Back to basics
Posted: Sat Oct 24, 2009 9:15 amBack to basics.
Since this forum and chat have been quiet lately, I've spent some time wandering the Internet, specifically checking out other sites devoted to spiritual efforts, both related to Castaneda's works as well as Zen. The results of my exploring have been rather disappointing. They have gone through several Yuku sites as well as the voluminous writings of The Wanderling, a Zennist stopping short of calling himself an adept, but barely. I've bounded through Lujan Matus' site, and some time ago Theun Mares'. My conclusion in all cases is that folk appear to be wanting to acquire the power and the magic in order to be happy, however, they ignore the basic message of don Juan's which was essentially "go through therapy", preferably with an able guide. All the other stuff is magical trappings, essentially a con job. Folk are drawn to the magic, because it is much simpler, much easier, and far less painful than engaging in genuine recapitulation and finding the roots of their unhappiness.
A few months ago I had the pleasure of encountering the books of Jed McKenna, and I believe, with that, began a gradual return to my own spiritual roots, and realized, perhaps for the last time, they lie within the guts of what I like to call Essential Zen.
Therefore, my intent is now to attempt to explain what I mean by that, if for no other reason than to clarify it for myself.
Since this forum and chat have been quiet lately, I've spent some time wandering the Internet, specifically checking out other sites devoted to spiritual efforts, both related to Castaneda's works as well as Zen. The results of my exploring have been rather disappointing. They have gone through several Yuku sites as well as the voluminous writings of The Wanderling, a Zennist stopping short of calling himself an adept, but barely. I've bounded through Lujan Matus' site, and some time ago Theun Mares'. My conclusion in all cases is that folk appear to be wanting to acquire the power and the magic in order to be happy, however, they ignore the basic message of don Juan's which was essentially "go through therapy", preferably with an able guide. All the other stuff is magical trappings, essentially a con job. Folk are drawn to the magic, because it is much simpler, much easier, and far less painful than engaging in genuine recapitulation and finding the roots of their unhappiness.
A few months ago I had the pleasure of encountering the books of Jed McKenna, and I believe, with that, began a gradual return to my own spiritual roots, and realized, perhaps for the last time, they lie within the guts of what I like to call Essential Zen.
Therefore, my intent is now to attempt to explain what I mean by that, if for no other reason than to clarify it for myself.
