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what is "zen"
    #965172 -

if such a thing can be encapsulated by words?


--------------------
RIP Acidic_Sloth

Sunset_Mission said:
"larry the scary rex
verily scary when thoroughly vexed
invoke the shadows and dust, cast a hex
mercifully massacring memories masterfully
relocate from Ur to 8th density and become a cosmic bully
mulder and scully couldn't decipher his glyphs
invoke the shadows and dust, smoke infernal spliffs"
April 24th 2011

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: Larrythescaryrex]
    #965376 -

Zen: an abbreviation of the Japanese word zenna, which is a transliteration of the Sanskrit dhyana (ch'an or ch'anna in Chinese), that is, the process of concentration and absorption by which the mind is first tranquilized and brought to one-pointedness, and then awakened.


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Just another spore in the wind.

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: Larrythescaryrex]
    #965528 -

Words are sometimes unnecessary. They say a picture says a thousand words...



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Re: what is "zen" [Re: Larrythescaryrex]
    #965540 -

zen emphasizes the direct experience of enlightenment (satori) through meditation, and the master-disciple relationship; and though scholarship and textual study are parts of zen practice, they are seen as obstacles to enlightenment if the disciple becomes attached to the intellectual process.


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if you can't find the truth right where you are, where else do you expect to find it?

this is the purpose

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: Larrythescaryrex]
    #965545 -

It is what it is.


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To call humans 'rational beings' does injustice to the term, 'rational.'  Humans are capable of rational thought, but it is not their essence.  Humans are animals, beasts with complex brains.  Humans, more often than not, utilize their cerebrum to rationalize what their primal instincts, their preconceived notions, and their emotional desires have presented as goals - humans are rationalizing beings.

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: Shroomism]
    #965546 -

shroomisim: yeah thats about right

dont mind if a borrow that picture do ya?

Edited by windex (10/16/02 09:39 AM)

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: windex]
    #965553 -

Go for it.


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Re: what is "zen" [Re: Larrythescaryrex]
    #965638 -

In reply to:
what is "zen" ... if such a thing can be encapsulated by words?


Encapsulating it in words is not the way to go. Try to realize or understand without symbolic thinking, without words, without numbers. Whenever we classify something with words and start thinking with those words, we are no longer thinking directly about that thing but we're using the words which symbolize it. If you want to know a mountain, you will not know it by learning it from a map (you may know about it), you must go directly to it and experience it.


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To call humans 'rational beings' does injustice to the term, 'rational.'  Humans are capable of rational thought, but it is not their essence.  Humans are animals, beasts with complex brains.  Humans, more often than not, utilize their cerebrum to rationalize what their primal instincts, their preconceived notions, and their emotional desires have presented as goals - humans are rationalizing beings.

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: Larrythescaryrex]
    #965704 -

Zen is zen  :grin: 


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"Shmokin' weed, Shmokin' wizz, doin' coke, drinkin' beers.  Drinkin' beers beers beers, rollin' fatties, smokin' blunts.  Who smokes tha blunts?  We smoke the blunts" - Jay and Silent Bob strike Back

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: LiquidSmoke]
    #965708 -

zen isnt zen :smirk: 


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if you can't find the truth right where you are, where else do you expect to find it?

this is the purpose

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: CleverName]
    #965737 -

Zen is.

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: infidelGOD]
    #965766 -

excellent :grin: 


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if you can't find the truth right where you are, where else do you expect to find it?

this is the purpose

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: Evolving]
    #965804 -

Whenever we classify something with words and start thinking with those words, we are no longer thinking directly about that thing but we're using the words which symbolize it.

*ding ding ding*
We have a winner!!

(why am I not surprised who it is?)


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Note: In desperate need of a cure...

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: Sclorch]
    #965808 -

well, yeah....you really shouldnt have conceptual constructs for anyting. can anything really be defined?


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if you can't find the truth right where you are, where else do you expect to find it?

this is the purpose

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: CleverName]
    #965811 -

Definitions are only needed for communication.
One's mind should be clear of such biases.


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Note: In desperate need of a cure...

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: Sclorch]
    #965817 -

agreed


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if you can't find the truth right where you are, where else do you expect to find it?

this is the purpose

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: Sclorch]
    #965826 -

"The Tao that can be written is not the true Tao"

The Zen that can be described is not the true Zen

The God that can be seen is not the true God


No human tongue can soil the ineffable center.

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: infidelGOD]
    #966144 -

hm..

what is is what


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Blas'?trid (bl?s tr?d)
    n.  3rd generation derivitave of a combination of 'bastard' and 'blasted'.  Used as both an insult or an expletive.
    ex.  Blastrid!

Stereopattern  <--My music.

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: infidelGOD]
    #966251 -

you can't descirbe peace of mind or Tranquility, you must experience first hand


peace out my brothers, for eveyone has a bit of insanity in them


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Peace out my brothers, for everyone has a bit of insanity in them

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: Larrythescaryrex]
    #966381 -

"what is Zen"

is likely a fun koan for those who experience it


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Please remove all dollar signs from my listed contact information

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: Larrythescaryrex]
    #966786 -

nez spelled backwards

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: Larrythescaryrex]
    #966829 -

:frown: :confused: :frown:  :tongue:  :smirk:

Is zen related to mindfulness?


--------------------
RIP Acidic_Sloth

Sunset_Mission said:
"larry the scary rex
verily scary when thoroughly vexed
invoke the shadows and dust, cast a hex
mercifully massacring memories masterfully
relocate from Ur to 8th density and become a cosmic bully
mulder and scully couldn't decipher his glyphs
invoke the shadows and dust, smoke infernal spliffs"
April 24th 2011

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: Larrythescaryrex]
    #966885 -

mindfulness of what, exactly?
Everything? how can one be mindful of everything?
Mindful of one's own practices?  That's not zen it's anal retentive.  :smirk:
j/k..

Evolving and Sclorch's comments made me realise how much easier this board would be if we were all communicating telpathically with one another....
 

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: dee_N_ae]
    #966891 -

Evolving and Sclorch's comments made me realise how much easier this board would be if we were all communicating telpathically with one another....

I think I made a post about that three years ago... :wink:


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Note: In desperate need of a cure...

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: Sclorch]
    #966951 -

:smirk:
Yeah I should have said "made me realise, AGAIN, how much easier etc..."
I feel that way after every thread almost.
 

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: Larrythescaryrex]
    #967002 -

zen is an intergalactic ninja..



(ive seen him in action and he kicks ass)

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: Sclorch]
    #968061 -

I contend that this is an absolute impossibility. Without words you couldn't articulate a thought in your head. It would be random pictures of nonsense.


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An open mind is the greatest journey of all.

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: Larrythescaryrex]
    #968274 -

Zen is a branch of buddhism. Buddhism is based around the Buddha's "Four Noble Truths". The first truth is that life is suffering, the second truth is that the reason for suffering is attachment. The third truth is that suffering can be overcome by eliminating attachments, and the fourth truth... um, I forgot that one. It was probably not that important and a bit silly.

Anyways, in addition to the four noble truths, zen emphasizes the direct and authentic experience of enlightenment. Non-dogmatism seems to be most central to zen. Quoting an authority (the buddha himself):

"Do not believe in something, just because people think highly of it, or because it has come from tradition, or because it is found in scriptures. Consider whether it goes against your judgment, whether it could cause harm, whether it is condemned by wise people, and, above all, whether put into practice it will bring about destruction and pain. Anything that you judge to be beautiful, accords with your judgment, is appreciated by wise people, and, once put into practice, will bring about joy and happiness, can be accepted and put into practice."

Thus, by the buddha's own words, the consumption of psilocybin mushrooms is definitely allowed for a practitioner of zen. In fact, I would argue that every method which can give you zen enlightenment is a valid practice of zen. In an age of technology, this could mean (to give a somewhat whimisical example) uploading your mind into a computer, manipulating it with "Microsoft Mind-Editor" into a state of enlightenment, and then downloading it into your brain again. That, I think, would be in the spirit of ancient zen masters, who were always trying to discover a new and better method for achieving enlightenment. They even came up with a meditation practice that is unique to zen, namely the application of koans. A koan is a question that cannot be solved by the rational mind, something like "What was your face before birth?". You meditate on a koan during your whole waking time, no matter if you are sitting or walking, not thinking about anything else but the koan, attacking it with all your mental powers, until, one day, your mind breaks and you become enlightened.

What, then, is zen enlightenment? To answer that question, one has to look at what enlightened people do. Here's an example.

In the 18th century, there was a zen master named Hakuin. Hakuin led an ascetic life in a small village, and he was highly respected by the village people. Everyone considered him a holy man. Then, one day, a girl living next to Hakuin got pregnant, and, when asked, she said that Hakuin was the father. The village people became very angry, went to Hakuin, gave him the baby, and said that, since he was the father, he would have to care for the child. All that Hakuin answered was: "Is that so?". Hakuin took the child and cared for it like a father does. He begged to obtain milk and food, and, amidst of all the people who were insulting him, spitting at him, and physically attacking him, he did the best he could do for the child. Meanwhile, the girl could not stand what was done to Hakuin, so, two years later, she told the truth. The real father was a guy from the fish market. Again, the village people went to Hakuin and told him about the mistake. All that Hakuin answered was "Is that so?", handing back the child.

That's zen. A zen master is a very cool thing to be. And the best thing is that you can be a zen master, too. To become a zen master, you have to achieve zen enlightenment. What, then, is zen enlightenment? First of all, it is an experience. How would one describe an experience? How would you describe the experience of love? I think that, for the purpose of communication, one could give a definition of love, but even when you fully grasp that definition, you would have no idea as to what love really is. In the same way, it is probably impossible to understand enlightenment for someone who has not experienced it (and I haven't), but, nevertheless, one could give some characteristics of enlightenment, which seem to be common.

1. Zen enlightenment takes but an instant. It is a sudden experience, not a gradual one. That seems to be a major difference between zen and, for example, yoga.

2. After achieving zen enlightenment, one is able to live completely in the present moment.

3. Someone who has achieved zen enlightenment has absolutely no fear of death whatsoever. He enjoys life, but he accepts death.

4. Upon achieving enlightenment, you are able to act freely, not hindered by any definition of yourself. You have lost your ego.

5. When you achieve zen enlightenment, you do not spend your life on a mountaintop or surround yourself with flowers. You go back into the dirt and mud of real life, and actually achieve things (which means helping people). The ideal of zen is the Bodhisattva, he who is able to enter Nirvana, but does not. The Bodhisattva reincarnates and reincarnates until every sentient being in the world has become a buddha. That's a major difference, for example, between zen and most of the new age crap.

So, how does one find enlightenment? The main point seems to be to keep searching. Although meditation is probably a quite reliable method for becoming a buddha, sitting down each day for one or two hours of peaceful meditation is definitely not enough. To quote Hakuin out of my head (I can look up the exact quote, if someone is interested): The man who looks for his real nature is like someone who has a valuable gold coin in his pocket. When walking in the rain through a marketplace full of people, he suddenly discovers that he has lost the coin. What would he do? He would not peacefully sit down and sift through the sand, looking for his gold. Nope, he would scream and rage and push people aside, and, with tears flowing down from his eyes, dig in the mud and dirt until he has found again what belongs to him.

Want to be a zen master? Search. Keep moving. Because, once you settle down, once you stop moving for even just an instant, you won't know if you will ever be able to move again.

That was lengthy. Hope it helps.

DISCLAIMER. 99% of zen practitioners will disagree with my definition of zen. But zen is just a word, so in order to avoid pointless debate about definitions, I would like to admit that, above, I did not really give the definition of zen, but the definition of nez (thanks, Mr_Mushrooms). But becoming a nez master is a cool thing, too, so go for it!

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: Larrythescaryrex]
    #968293 -

"a special transmission, outside the scriptures"
(the smile of mahakapsya at the conclusion of the buddha's "flower lecture" --- in which the buddha merely held up a flower, without saying a word...)


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old enough to know better
not old enough to care

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: chemkid]
    #968562 -

In reply to:
I contend that this is an absolute impossibility. Without words you couldn't articulate a thought in your head. It would be random pictures of nonsense.


Do you contend that the labels precede the concepts? Just because you cannot articulate a thought doesn't mean that it doesn't exist, it only means that a word for it cannot be found or does not exist. Our words have all been preceded by thoughts or concepts, words are merely handy labels which we apply to facilitate communication and classification. You cannot put the cart before the horse.


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To call humans 'rational beings' does injustice to the term, 'rational.'  Humans are capable of rational thought, but it is not their essence.  Humans are animals, beasts with complex brains.  Humans, more often than not, utilize their cerebrum to rationalize what their primal instincts, their preconceived notions, and their emotional desires have presented as goals - humans are rationalizing beings.

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: Seuss]
    #969879 -

Zen is a Mahayana tradition.  The quicker vehicle to awakening.  Not the most easy "way" to acheive it.  I wouldn't enjoy sitting on my ass, a grilled hamburger patty, for 10+ hours trying to figure out a koan and brain-teasers from the likes of Zen masters. 

I like Vajrayana better.  Known as the Diamond vehicle.  the supposedly fastest way to awakening.  Has more variety and creativity involved.

I rather meditate by staring at a Dakini statue and enjoy her ah graceful curves than dismantling semantics and meanings of koans. :laugh: 

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: Calen]
    #970228 -

"Zen is a branch of buddhism. Buddhism is based around the Buddha's "Four Noble Truths". The first truth is that life is suffering, the second truth is that the reason for suffering is attachment. The third truth is that suffering can be overcome by eliminating attachments, and the fourth truth... um, I forgot that one. It was probably not that important and a bit silly."

Actually, you are wrong..
Here are the four noble truths, although the wording takes many different forms:

1) all existance is suffering
2) The true origination of suffering has been discovered
3) The stopping of that suffering is possible
4) The way leading to the stopping of suffering is 8 fold

The distinction must also be made that Mahayana Buddhism also is not exclusively Zen.

You can also learn all 3 vehicles - Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana.

Hina, meaning small, does not imply that it is a lesser vehicle. It would be more accurate to call it the narrow or focused way. Focused on the self, to find liberation, to practice right speech, and to respect others.

The mahayana, or great vehicle, focuses beyond individual liberation and aims to liberate all sentient beings.

Vajrayana adds some interesting things about mental states. Things like, instead of trying to get rid of that negative feeling, harness this negative feeling as a powerful state and use it.

Edited by Birdseye (10/17/02 06:19 PM)

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: Birdseye]
    #971205 -

Maybe one day i will reach enlightenment. Until that day i am the pupil. so please tell me more.

peace out my brothers, for everyone has a bit of insanity in them


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Peace out my brothers, for everyone has a bit of insanity in them

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: Nomad]
    #971486 -

*smiles at Nomad's post*

I drank port wine tonight. Fonseca Bin 27... I love that stuff.


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Note: In desperate need of a cure...

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: Sclorch]
    #971761 -

Now that's enlightenment, and the quickest way to it.

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: Larrythescaryrex]
    #972167 -

I will give it a go if no one objects...

Zen is the seed of nothing

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Re: what is "zen" [Re: Larrythescaryrex]
    #972326 -

[ whacks Larry with a stick ]

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