Just do good

Sometimes something is so simple, we find it impossible to comprehend or understand.
We want to relate it to everything in our lives and we do, but in the process we overcomplicate things. Yes! Everything can be explained with complex algorithms or a whole lot of special jargon. And yes sometimes it takes all of that to get us to wrap our heads around the facts. But here it is, pure, simple, unrefined and unadulterated.

Just do good.

Volumes of confusing doctrine have been written about this subject. Everything outlining what is doing good to the ways to accomplish good, what is not good. The duality and non-duality of good. Blah blah blah. It goes on and on and on. It spans every religion and philosophy. This simple message. This simple instruction. This simple imperative. This simple key.

Just do good.

I thought about writing a whole lot more about this but it has already been done. I will undoubtedly write about it some more sometime. But that will likely be in the name of “just do good.”


Just do good
Jordan

I am not sorry.

I did not get promoted.
I don’t always communicate my intentions clearly.
I often seem aloof.
Sometimes I sound like Yoda.
I go to bed early.
I wake up early.
I took vacation and you had to work.
I sometimes yell or shout spontaneously.
I often break out laughing spontaneously.
I have witnessed some frightening things.
I have witnessed some wondrous things.
I have above average intelligence.
I have below average expectations.
I appreciate quality.
I have preferences’ and aversions.
I am horrendous at math.
I have illegible handwriting.
My vehicles are paid for.
I got more money back in income tax than I paid in.
I still have a negative $ net worth.
I own a Wii.
I spend a lot of time on a computer behind a desk in an air conditioned office.
I killed a mosquito this morning.
I enjoy spoiling my girls rotten.
I love.
I am loved.

I am not sorry about circumstances, cause or effect.

All the evil actions born by me from ancient greed, anger and ignorance, I now make full confession of them.

Now, go be well and happy, or else!
Jordan

Be nice to each other! And be sincere!

There have been a few folks out in the blogosphere talking about some subjects near and deer to me, so I put up a couple of Master Dogen’s old talks on the subject below. I feel like a broken record on this but since I see it keep coming up maybe the right thing to do is just rehash it.

Kind Speech & Love words, I feel are really at the heart of Buddhism, Right up there with Zazen*! I know that is a bold statement but here me out. Our main way of interacting with others is through communication, Here it is written, but it could be through speaking or other actions as well. Zazen* is a great practice, but while you may be able to plunge into it and get to the truth about reality, most folks are not ready, willing or able to do that yet. So clearly we should not be adding to suffering by making matters worse by acting superior or speaking down to others, belittling them. Instead try to raise them up if you can, or say nothing if you can’t.

There are exceptions! Sometimes, particularly when someone (like me) is particularly deluded, some harsh words might be in order to get someone to wake the heck up. But great care and compassion should be taken in that effort, because regardless of your intent, what comes around usually goes around.


May all be well and happy,
Jordan


* I acknowledge that others may have other practices that may be different, Zazen dose it for me.

Kind Speech

“Kind Speech” means, when meeting with living beings, first of all to feel compassion for them and to offer caring and loving words.
Broadly, it is there being no rude or bad words. In secular societies there are polite words “take good care of yourself!” and there is the disciple’s greeting”how are you?” Speaking with the feeling of “compassion for living beings as if they were babies” is kind speech. We should praise those who have virtue and should pity those who lack virtue. Through love of kind speech, kind speech is gradually nurtured. Thus, kind speech which is ordinarily neither recognized nor experienced manifests itself before us. While the present body and life exists we should enjoy kind speech, and we should not regress or deviate through many ages and many lives. Weather in defeating adversaries or in promoting harmony among gentlefolk, kind speech is fundamental. To hear kind speech indirectly etched an impression in the heart and in the soul. Remember, kind speech arises from a loving mind, and the seed of a loving mind is compassion. We should learn that kind speech has the power to turn around the heavens; it is not merely the praise of ability.

-excerpt from: Shobogenzo, Bodisatta-shishobo- Master Dogen-
Translated by Master Gudo Wafu Nishijima and Chodo Cross

Enthusiasm

According to the Pali Cannon, Gutama Buddha said:

Possessed of two things in this very life, one lives in much ease and happiness, firmly directed towards the ending of the defilements. What two? Being thrilled by enthusiasm at the time for enthusiasm, and making a firm effort.

I think this should be tied directly into this: The Seven Points of Practice

I think at times I grimly approach my practice like it is a chore. Other noteworthy bloggers have seemed to be going through the same thing. This is a rough cycle for me that will likely go around in circles until I am ready to break it. I think I am able to step out of it for longer and longer periods of time, But then there are those days... But today is not one of them!

Enthusiastically,
Jordan