[MD] The Arete Initiative

[MarshaV]

At 03:44 AM 4/17/2008, you wrote:



> > >SA previously:  This writing to
> > >representatives, is it a natural feel?
>
>Marsha:
> > Yes, but it's now time for me to read The Diamond
> > Sutra.
>
>SA:  A diamond is a tough nut to crack.  That's what I
>get from it.  My mind can't crack reality.  Reality is
>a tough nut, and can't be cracked.  What do you view
>so far from reading the sutra?

Greetings SA,

Interesting that you should write this.  This morning I have been 
thinking that The Diamond Sutra needs to be read differently.  This 
won't be read too quickly.  There has already been a rhythm 
established by chapter.  Read the chapter, read the commentary, 
thoughts, space.  It reminds me of my how my meditation has changed 
from watching the flow of thoughts, the process of thinking, to 
awareness of the space in-between.

I have read the order of these three sutras backwards, starting with 
The Platform Sutra, then The Heart Sutra, and now The Diamond 
Sutra.  Right now the plan is to reread these in their proper 
chronological order later after some space.  I think a second reading 
will be both helpful, and a pleasure.  These are fine editions.



>         I'm flipping back and forth between three
>books now.  Mainly I read them at breaks at work, and
>before I go to sleep (started doing the latter the
>past three days).  Campbell's "Oriental Mythology" (on
>China in this one now), "Catch-22" (still reading
>this, about 1/3 way through), and the Dali Lama's
>explanation on Kamalashila's "Stages of Meditation".

Nice mix.  I have read 'Stages of Meditation'. I have enjoyed a few 
of the books written by the Dalai Lama.

I have an interesting book to read some time this summer.  It's, 
'Knowledge & Liberation: Tibetan Buddhist Epistemology in Support of 
Transformative Religious Experience', by Anne C. Klein.  I am curious 
to know what a female scholar will have to say on this topic.  I hope 
it's readable.  I can get very tangled in those Sanskrit & Chinese 
words.   I also have 'Once Upon An Eskimo Time' by Edna Wilder, in the queue.


>tons of work to do at work today,
>SA

Hope you're enjoying the work.  For me it is the start of the Spring 
nesting season.

Marsha




Shoot for the moon.  Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars...