[MD] dualism

[Dan Glover]

>From: Kevin Perez <kjp_on_moq at yahoo.com>
>Reply-To: moq_discuss at moqtalk.org
>To: moq_discuss at moqtalk.org
>Subject: Re: [MD] dualism
>Date: Sat, 10 Feb 2007 21:04:45 -0800 (PST)
>
> > [Dan]
> > The oneness is found by simply expanding one's point of view.
> >
> > >[Kevin]
> > >And if oneness is not an illusion then how is it realized?
> >
> > [Dan]
> > By seeing past the illusion.
>
>[Kevin]
>Yes.  Oneness, non-dualistic thinking and behaving, inner awakening and
>expanded awareness are all realized when we see past the illusion.
>
>But I don't believe concepts have the power to expand awareness, not 
>directly
>anyway.  They can position us at the threshhold and help us how to ask the
>questions.  But concepts are no substitute for experience.  You experience
>awareness, oneness and non-dualistic thinking or you don't.  These insights 
>and
>realizations are are not transferable, i.e., God has no grandchildren.

[Dan]
I suppose an imaginary God can only have imaginary grandchildren. Isn't that 
why Robert Pirsig states that intellect only takes one farther away from 
reality and not closer?

>
> > >[Kevin]
> > >I believe that true life is realized when things that seem to be 
>separate
> > >and dualistic are held together, not balanced.  And that this is 
>difficult.
> > >Is this what Buddhist's mean when they say "life is suffering?"
> >
> > [Dan]
> > Robert Pirsig recommends Steve Hagen's book "Buddhism Plain and Simple"
> > and I do too. Hagen likens suffering to a wheel being out of balance so 
>I think
> > you are correct in saying that suffering occurs when we separate the 
>self
> > from all else.
>
>[Kevin]
>We all suffer.  But no one should have to suffer alone.  I believe 
>compassion,
>oneness and non-dualistic thinking and behaving all go hand in hand.

[Dan]
I agree.

>
> > [Dan]
> > I've heard Rohr's name but I know far too little of his work to comment.
> > Whether these are the only paths, I don't know. From what I understand, 
>the
> > Buddha tried both paths yet only came to his realization after he'd 
>given up
> > and simply sat silent. But again, I am not a Buddhist and there may be
> > others here who can give you a better answer.
>
>[Kevin]
>I would recommend starting with "Everything Belongs" (ISBN 0824519957).

[Dan]
I'll check it out. Thank you.

Dan