Essential Zen

An interesting comment from another forum chat today, discussing the business of Integration versus Dilettantism. I suggested the possibility of choosing one from column A, one from column B, and so on, choosing those bits and pieces of spiritual philosophies one found attractive and integrating relevant aspects into one's life. ("Spiritual Integration" was Aff's contribution, to oppose McKenna's "Spiritual Dilettantism".)

And then I was asked if I had achieved. I suggested that anyone wishing a title was the subject of the rules and disciplines of whatever group defined the title.

Gonzo wrote:An interesting comment from another forum chat today, discussing the business of Integration versus Dilettantism. I suggested the possibility of choosing one from column A, one from column B, and so on, choosing those bits and pieces of spiritual philosophies one found attractive and integrating relevant aspects into one's life. ("Spiritual Integration" was Aff's contribution, to oppose McKenna's "Spiritual Dilettantism".)

And then I was asked if I had achieved. I suggested that anyone wishing a title was the subject of the rules and disciplines of whatever group defined the title.

I defined a dilettante as someone who just picked a little from here and a little from there but only was superficial for each in order to find what was wanted. Then it was mentioned that there was also a piece of this puzzle that was for show...I think that alot of people do that, just to sound "smart" and to be respected for their words. That right there is the biggest lie of all...sounding smart. People generally dont want the hard stuff, to think for themselves, to look at their foibles and be ok with them. Change everyone wants change...yet when the rubber hits the road they become paralyzed with fear, feel overwhelmed then find a rationale to not change. Sometimes folks even make themselves ill in order to not change, not go for the brass ring...I have watched this happen, in myself and in others, now I wonder this...what are we all looking for? Vast innumerable power? Never ending life? Immortality? Money? Respect? Self respect? I just have to wonder sometimes...

maiveeta wrote:...what are we all looking for? Vast innumerable power? Never ending life? Immortality? Money? Respect? Self respect? I just have to wonder sometimes...

Improvement, maybe. This comment from "Tales of Power" seems apropos:

don Juan wrote:A warrior starts off with the certainty that his spirit is off balance; then by living in full control and awareness, but without hurry or compulsion, he does his ultimate best to gain this balance.

I can manage neither full control, nor awareness, however, the sense of the comment remains relevant.

don Juan wrote:A warrior starts off with the certainty that his spirit is off balance; then by living in full control and awareness, but without hurry or compulsion, he does his ultimate best to gain this balance.

I can manage neither full control, nor awareness, however, the sense of the comment remains relevant.[/quote]

he does his ultimate best to gain this balance

something about those two words grabbed my attention and dragged me down the street. Ultimate best...hm. that doesnt say anything about attainment. I wonder what that means? Could it be because the journey is more important than the arrival? Not sayin...just sayin....

Maiveeta wrote:

don Juan wrote:A warrior starts off with the certainty that his spirit is off balance; then by living in full control and awareness, but without hurry or compulsion, he does his ultimate best to gain this balance.

Gonzo wrote:I can manage neither full control, nor awareness, however, the sense of the comment remains relevant.

he does his ultimate best to gain this balance

something about those two words grabbed my attention and dragged me down the street. Ultimate best...hm. that doesnt say anything about attainment. I wonder what that means? Could it be because the journey is more important than the arrival? Not sayin...just sayin....

If there is any arrival, imo, it is merely at another plateau, so in that regard, it would appear the journey is all. Just sayin...