Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 07:27:37 -0500
From: Unka Bart <mendicant-AT-buddhist.com>
Subject: re: Personal Responsibility


Bikshu Jeremy Dixon engages with Sandi & Scott Spaeth

> The point is that mind and matter are not distinct categories.

Hogen, being a chinese Zen teacher, lived alone in a small temple in the
country. One day, four travelling monks appeared and asked if they might
make a fine in his yard to warm themselves.

While they were building their fire, Hogen heard then arguing about
subjectivity and objectivity.  He joined them and said: "there is a big
stone.  Do you consider it to be inside or outside your mind."

One of the monks (perhaps brother Jer,) replied:  "From the buddhist
viewpoint, everything is an objectification of mind, so I would say that
the stone is inside my mind."

"Your head must feel very heavy," observed Hogen, "if you are carrying
around such a stone like that in your mind."

> If you don't like this, the trick is to do something about it, not to deny
> what really does stick out like canine testicles.

The trick, dear Jer, is not to deny the stone.

> Spot the deliberate mistake :->

That's easy.  We get his ANuS dumps all the time...