I have issues with gravity vs. electromagnetism which I can't ignore, but I know what you're saying, so will keep my head in apart from that caveat... which is brought up only because in seeking Thunderbolts Project on Substack I found you instead, and I'm jolly pleased I did...
Happy New Year, my friend! I'd love to learn a bit more about Physics, Astronomy and Cosmology, as well as Electromagnetism, so I can use that knowledge as metaphors for Dharma. I wasn't very good at physics in high school. Calculus was my thing, remember? But I still have that itch to learn other subjects. I will gravitate towards the sciences, eventually.
I sense writings about the gravity of anything can be very usefully transmitted wisdom for some, and disastrous misguidance for others. Do you agree?
Tradition reports that the Buddha only taught/transmitted orally, adjusting his words and expressions by what he saw, and never wrote for those he would never meet. This was the gravity of his Right Action.
Maybe social media can ameliorate the weakness of writing in its possibility of interaction. We can move from preservation of truth in statement of belief, to discovery of truth by interacting over a long period with those we suspect we can learn from. But writings out there in space without spaces for guidance, given or received? Surely online makes this worse too.
This actually reminds me of a conversation I had with my first Lama. I remember telling him that the tantras are so easy to misinterpret them, that practitioners would reify yidam deities. He simply said: "yes, that will happen inevitably. It's ok."
Real dialogue and real transmission/relationship are a bit of a lost art. Theravada tradition warns (even if IMHO it falls to instantiate this with integrity) that teaching without being asked to teach is unskillful (/not ok? ..even if forgivable once the error is turned away from).
Relatedly, there is much in the Pali Canon to suggest that being able to ask a real question in real humility is an essential skill for every sojourner.
Maybe to develop a skill in asking sacred texts questions in relationship, in the absence of a guide willing to get to know you and willing to have their claims be tested by you.
I think it is impossible to gain insight by oneself. Words from someone wiser reveal. But yeah, these wise words are more powerful when someone inquires.
However, I do agree with you regarding the importance of conversation. Before having a teacher, I actually didn't read at all (other than required reading like signs and work documents). I didn't appreciate the value of the written word. Let alone the value of written Dharma.
I have issues with gravity vs. electromagnetism which I can't ignore, but I know what you're saying, so will keep my head in apart from that caveat... which is brought up only because in seeking Thunderbolts Project on Substack I found you instead, and I'm jolly pleased I did...
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, my friend! I'd love to learn a bit more about Physics, Astronomy and Cosmology, as well as Electromagnetism, so I can use that knowledge as metaphors for Dharma. I wasn't very good at physics in high school. Calculus was my thing, remember? But I still have that itch to learn other subjects. I will gravitate towards the sciences, eventually.
Peace,
I sense writings about the gravity of anything can be very usefully transmitted wisdom for some, and disastrous misguidance for others. Do you agree?
Tradition reports that the Buddha only taught/transmitted orally, adjusting his words and expressions by what he saw, and never wrote for those he would never meet. This was the gravity of his Right Action.
Maybe social media can ameliorate the weakness of writing in its possibility of interaction. We can move from preservation of truth in statement of belief, to discovery of truth by interacting over a long period with those we suspect we can learn from. But writings out there in space without spaces for guidance, given or received? Surely online makes this worse too.
Peace.
This actually reminds me of a conversation I had with my first Lama. I remember telling him that the tantras are so easy to misinterpret them, that practitioners would reify yidam deities. He simply said: "yes, that will happen inevitably. It's ok."
Conversation... so vital.
Real dialogue and real transmission/relationship are a bit of a lost art. Theravada tradition warns (even if IMHO it falls to instantiate this with integrity) that teaching without being asked to teach is unskillful (/not ok? ..even if forgivable once the error is turned away from).
Relatedly, there is much in the Pali Canon to suggest that being able to ask a real question in real humility is an essential skill for every sojourner.
Maybe to develop a skill in asking sacred texts questions in relationship, in the absence of a guide willing to get to know you and willing to have their claims be tested by you.
Salaam.
For sure. Even written suttas can have disastrous consequences without guidance.
There are some instances in the Pali Canon in which the words of the Buddha didn't tame the listener.
I would even say that words themselves can have disastrous consequences if misunderstood.
But I much rather have words, spoken or written down, than not having anything.
If one misinterprets, it's ok. Dukkha always has a way of waking people up.
"But I much rather have words, spoken or written down, than not having anything."
May I ask why? This is not self evident to an Eastern mindset.
I think it is impossible to gain insight by oneself. Words from someone wiser reveal. But yeah, these wise words are more powerful when someone inquires.
I mean, why personally, not why in abstract.
Or to put in Indigenous Australian terms, why is this your lookout?
I've learned much from written texts.
However, I do agree with you regarding the importance of conversation. Before having a teacher, I actually didn't read at all (other than required reading like signs and work documents). I didn't appreciate the value of the written word. Let alone the value of written Dharma.
I see. My appreciations for the indulgence.