An unintended consequence of exploring the mystery being absent the month of October is the presence of undue consternation regarding subject matter of Post #174.
Unable to decide among several juicy options, I plop on my reptilian patterned chair stationed by fraudulent French doors. Resting, I admire multiple colors that still adorn the trees.
Leaves detach from the trees, one by one, fluttering gracefully to the ground. Each looks fiercely singular.
This reminds me of one piece of frank advice from a Zen master that I read this morning: #4 out of a list of 17 –
“To you who think there’s something to being `in`”
In this case, Kodo Sawaki Roshi (1880-1965) is referring to our tendency as humans to hang onto others and want whatever they want.
He continues: “One at a time people are still bearable, but when they form cliques, they start to get stupid. We live in group stupidity and confuse this insanity with true experience. It is essential that you become transparent to yourself and wake up from this madness….take leave of the group and walk on your own two feet.”*
One of my struggles is being too attached to agreement which occurs to me is another form of joining the clique.
Are you worried about being part of the group? Do you agree with Roshi that people start to get stupid in groups? What price do you pay for being part of clique or to get agreement?
Please let me know by email or go to comment section of blog. Click on this link: www.nickymendenhall.blogspot.com
This reminds me of one piece of frank advice from a Zen master that I read this morning: #4 out of a list of 17 –
“To you who think there’s something to being `in`”
In this case, Kodo Sawaki Roshi (1880-1965) is referring to our tendency as humans to hang onto others and want whatever they want.
He continues: “One at a time people are still bearable, but when they form cliques, they start to get stupid. We live in group stupidity and confuse this insanity with true experience. It is essential that you become transparent to yourself and wake up from this madness….take leave of the group and walk on your own two feet.”*
One of my struggles is being too attached to agreement which occurs to me is another form of joining the clique.
Are you worried about being part of the group? Do you agree with Roshi that people start to get stupid in groups? What price do you pay for being part of clique or to get agreement?
Please let me know by email or go to comment section of blog. Click on this link: www.nickymendenhall.blogspot.com
Thanks for exploring the mystery!
*Article in Tricycle, Winter, 2015, “TO YOU” written by Kodo Sawaki Roshi, page 37+
4 comments
The first thing I thought of was “mob mentality” which usually has a negative connotation. However, I think it very possible to act “smartly”, instead of “stupidly”, with a group. It all depends on the people you’re with and how mindful they are. Of course, you always have to listen to your true self whether alone or in a group. I think the problem lies with people who don’t want to take the time to explore their inner world and take the easy way out by joining a group and following their ideas and beliefs.
Thanks Nina!
Oh, God! LOVE those Buddhists who call it as it is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
thank you and happy last days of fall. (Winter on the Chinese calendar starts Sunday, Nov. 8.
One of the blessed things about getting older, as I am 62 now, is that I can finally say what I think. Out spoken to anyone and I do not care if they agree disagree. Being vocal and honest is so freeing. Oh I was part of the click, and being extremely stupid. Wanting to fit in is just part of our DNA I think. They say children ,old people, and people who are intoxicated speak the truth. I believe there's a lot to that.
I truly believe self confidence speaks volumes as far as being involved in a click or not. I unfortunately lack self-confidence and needed to fit in. But to end this on a higher note, I truly miss pat myself on the back because I raised magnificent child. Bravo
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