Study (Buddhism, experience, pastors, Buddhism, Zen)

[cfer]

How can one study? I try reading, but I feel like I get more and more confused and have even less understanding after all the different readings.

I'm used to a Chrisitan upbringing. They have ministers, pastors, reverends, etc. all over the place, so the teaching/mentoring is always readily available. But here in MN there aren't any taoist temples or teachers.

What do you do when reading just isn't working out for you and you need more information?

[Master Vigil]

I go into the woods. Or I take a walk, and study the way things happen around me. I see the birds in the air, and see how in their simplicity they are happy. I see humans in traffic, and I see how in their complexity they are unhappy.

[ChrisP]

Originally Posted by Master Vigil

I go into the woods. Or I take a walk, and study the way things happen around me. I see the birds in the air, and see how in their simplicity they are happy. I see humans in traffic, and I see how in their complexity they are unhappy.

^^^ Good advice. Take it.

Frubals to M_V

EDIT: You must spread some.. .. ... I'll be back.

[Scarlett Wampus]

cfer confusion is bound to occur, especially when approaching Taoism since there are so many different and sometimes conflicting ideas about it. Buddha said, "Better your own truth, however weak, then the truth of another, however noble." Let things unfold naturally. You are doing just fine.

More quotage from Chuang Tzu the chapter on the Yellow Emperor's song the 'Pond of Totality': "The music began by frightening you and, being frightened, you were spooked. Next, I had it played with wearisomeness and, being wearied, you would have withdrawn. I concluded it with confusion and, being confused, you felt stupid. Feeling stupid, you experienced the Way, the Way that can support you and make you whole."

No one here but us idiots!

[munchkin]

hi,

cfer, i can't rember the details of this zen stroy, and its been many years since i read the original, so hope this makes sense.

there was a buddhist monk, who went on the become a sage, earlier in his life he was often laughed at for being so simple he couldn't read, and didn't know the buddhas words, yet he was a true buddhist. studying is not what makes anyone wise, it can occasioanly help i suppose, but MV is right, nature can teach us more in one walk than many books can do in a lifetime


beccaxx

[Scarlett Wampus]

Originally Posted by munchkin

cfer, i can't rember the details of this zen stroy, and its been many years since i read the original, so hope this makes sense.

Maybe you are referring to the Cucumber Sage? That's a fantastic story.

[angellous_evangellous]

Originally Posted by cfer

How can one study? I try reading, but I feel like I get more and more confused and have even less understanding after all the different readings.

I'm used to a Chrisitan upbringing. They have ministers, pastors, reverends, etc. all over the place, so the teaching/mentoring is always readily available. But here in MN there aren't any taoist temples or teachers.

What do you do when reading just isn't working out for you and you need more information?

Drink beer and eat pizza.

[munchkin]

Originally Posted by Scarlett Wampus

Maybe you are referring to the Cucumber Sage? That's a fantastic story.

thank you thats the one


beccaxx

[Scarlett Wampus]

Cfer I thought about your question at work today. What you were saying about there being so many Christian pastors, places of worship, etc. well I think needing more information is just part of that feeling of needing direction & feedback.

A man who meant a lot to me died about a year ago. Although he wasn't as interested in meditation as me he was tough & fierce (in a loving way), always seemed to know the right buttons to push to get me to train hard and be mindful about what I was doing. Over the last couple of months I've been feeling very sad about his passing away. He would've been happy about my decision to return to Zen & Taoism since he thought I was becoming a bohemian hedonist (he was right). I miss him terribly and there is nothing that could replace him. Now I am so ready and he is gone!

Have other people had mentors? What was the relationship with them like? Do you ever get lonely if you are interested in Taoism and no one close to you can relate to that?

[Atheist_Dave]

I often become confused while studying on my own, but I find asking people (even if they aren't experts) helps a lot, sometimes they say somethign that makes it click. Don't worry about being confused, it's like einstein said "Whatever your troubles with mathematics are, I assure you mine are greater"

Peace x