2012.05.07 _ 27

'Sounds are loud or soft―we know what we prefer, until finally we love silence. Then we
may hear the still, small Voice of the Cosmic Buddha which was silenced by our parents and
teachers and our own foolishness in going along with them.' http://columbiazen.org/wp-content/nl//sandokai.pdf

Seems to me our parents and teachers had to teach us to identify things in this dualistic way so we could function in this life, but perhaps with less stress on the solidity of these forms.
Also reminds me of the Bible verse about God not being found in the earthquake or the fire but in the still small voice. edited 22:53, 7 May 2012

"Where I Hide: Ordinary Space, Available Light"

A close friend slapped me up one side and down the other today -- repeatedly said my 28-year relationship with the person I consider my 'closest friend' was "pathological" -- and repeatedly told me my friend had been "raping" me (his word) by accepting money I've sent to him recently.

Clarification: the man he was speaking about has been an inmate in a state prison for about thirty years; I've not seen him for over a quarter century, although we've corresponded regularly for almost three decades. The person who criticized me today has never met the man - doesn't even know his name. My inmate friend has NEVER requested money from me.

What IS this JUDGMENT thing, anyway? I seem to receive it most predictably (and harshly) from Christians and Buddhists who are deeply informed about, and dedicated to, their own spiritual traditions. (Sorry, I don't know any Muslims or Jews -- I'm pathetically deprived, but there it is. We don't have many of "those" in southern Ohio.)

Perhaps I missed the point: "Judge not that ye be not judged." "May I be free of preference and prejudice."

WHAT UP, Jack !?

When I harshly announce another's faults, there is a real danger that I'm pushing his/her crap even deeper than it was when I became aware of it sufficiently to identify it and to condemn it.

If my judgments promote emotional repression, how can that be "loving"?
If my words promote defensive blindness, how can that be "compassionate"? edited 01:21, 8 May 2012

Interesting day. Had my annual physical checkup. And I seemed to have stumbled on and accidentally joined a health program! ...

Walking this morning in a lovely cool 40°F (5°C) was a galaxy of different sounds, emphasized by the unusually low cloud base. The crunch of gravel underfoot, birdsong, a fountain's troubled burble, an airplane overhead - a great mosaic.

Then, on the way to the doctor's, I listened to Morning Edition on NPR, and found just how effective 30 minutes walking is, 5 times a week. And later found that I was unwittingly already part of the Every Body Walk! program: http://everybodywalks.org/ :))

This afternoon I made keema naan for our dinner. Decided to post my recipe to the PaB Cafe mailing list. Not sure why I do this as I doubt anyone makes the recipes themselves! (But then it's not me who's missing out. ;-) edited 06:23, 8 May 2012

karuna-metta meditation this evening, and back to a mantra practice I'd not been concerted about in a while. :)