn off all the lights, one by one. Pop pop. Bang bang. Boom boom. I still find it hard to believe that I am a popular speaker, with return engagements frequently requested. Maybe it's just because, as people often say, I look so cool in my robes. Deceptive advertizing? One of these days--when my reputation is firmly established (and it's too late to excommunicate me) I'm going to give one of my speeches dressed up in pajamas. Pajamas? Yup! I figure that any good Zen speech could be--should be--done without the benefit of props. Life in the basement.
>>BTW, I was surprised to hear that you did not seem to have done many Koans, especially in Rinzai Sect.
Two reasons for this. First, because for real Zen monks, unsui, Zen masters expect perfection in koan training. That takes time. On the other hand, for Zen laymen, Zen masters frequently make it easier by skipping the first koan altogether. Masters tend to treat laymen as guests, kyakusan...giving them interesting problems to play with in their free time.
The second reason is this. I bailed out of Zen monastic training after merely an empty handful of koans. One year of training may not sound like much, but believe me, every day seemed like 10 years! To this day, no other foreigner has challenged the monastery I graduated from. My purpose in Zen training was to solve "Why?" With that bit of nonsense successfully extracted, my purpose was complete. After that....(may I borrow some of your words?)..."Just before I quit, I remember watching a gold fish in a vase in the temple, feeling like I was a goldfish in a vase (structure) wanting to break the vase and explore the world."
Believe it or not, the lives of high ranking Zen priests are not so different from the lives of high ranking corporate executives. Personally, I pity Zen masters. (Ikkyu once ripped up his inka shomei, certificate of enlightenment, in a fit of rage.) Trapped at the top of pyramids, they must dedicate themselves to the narrow path of Zen orthodoxy. Is this really any different from marketing Widgets? Either way, no thank you. Again, from Ikkyu:
Ten days in this temple and my mind is reeling!
Between my legs the red thread stretches and stretches.
If you come some other day and ask for me,
Better look in a fish stall, a sake shop, or a brothel.
(My apologies for quoting Ikkyu so much. The only other Zen book I have is Hakuin's autobiography. That book collects dust on my bookshelf. What a dynamic bore Hakuin was! Eighteen satoris and the man was still afraid of falling into hell. What a talented moron! Ikkyu, on the other hand, was always itching to park his dick in some fresh maiden. What a rascal!)
And speaking of Zen pyramids....
>>I have some possibility to meet Mr.Itabashi, the head or Kancho of Soto Sect, I might try to see if this can happen this October.
If you should meet the great Itabashi Osho, please send him the following greetings (from Kurofune Osho): "Bow Wow!"
>>Another Zen saying here is, "Both Buddha and Daruma are still in training." Dogen says something similar.
Hakuin, also, certainly said a lot of things like that. Yet, Blake (?) says: "God is in heaven, and all is right with the world." And R.H. Blythe says: "The boat does not lead to the other shore; the boat *is* the other shore." ...To which ir-Reverend Black Ship, a.k.a. Kurofune Osho, might add: "Boat? What boat? Shore? What shore?"
>>And, if I say this way Eddy san, the same kind of energy is coming out when I communicate with you.
Gassho!
>>>Give me time, please.
>Take your time Eddy. The truth will not run away.
No, but I might run away from the truth.
Without so much as a candle to blow out,
Edgar Hell.
==
<<From Me>>
Refletion and Passages Ahead
From the first post on Passages(?!), to the most recent posts, I felt we have covered some critical areas of concern - earnestly. Few things may be left in your brain’s hard drive (or erased by now??), and the same is certainly true for mine (not erased). Following my "So what" and "Let go" of "So what," my original "Self" is working its way now. I can only have faith and trust in this process. So, the catch ball will also take place within my own as it has been.
There are few things I still felt like sharing along the line of catch ball we had so far, but I think they are very minor or redundant. So, I just sense the catch ball "may" change its form or the contents. I simply appreciate very much the process we went through.
BTW, as you have access to my club and if you want to pick any subject from there and share with me your impression, I will be most curious. We may start some intriguing exchange of ideas. Also, I have few ideas I want to write more about on my club, so I may work on those and share with you as the contents get developed.
By the way, I see everything I do from moment to moment should be a response to "So what?" But the work on my homepage is to put the answer of "So what" into a book form and work from that angle. In the process, I am simply trying to practice, thus "Chigyo- Goitsu." (link between basement and second floor in one)
I realize that my planned book may have a form of Encyclopedia, covering from think, feel, inspiration, enlightenment, desire, etc. The intent is to try to understand who we are while tying to Zen/Buddhism principles where possible while practice is emphasized. Hopefully, I can do all the checks and balances to finalize this work in the next few years. It may never be finished, I realize, but I want to keep on working on it. (As I mentioned somewhere, if nobody read it, it is like a little wild flower on the side of unknown land. It is OK as it is.)
Anyway, here are few more responses from your recent posts:
Regarding my book and your cleaning up of temple, I remember a case at one Midwest manufacturer where I physically cleaned up the mess in the toilet. Maybe not many "management consultant" will do that. Yet, housekeeping is basic to anything. I made a fuss to the point that they gave me an award with toilet bowl cleaner with gold plate with my name inscribed on it. Later, I shared this award in the video training course I produced. So, I do discuss about the basics – in manufacturing and management practices. Hopefully in life as well. Just FYI.
About Ikkyu: I reread the book on Ikkyu that was written for young people I purchased some years ago(Kodansha). I like Ikkyu, I like Daizetz. Both are honest, straight forward, basic human being. Both did lots of training, learning, and practicing. Both lived with strong sense of expressing the truth and share with people where possible. Each has different background, personality and different ways to express their Zen. And I sense, as I wrote before "Makoto" – truthful to your true self – is the key for us all. What else?
As for my Japan visit, if possible, I might want to visit your temple if you allow me to clean up your toilet(?!). At this moment, the week of Oct.4 or the week of Oct 18 is the possibility. (I will be in Singapore Oct. 12-16, then I have to be in Poland from Nov.2.) Ideally, I like to spend as much time as we feel like. What do you think? As appropriate, please contact to suzakico@yahoo.com.
Toilet cleaner cleans up the toilet,
finding the universe of its own there
He washes down the Bonno,
and polishes the floor….
(Ooops. Having written thus far, it just occurred to me that I should first ask if you have Western style toilet or not. In the mean time, I will address the needs of my boss here, e.g., garbage disposer, cleaning pipes, sprinkler problem, this and that.)
Yes, life is a constant struggle to fight against the laws of entropy – whether it is in our house, work, or in our mind. So, let’s face it courageously, truthfully – and somewhat playfully.
>>I simply appreciate very much the process we went through.
Yes, that was fun wasn't it.
>>BTW, as you have access to my club and if you want to pick any subject from there and share with me your impression, I will be most curious. We may start some intriguing exchange of ideas. Also, I have few ideas I want to write more about on my club, so I may work on those and share with you as the contents get developed.
Sounds interesting. I just wish I had more time to spend reading your club material. It's been hard enough keeping up with you in my own club. Believe it or not, I used to work in a Fortune 500 company--mostly with American engineers! One of my duties was to translate their technical jargon (horrible English!) into normal English. It was my first experience working with engineers. It took a while getting used to them. I came to enjoy their flat, dry humor...though many of them had no sense of humor at all.
I'll email you my address for further exchange of private information, regarding your visit to my temple, etc. (Are you sure you want to come?)
>>But the work on my homepage is to put the answer of "So what" into a book form and work from that angle. In the process, I am simply trying to practice, thus "Chigyo- Goitsu." (link between basement and second floor in one)
My first advice is to learn html. It is almost impossible to read material without paragraph breaks. Even a tough guy like myself turned soggy trying to read it as is.
>>I realize that my planned book may have a form of Encyclopedia, covering from think, feel, inspiration, enlightenment, desire, etc. The intent is to try to understand who we are while tying to Zen/Buddhism principles where possible while practice is emphasized. Hopefully, I can do all the checks and balances to finalize this work in the next few years. It may never be finished, I realize, but I want to keep on working on it.
So! Indeed, you are working on another book! I noticed that although your first book was very successful, your second book was less so. Time to try a new challenge? Well, it might be interesting. I'll try to give you some assistance, if you are interested, but I would need lots of thinking time between responses. Among other problems, I start teaching again next week. Though I don't particularly like teaching in the schools I'm in--very bad management skills!--I do enjoy chatting with my students.
If you visit me, perhaps I should introduce you to my J. female boss. Really, she's quite horrible as a manager. Let me put it this way. Of all the female bosses I've had in my life, about 80% of the time I end up romantically involved. Simply put, I'm a sucker for intelligent, powerful & engaging women. But my current female boss...well, I couldn't imagine even shaking hands with her.
>>(As I mentioned somewhere, if nobody read it, it is like a little wild flower on the side of unknown land. It is OK as it is.)
Nice image.
>>Regarding my book and your cleaning up of temple, I remember a case at one Midwest manufacturer where I physically cleaned up the mess in the toilet. Maybe not many "management consultant" will do that. Yet, housekeeping is basic to anything. I made a fuss to the point that they gave me an award with toilet bowl cleaner with gold plate with my name inscribed on it. Later, I shared this award in the video training course I produced. So, I do discuss about the basics – in manufacturing and management practices. Hopefully in life as well. Just FYI.
A very Zen story, that. One thing I learned in Zen training was the importance of a clean water closet. In many homes, restaurants & businesses, this obvious fact is frequently overlooked. To me at least, nothing reveals a sloppy mind more than a dirty bathroom.
>>About Ikkyu: I reread the book on Ikkyu that was written for young people I purchased some years ago (Kodansha).
If it was a book written for young people, most of Ikkyu's best poems were surely omitted. What a sexy rascal he was!
>>As for my Japan visit, if possible, I might want to visit your temple if you allow me to clean up your toilet(?!). At this moment, the week of Oct.4 or the week of Oct 18 is the possibility. (I will be in Singapore Oct. 12-16, then I have to be in Poland from Nov.2.) Ideally, I like to spend as much time as we feel like. What do you think?
You are welcome to visit as your schedule permits. Honorable guests are not required to clean my toilet, but thanks anyway. Besides, I already cleaned it once this year. I do have an infinite supply of weeds & leaves & dusty floors, however...should you decide you need some Zen exercise.
>>In the mean time, I will address the needs of my boss here, e.g., garbage disposer, cleaning pipes, sprinkler problem, this and that.
I'm guessing your wife has not been reading my posts--otherwise she would not allow you into my sphere of evil influence. I've lost several friends to their wives. Me & some pal go mountain climbing for a few days, then come back a week later. Or, a quick trip to Greece turns into a month (of sleeping & puking on beaches.) Etc. etc. No sir, a responsible wife wouldn't trust me to accompany her breadwinner to the local supermarket to pick up a carton of milk! Irresponsible wives, however, are another story. They scare even me sometimes. I seem to have "fun guy" written on my forehead.
Anyway. I rode my scooter down the mountain to a ramen shop after midnight last night. Cloudless night, Mr Moon out there struttin' his stuff...getting ready for the full show in a few days. Have you noticed? Anyway, while waiting for my bowl of miso ramen, I couldn't resist scribbling down yet another bad poem....
A tree farts love songs to the white hole in the night sky
the owl doesn't give a hoot.
Edgar
==
"Greeting from Hell"
Suzaki Sensei, Yes, you are welcome to stay in my temple at your convenience, but I must warn you that the building design offers very little privacy. Only fusuma separate my bedroom from the rest of the house, where you would be sleeping. Guests don't seem to mind for one night, but for more than a few nights it gets to be tiring without any real privacy. Also, I'll be teaching in Osaka about 3 days a week in October.... I hope you know how to entertain yourself. Edgar Hell.
==
Moon
I may be watching the full moon in the Sierra in the next few nights. This afternoon, we are to leave for this camping trip with my son, two other families, and my son’s teacher from the school. As I may hear few farts of trees while I am there, I will send a greeting from the high Sierra back to the Hell.
Yes, less volume sold for my second book. As I put the title like,"The New Shop Floor Management," not many were fascinated. Yet, that was the intention for me not to attract wrong readers just because of the title. As for the next book, I am sure nobody may be interested. So the book may be called, "So what?"
The first book, I wrote in 3-4 months, the second took about 6 months. This third English book I am working on can take the rest of my life and still not finished. But I will try to sum it up in the next few years. My wife did edit and gave me feedback to the contents for the previous ones. But I do not think she can do for this one because of the contents so far away from her frame of reference. If you could give me any feedback, that will be great.
Moon can describe the book in one brief moment,
It may take man’s whole life to get to that point
The difference is to be one with the truth
- or to describe the truth
So, "Puncture!" The Hell shouted
Then, "Puncture the puncture!" he went on.
The moon looked at this scene and kept his silence.
=
<<From Me>>
Last night, I had a phone conversation with Mr. Nakayama. Among many, he wrote a book called, "Engineering Zen," so you know where our interests meet.
Yesterday’s conversation covered things like:
Usually we spend 1 hour or so on the phone, each sharing his own concern while listening to the other and have some connection here and there. Interestingly, Mr. Nakayama and I may be working on the same issue from a bit different angle - not radically different however. As you might expect, there is no ending to the conversation. Yet, we may re-identify the step to move on in this brainstorm session-like phone calls we have had for the last few years. (This is my "intellectual" Zen playhouse.)
One of his main concern is to relate the basement with second floor with comprehensive "description." This is the same issue with me as may be noticed in our dialogue. Also, one of my (life-long?) agenda is to capture the essence of Koans in a comprehensive way. He seems to work more on this task as well. In fact, even if Zen people do not like to openly discuss Koan, I feel we may try to work on this so that the entire "logic" or "non/super-logic" of Zen can be captured somewhat "logically." -- from second floor with "certain logic" as well as from basement with "certain non/super-logic."
Painfully abstract again? Yes, there is nothing alive in logic or concept by itself perhaps except for the moment of inspiration/clarification. And because we "know" that, we want to "puncture" and "puncture the puncture." Bankei says the experience is like bottoming out of the wooden peril. So why care any more than that?
Because something moves, acts, and wants it to be expressed. Because Zen is connected to everything as it ties to the principle of universe. Action and poem is one way of expression as we see in Ikkyu. Daisetz might have taken different path. In fact, I saw Konosuke Matsushita, the founder of Matsushita Electric, or Soichiro Honda, the founder of Honda Motor, had their Zenlike passages as well in managing company and sharing the vision and acted on it (I see lots of Zen in their passages).
So what? What is the passage for Kio Suzaki? And Eddy san?
Wake up, brush teeth, eat breakfast, … go to sleep. Then I have been trying to clarify the passage, or Way/Tao, through my writing (e.g., my homepage) and to practice it accordingly in my daily life. Idea was also to capture the "bottomless" bottom, "core-less" core as Daisetz tried to express with his whole life. Or, should I even try to "capture" instead of letting go and let it capture "me," "connect" with it, "be" with it, "one" with it, and let "I" to go up into the sky to reach the moon, and into the infinite universe, totally absorbed?
BTW, in the mean time, can we try to eliminate such words like jealous, envy, regret, arrogance, greed for us to live at the basement, first and second floor - freely?
The sun shines through my window
Sounds of kids out in play
Everything is fully engaged in their act
I don’t see any floors around
No more so what, no more why
Here, now
==
not posted yet
Life, Death and My Mission
When I lost large sum of money in investment, my thought went into various directions to search for the answer. After a while, I summarized this experience, "Losing money is the same as taking away the future potential that my family can get. What happened in this case results in less opportunity to do such things as enriching life experiences like travel, buy books, have fun, etc. and have more options in life in general. As a head of household, I should provide means and more opportunities for them. Yet, this event put limitation to this idea."
Then, I raised a question, "If I die now, they will not lose money to my portion of expense but be able to divert that to their benefit. It was a "depressing" (later I thought "absurd") thought. Even though I did not think of me committing suicide, such an idea just came up."
Resolution
After a pause, I continued my thought, "If I die now, what may be the other consequences? Would not my family feel better off if I continue to live and provide care, love or any assistance that I can give and enjoy the life together? Would they benefit more in such a way as opposed to securing some money for their future?"
I thought that they might forgive my failure and accept me as father and husband in my family. When I imagined such a scenario, this image made me feel better as opposed to beating myself up for the failure or misfortune over and over again.
Also, what about other positives if I live my life in a constructive manner? I can be more serious or sincere to my life and my contribution to the society as opposed to become financially rich but possibly mentally poor or arrogant. So, this experience may turn out to be a positive experience for me as well as for others after all. After all, I was perhaps too lucky in the past to be able to semi-retire at my age.
Then, the words of Matsushita who I very much respect came up in my mind, i.e., "The road will open up," "There are infinite roads to choose from."
So, this was the resolution. But, in order to confirm my resolution, I further went through the processes as summarized below. Here, the key messages with asterisk convey the points which correspond to the subjects I described elsewhere.
* Back to the Core of Our Existence
Thinking this way, I felt I touched the reason for existence - again. Back to the zero-base where unknown potential can be expressed. Back to the core of creativity, and compassion for others but not to become the slave of tools, i.e., money in this case. (In other words, this resolution is like thinking of H-family and H-society and contributing to that in my life’s mission.)
* Confession
If I had my mind clear, I should not have put things like making extra money through investment to influence my life’s true mission. So, the indication was my ignorance, greed, lack of skills, and unclear mission made me to get into this trap. But now the question is "So what?" "What can I do about it?"
* Finding My Own Solution
Yet, the point is that I felt I discovered a path into the future. This may be just a beginning of discovery still. Book is book. Reference is reference. Someone else’s idea is remain to be someone else’s idea unless I own it, come to grasp with it. Then, I still need to try executing it and live with it. But as someone mentioned, if we can clarify the problem, we are more than half way to solving it. Matsushita also said, "First, have mission, believe that we will succeed. Then, most likely we will." These words relate to our core belief, encouraging us to move forward.
* Original Self
Another point I thought of was to think of ancestors for their efforts to raise me and future generations for the work I may be able to contribute for them. Touching the core foundation or reason for existence to me was very important. From there, it seems that life energy to flow. What helped me was think of my parents’ image especially my mother’s compassionate eyes. Also, when she was alive, she prayed every morning for us kids to have happy life. Even in the hard time, I cannot betray this prayer. There, I can identify my source of energy.
* Live in touch with Core of Our existence
Despair, sorrow, discouragement, frustration, or illusion will come as far as I live. The question is whether or not I lose my foundation or be able to come back on to life again to do what I am meant to do. So, let me not to forget the base, core, and reason for existence. Let me be in touch with it as much as possible. And let me refocus, or redirect the energy to move forward.
* Mission Clarified
Tied to this is the importance of clarifying my life’s mission - why I live with what purpose? If I lose this, it is similar to losing the reason of existence (so what). Then, the law of entropy will take over and passage ahead may be lost or energy to move on may be gone.
* Non-Self and Mission
It may be considered that there are various missions I may relate to. One is tied to myself, while others may include that of mini-brains, or that of family, organization, and universe. When these are connected with certain principle, that is when I feel that there is meaning.
* Non-self and Reasoning
One of the quests I see in life is to identify this principle way tied with mission while taking away the ego, self-centered, or narrow views. I should be able to see this in relation to the holistic views, i.e., H- universe, with logic, checked and balanced, as much as possible. Otherwise, I may still remain to be a part of local optimization of H-values, e.g., a case of murderer, Kamikaze to die for the nation, develop rigid belief in certain occult group, etc. that may found to be not following the laws of nature as history may find it later.
* N-H Matrix, Mission, and Balance
I also sense that mission is then to be reflected on N-H matrix, commanding high needs factor. In case of investment, I remember that that item became a higher need item even if it was not even on the matrix before. This is an indication that focusing on tools or ideas without connecting to the foundation or mission in life can make my universe unbalanced. It is my role to manage this life’s process.
* Put Focus, not Fat
Exploration of new ideas, or new field may be fine but has to be within reason. Sorting out the life’s focus to what fit to me and what does not is very important. As needs could not be met and H-value being low, it was no use to put high Needs factor on investment and to have unbalanced portfolio. I just need to readjust the N-H balance according to what is realistically possible with what I have. If I bring tree as an analogy here, it is no use for tree to feel bad about broken branch. The focus should be elsewhere to express what could be done with what it has.
* Mini-Brain -- Learning to observe my mind
When I start to focus my mind to this event of lost money again, let it be seen as waste as such mini brain has nothing of any use for the N-H matrix, mission in life, ancestors wish, future needs, etc. An aim is to be the master of all situations and not become slave of anything. Negative, or un-constructive thoughts will come as evil may speak to me when I am weak. Yet, if I do not respond, the influence of negative thoughts will disappear. Just quietly observe and let go. Then, re-identify the work and get on to it.
* Inner Peace
These points mentioned above correspond to responding to so what question. I do not need to be overwhelmed by negative thoughts. In stead, I need good discipline in mind and good principle that I can base my life upon. In fact, as I looked as above, it is not my life anymore as it is now connected to the origin of the universe, the reason of existence. But when this sound discipline is gained, I have inner peace and clear posture in life with strong foundations.
Other approaches that may be added to the above to overcome the suffering and/or to re-identify the mission may include, Prayer, Meditation, Image control, peer group and friends, etc. (For example, my mother’s image may be replaced by God, Sister Mary, or Amidabutsu to support or offer help for us the limited ones.)
As I see these points crucial to firm up the foundation or principle in my life, I will summarize here with few more thoughts added:
- N-H Matrix helps to have good balanced perspectives
From where I stand, I need to keep working on these points. Also, I need to go deeper. To confirm this and to change my habitual mind to a mind of awakened one, I need to continue check and balance, and go through training/adjustment/refinement. This is because life is a process and happiness comes with efforts addressed in the right manner tied with laws of universe. This experience happened, and can happen again.
I need to practice PDCA, and self reflection to move forward. Check and balance is to be done logically (conscious mind) as well as "non" consciously (think of non-thinking) but need to be integrated until the firm principle of life is established within. Brain structure-wise, it is about developing neuro-linkages in my brain. More fundamental and deep rooted principle passages developed, it will help to discharge unneeded upheavals and disruptions in life. I need to be on top of it to be effective when needed.
Just like hearing improvement ideas, it is obvious if we get the answer before the problem. But the very point is to get to one’s own resolution that fits to the laws of universe. Then, have confidence, belief in it such that we can continue to live, to find mission, meaning in life. It is not the answer as much but the process of getting there that is important. So, I will try to clarify this further.
A case of murderer was a case in point that he could not see the alternatives. The case of death simulation was to find alternatives. Whether big or small, noticed or not, we are facing these issues constantly in our life. The points raised were to find ways to deal with them. Yet, looking forward, I am to prevent me from getting into such a situation with having clearer mission and check and balance system – consciously and "non" consciously. It all relates to the training with perseverance, fortitude, and will for me to be able to go through this. Nobody can help doing this task but me (and my original self).
==
<<From Eddy>>
Did I say I couldn't keep up with you Kio? Hmmm... Odd, considering my profession. I've been watching a documentary series on Akira Kurosawa, the famous film director. A colleague said this about Kurosawa. "He never talked about movies. He'd talk about baseball, or a ramen shop he'd recently discovered...but he never talked about movies." Very Zen, I thought. And another reason to admire the old boy.
>> Last night, I had a phone conversation with Mr. Nakayama. Among many, he wrote a book called, "Engineering Zen," so you know where our interests meet.
Yesterday’s conversation covered things like:
- Einstein: going beyond the speed of light, relating to inspiration
- Minkovsky’s model on time-space,
- Mechanism of enlightenment
- Bohm’s model of second floor and basement ....<<
Sounds like fun. As usual, your lists swell with unintentional poetry. Don't know what the conversational contents are but I do like the mental menu. Minkovsky? What a name! Couldn't find him in any of my philosophy dictionaries /manuals though. Too bad. The name alone makes me curious. And no, I won't trying looking him up on the Internet. My access continues to be as slow as arctic snail sex. One fact from yesterday's paper: On average, Internet access costs 6.4 times more in Japan than it does in America.
But back to more of your mental menu....
>>light-side system and dark-side system(that world-ku)
- Use of imaginary number to characterise Ku(nothingness) and its state
- Consciousness: real, imaginary, un, and no- consciousness and interaction among them
- This world and that world (Konoyo and Anoyo) referring to second floor and basement
- Yako zen (I referred the discussion we had here…. Again, the definition is different from
the one you referred)
- Daisetz and Ikkyu – comparison
- Experience of basement, Bankei (see below)
- Dogen and Koan – how to "interprete" and explain the "state"<<
Oh, Kio-sama, how you do love your distinctions. I'm afraid you are infinitely more intelligent than your Zen correspondant (me). Your topics sound like fun, yet, they remind me of my absolute dedication to zero spiritual growth. Simply put, for me, the choice between "this & that" seldom goes beyond reaching for a bamboo rake or a bamboo broom. Or, in the case of love, shall I reach for breasts or buns? ...As for abstractions, I sometimes wonder why I don't have four hands. God apparently designed chaos quite well. Silly fellow. Unkind fellow. I intend to lodge a formal complaint next time I meet my Maker.
An extract from Kio-sensei:
>>>>
In fact, even if Zen people do not like to openly discuss Koan, I feel we may try to work on this so that the entire "logic" or "non/super-logic" of Zen can be captured somewhat "logically." -- from second floor with "certain logic" as well as from basement with "certain non/super-logic."
<<<<
A very noble and curious endeaver. Entirely understandable, of course. Exactly what is the magic of Zen? Of koans? Of enlightenment? Can we common folks learn such secrets without giving up our lives, our selves & our families, to gain such knowledge? Hmmm...
But let's look at your paragraph from a slightly different perspective. Without disturbing any of your sentences, allow me to merely substitute a few important words. Curious results, wouldn't you say? Here goes:
In fact, even if people do not like to openly discuss sex, I feel we may try to work on this so that the entire "logic" or "non/super-logic" of sex can be captured somewhat "logically." -- from second floor with "certain logic" as well as from basement with "certain non/super-logic."
Good luck, Kiosama. And if you publish, I promiss I'll buy the book.
Edlust Hell
Random extractions from Kio's Hell....
>>In fact, I saw Konosuke Matsushita, the founder of Matsushita Electric, or Soichiro Honda, the founder of Honda Motor, had their Zenlike passages as well in managing company and sharing the vision and acted on it (I see lots of Zen in their passages).
Old Soichiro Honda was quite a fellow. So Zen, in fact, that I can hardly picture him as a Japanese.
>>BTW, in the mean time, can we try to eliminate such words like jealous, envy, regret, arrogance, greed for us to live at the basement, first and second floor - freely?
Please feel free, Kio, to try to eliminate such words. Fact is, I'll personally thank you if you succeed. You are a true Buddhist. As for myself, well, I'm too lazy to try. My old sofa carries my weight so well--just like an uncomplaining lover. And the TV remote is never far away.
>>
The sun shines through my window
Sounds of kids out in play
Everything is fully engaged in their act
I don’t see any floors around
No more so what, no more why
Here, now
<<
I was overjoyed when my Why died. But must we kill your So What? I rather like it myself. But really, Kio, "Here, now"? Yikes! You've violated the most important rule in Zen Hell--clearly stated in my Founder's Message: "Avoid cliches like the plague". (A nasty cliche in itself! But no one has pointed that out yet.)
Really, "Here, now" smells worse than my used $15 sofa on a muggy day--and that included the price of delivery. Surely, Kio, you can engineer a superior version of the here/now...which, by the way, had already become the there/then by the 1970s. Pardon me for trying, but....
Nowhere / ever is
here / now
here / now, brown cow
there / where
pastures are greener
How often does God look at his watch?
When does Mind glance at the map?
Edgar arises from his couch of vapors. Stretches his bronze arms towards the ceiling...and parks another mighty yawn upon the wall.
==
From Me>>
So, it is still hot and humid in Japan! The best fan I can offer you is my recent post in my club, clubs/philosophylifemanagement for the post called, "Life, Death, and My Mission." I thought not to clutter your sacred Hell with this one. Perhaps, if nothing else, this title itself may bring some cool breeze for you. (perhaps I should write a book only with titles of contents for intuitive readers)
About the cliché, I am glad you picked that up as I was wondering exactly the same thing myself when I wrote it. Thank you for reminding me. (bow bow) At the same time, I may still throw a ball or two back to you even if you may be lazy to respond whether I may be called Buddhist or not. (so what!)
BTW, while you started to like so what(?? Inflence from second floor??), please don’t bother to respond when as your response to "so what" may tell you otherwise.
Another point that reminds me is…as I just about finished Part 1 of my book in the crude form, I would like to e-mail you the whole draft if you care to take a glance before we may get together in few weeks’ time. Part 2 and 3 are even less polished, and there are lots of unknowns to be clarified. Even though, I suspect, it may be painful for you to go through this work, but may be interesting before our encounter anyway. (Who knows, it may bring some cool breeze as well.)
So, could you send me an e-mail with:
Also, please indicate to me if you have Microsoft word to read my work. If in case you care to read, it may help to use the table of contents to cruise through.