[MD] The relativity of the MoQ

[David Thomas]

On 9/8/09 11:55 AM, "MarshaV" <valkyr at att.net> wrote:

>  I still have no idea where Andre's "slightly worried" is
> directed, especially as it was in response to a post I sent.  Do you have
> any idea?  180-degree Zen and 360-degree Zen seems to be some kind of
> abstract, symbolic Zen language.
> 
> Marsha

I think what Pirsig is referring to with his circle and X's in the interview
is basically restating the ancient Zen Ox herding Pictures. Go to
http://www.jaysquare.com/ljohnson/ox-herding.html scroll down to the
individual pictures.

Place an "x" at the bottom of the first circle and proceed to step/picture
2,3,4..etc if you mark your progress in one direction around (in tenths) the
circle when you get to ten you're right back where you started. But if you
fully experienced each step the journey should have been enlightening.
You however are not necessarily "Enlightened". As a practical matter to the
practicing Buddhist you don't necessarily proceed regularly, in a timely
manner from step to step. Backsliding is a universal truth.

While we know that the ZMM Pirsig was interested and pursued eastern
philosophy it would be interesting to know whether he was an intellectual
studying Buddhism or practicing Buddhist at that time. And if practicing
whether it started before or after his "breakdown".

Dave.