[MD] dharma, the way, zazen, path, the morning fog, etc...

[david buchanan]

Stephen Hannon asked:
Just because these (faith, hope, love, forgiveness and mercy) are social 
values, does that really mean they are unimportant?  For example, breathing 
is a biological phenomenon.  Is it therefore immoral to breathe?  This is 
one aspect of the MOQ "moral" hierarchy that I don't understand.

dmb answers:
Unimportant? Well, they don't call 'em "values" for nothing. In fact, as far 
as social level values go, these would definately be at the top of the list. 
I might have to replace "faith" with "trust" in order to avoid the unwanted 
theological implications, but what kind of monster would I have to be to 
deny that hope, love, mercy and forgiveness have no value? This is the kind 
of compassion that results from the opening of a human heart and I'm all for 
it. The problem is when this is confused with Dynamic Quality or when these 
fine sentiments are used to trump intellectual values. Its kind of like 
over-stepping its authority. Same kind of logic applies up and down the 
scale so that there is nothing inherently wrong with sex or sexual pleasure 
and life must go on, but these biological level values shouldn't trump 
social level values or intellect or be confused with Dynamic Quality either.

And I would assert, quite nakedly because it seems so obvious, that it is 
immoral to NOT breath. Breathing is a moral imperative, something you must 
do to protect life, your own life. Oh, sweet baby Jesus, please tell me 
you're OK Stephan. You weren't waiting for permission to breathe, were you? 
Somebody, call 911 right away! Is there a Doctor in the house?  Oh God, what 
have I done?

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