Learning About Buddhism

For a few years now, I've had an interest in Buddhism. This arose from a comment someone made to me about a discovery I'd made about myself. She told me that what I'd experienced was a perfect example of a certain buddhistic (is that a word?) principle. When I want to learn something, I like to consult with experts. Why waste time with wanna-bees? So, I've been reading "The Way of Zen" by Alan Watts.



Alan Watts



This isn't reading you just plow through like a sci-fi novel. I take in a few pages, let it sit a couple days and then go and re-read it. And maybe re-read it again. Which is part of the problem, no doubt. While I'm trying to process the information, that is contrary to a primary concept of Buddhism. Watts says this: "... Taoism concerns itself with unconventional knowledge, with the understanding of life directly, instead of the abstract, linear terms of representational thinking." You have to live it. I like that.

What Are You Afraid Of?

Ezra Bayda, a buddhist teacher in San Diego, has written a wonderful article about the three things we fear most: the fear of losing safety and control, fear of aloneness and disconnection, and the fear of unworthiness. Click on the title to follow the link.

This article really spoke to me. Bayda writes: "It’s interesting that one of life’s most vital lessons is something we are never taught in school: how to be at home with ourselves." I hope you enjoy his perspective.