Many people see the process of “enlightenment” as involving degrees of peace and contentment. That the process can be inherently violent–a ripping away of illusions and even relationships based on those illusions–is probably one of the features that turn people away from considering such spiritual questions. It is relatively easy to look back on, say,…
Whenever I see pictures like this, it always reminds me of the Jewish festival of Sukkot–which is presently being observed. It is a holiday that combines a harvest festival typical of many cultures with a commemoration of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt. The booths–“sukkot”–were the temporary huts in which the Israelites dwelled during both. Ritually…
There is a Zen story in which a student approaches his teacher and asks, “Master, what happens after we die?” The Master says, “I don’t know.” The student is taken aback. “What do you mean? Aren’t you a Zen Master.” “Yes, I am.” the master replies, “But I am not a dead one.” I also…
There is a Jewish midrash (legend) to the effect that the Biblical Solomon carried two notes with him everywhere. One said, “For me, the universe was created;” the other, “My end will be dust and ashes.” When he was overwhelmed by all the pressures and crises of the monarchy to the point where he felt…