Astus wrote: ↑Fri Dec 22, 2017 10:34 am
"Buddhism is about being clear about the mind that you have."
Mindfulness is a popular cloud.
"See what is actually happening in the moment."
It is seeing only if one can tell the difference between the wholesome and unwholesome, but it becomes practising only when unwholesome thoughts are not generated anew and those already there abandoned, and wholesome thoughts are generated and those already there are cultivated. It is then that there is some difference made.
Thanks for the comments, Astus.
I have said elsewhere and back at ZFI that I see little utility in forum conversations, from a practice point of view. For me, it's mostly just "shooting the shit", as they say. Words on a screen lack all the very necessary tone, facial expressions, etc. of in the flesh conversation, which I feel is vital when discussing practice and the Dharma.
However, there is one area that I find very useful and that is in looking at my own reactions to posts, precisely because there is no tone. My reaction to the words above were mostly to roll my eyes and feel defensive. I know Barry PSN personally, having sat retreats with him, listened to him give talks at various wider Sangha gatherings, as well as having had personal conversations with him. So, there is some context to go along with the words in the OP. Barry, in word and in action, is a credit to the Dharma and is an inspiring teacher. That's just my opinion, though. Other's opinions are none of my business.
But, rolling my eyes probably isn't very nice, and forgoes an opportunity to learn something, so I will look into what was written. This is a discussion forum, so if I put something up, it is natural that it be picked apart. I wasn't really interested in that, but that's not up to me.
_/|\_
Keith
When walking, standing, sitting, lying down, speaking,
being silent, moving, being still.
At all times, in all places, without interruption - what is this?
One mind is infinite kalpas.
New Haven Zen Center