[MD] Creative Freedom in Jazz

[Dan Glover]

Hello everyone

On Sat, May 26, 2012 at 1:13 AM, David Harding <davidjharding at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi Dan,
>
> Finally, I'm responding below.  No excuses.  My apologies for the hold up.

Hi David

I wouldn't worry about it.

>>
>> Dan:
>>
>> Dynamic Quality is always 'there' weaving the magic we call
>> experience, our journey. I should think the gate-less gate analogy has
>> to do with the belief that one can achieve enlightenment... that there
>> is a path to follow, a gate through which one passes. Since there is
>> no enlightenment, there is no gate, no destination... and once one
>> comes to this realization they understand it has been nothing but a
>> mirage of their own making which they have been seeking after.
>
> David H:
> So to be clear, are you suggesting there is no such thing as enlightenment?

Dan:
I should think it depends on one's point of view.

David H:
Is enlightenment a mirage? Just a mistaken belief?

Dan:
To believe in something is to have confidence in it without empirical
proof. I have to wonder though... how does one go about proving the
existence of enlightenment?

David H:
I think enlightenment (or perfection) (or Dynamic Quality) does exist
and is not merely a mistaken belief.  But there is more to life than
just Dynamic Quality.  This is what the MOQ says and this is where it
differs from Zen Buddhism.

Dan:
We know Dynamic Quality by what it is not... would you agree?


>David H:
> Well, not as much disagreement here (relative to the amount of time I put off responding) as I was expecting Dan.  The only point of contention in this post was whether you think enlightenment exists or is just a mistaken belief..

Dan:
If a person believes in enlightenment I would say good for them.
Personally, I do not share that belief. But I would not go so far as
to say it is a mistaken belief. It is like those people who profess to
having a belief in God... I am not about to discount such beliefs
though I do not share it.

On the other hand, I know what I know but I have no way of sharing
that knowledge other than through my interpretation of analogies like
the gate-less gate. That analogy suggests (to me) that for those who
know there is no enlightenment... so what is it that the seekers seek
if not themselves?

>
> Thanks for you patience Dan,

You're welcome, and thank you too.

Dan

http://www.danglover.com