In annoyingly paradoxical Buddhist style I will now talk about how Everything Forms Every Thing, even though I just got through talking about how No Thing Exists. How can there be things that form when no things exist? No Thing Exists is a statement about the true nature of the Universe. Everything Forms Every Thing states … Continue reading Everything Forms Every Thing
Category: Enlightenment
See
One of the most frustrating words used in modern Buddhist literature is "see". For example, "If you see the reality of the Universe, you will know that nothing exists and that all is One." That is an important statement because it just about defines enlightenment, even though it sounds like esoteric garbage. So how does … Continue reading See
Predictive Models
The Miner's Lettuce is going to seed and will soon be gone. I told Fishnu about how the miner's of the California Gold Rush would suffer from Vitamin C deficiency over the Sierra winters, until this very edible plant, high in Vitamin C, sprouts up in the very early Spring, curing their scurvy. The funny … Continue reading Predictive Models
The Empty Cup Trail
I had not seen either Rubber Ducky Buddha of Joliet or Fishnu since after Bodhi Day in December 2017. On that Bodhi Day I was ordained a Zen priest by Rubber Ducky and given the name, Dukkha Hanamoku. It was my understanding that I would never see them again in this life. So I was … Continue reading The Empty Cup Trail
Enlightenment is Switching on the Light
For me and many other perpetual dieters I've spoken to, a trick that seems to work is as simple as first giving up sugar. It's tough for up to a week, but then you magically don't care anymore and the rest of the diet seems to fall into place. That is, until the Holiday season … Continue reading Enlightenment is Switching on the Light
Koan: How to Prepare for an Unknown Event
Mrs. Hanamoku points out that shit is a beautiful thing. Caring for our beloved pets, being around babies, caring for elderly loved ones, it's a sign of things still working well inside. So we cannot even judge shit negatively. With the secular Bodhi Day (Dec 8) past, we now await the "real" Bodhi Day, the … Continue reading Koan: How to Prepare for an Unknown Event
Day 7 – Secular Bodhi Day Eve
Here we are at Day 7, the last day before Bodhi Day. Notice there isn't an exclamation mark - that's because it just Is, no good, no bad. There is just what Is: "Judge not, that ye not be judged." - Matthew 7:1 Our brains are judging machines. From each neuron firing or not firing, … Continue reading Day 7 – Secular Bodhi Day Eve
Day 6 – Pitifully Inadequate Model of the Universe
Day 6 of the Secular Bodhi Day. Tomorrow, Day 7 the last day before the enlightenment of many new Buddhas on the morning of December 8, Bodhi Day. If you understand what Rubber Ducky Buddha of Joliet has been saying the past few weeks, meaning you understand that your brain is a pitifully inadequate model … Continue reading Day 6 – Pitifully Inadequate Model of the Universe
Day 5 – Secular Bodhi Day – Levels of Reality
Today is Day 5 of the Secular Bodhi Period. For all of you aspiring to attain enlightenment on December 8, Rubber Ducky Buddha of Joliet asked me to ensure your expectations are properly set. For one, "attain", and "expectations" are clinging. It's important to understand that we will not attain enlightenment, but rather shift our … Continue reading Day 5 – Secular Bodhi Day – Levels of Reality
Day 4 – Secular Bodhi Day 2017 – Illusion of Fragmentation
Today is Day 4 of this "secular" Bodhi Period. When last night's full moon "disappears", the real (lunar) Bodhi Period starts. These Bodhi Periods aren't tranquil, peaceful, Om-humming times. As we ignore our thoughts and focus on the present, the desperation of our thoughts for our attention increases - that's what thoughts do. Finally, exasperated, … Continue reading Day 4 – Secular Bodhi Day 2017 – Illusion of Fragmentation
Fishnu 