15.10.07

Song of Freedom, Lines 18-20




Appearances are empty, all is impermanent;
this is the complete view of the Those Gone Into Thusness.

As a true monk I speak the truth.
If you don’t agree with me, let’s discuss it;

but remember that the Way of Awake Awareness
aims for the root


Line 18 is another good Heart Sutra reference.

Line 19 I kind of wonder about. In some of the Chinese writings, particularly poems, there is sometimes a tendency to speak in opposites. If the author intended this to last, and I think he did, how would we discuss it with him? Maybe the intent is just what I am doing right now?

Line 20 what is the root? Here we can go through the Who, what, when, why, where, how routine once again and come up with basically the same examples that I am fairly certain of. The universal self, the ineffable, now, here, because of the will to the truth, through practice and experience.

I welcome comments, but I may integrate them into the commentary.

I hope that my efforts are helpful in clearing my own delusion as well as that of others,
Jordan





Acknowledgments

7 comments:

megumif said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
megumif said...

Tank you very much for Takuwan have a bath.
I would like to have more spend time with you.
( p_q) e-n

Anonymous said...

Line 18 is said as a statement of fact and it is said as if the author had direct experience of it.

Line 19 is a challenge and an assertion. He's saying almost "If you don't believe me it is because you have not experienced it".

The thing is that if 18 was said stated as a belief it would be open for discussion but since it is stated as fact what is the point of discussing it?

"Let's discuss it" suggests tht he is open to changing his position but I doubt if that is the case...

muddy elephant said...

but remember that the Way of Awake Awareness aims for the root

I like your explaining the root as universal self.

I think the root analogy is a good one. How often do we all aim for the branches, the outcomes, instead of looking for the cause, the concept?...

I see the root also as the life force that flows before we call it "life force".

Perhaps it is the emptiness that gives rise to form. Simultaneousness.

The unspoken words before they are spoken.

Take care and keep up the good work.

SlowZen said...

Megumi,

You are welcome, he needed it!
We will watch Heros tonight!


Mike Doe,

To be clear, I would not suggest anything you are saying here is not possibly correct.

Muddy,

Thank you for your kind comments!

All,

Be well and happy.
Jordan

Carol said...

Jordan,

I am constantly impressed by your blog at how beautifully it's decorated and annotated as well as the depth of your examination of your subject.

What a wonderful, wonderful full and deep mind you have!

Love,
Mom

SlowZen said...

Mom,
Thanks for reading!

Love
Jordan

Thanks for looking!