Andrew Furst's Blog, page 82
January 15, 2016
What To Be Grateful For? – Say What?
Say What? is an ongoing series of laconic exchanges on Buddhism in the format of a comic strip.
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Why Would Anyone Be Reborn As a Poor Person? – Modern Koans
Some religions and philosophies state that souls take births, presumably to work out past life issues. But I wonder what exactly the soul is trying to learn when it is reborn as an extremely poor person. I mean one who has no family, lives in streets, no food, is drawn to alcoholism and other self-destructive behavior. Are these souls of people who had done really bad things in previous births?
Response: We can discuss shared experience. We can share logical deductions and inferences. We can even discuss hypothetical or fictional ideas. In each context we do so with a great deal of unspoken assumptions.
For instance, if we talked about breaking up with our first sweetheart, we would assume a shared experience. If we were trying to predict how our boss might respond to a proposal, we would be relying on experience and logic. We would try to use deduction or inference to project past behavior on the future.
In the hypothetical realm, we’re also relying on shared experience to make predictions about a made up scenario. The better prediction is one that jibes with experience. Ultimately, the best answer will be the one that either makes the correct prediction or with some modification can be aligned with what actually happens.
In the fictional realm, there is a connection to experience, but it’s a little looser. A good fictional idea is one that allows us to temporarily suspend disbelief. The idea has to jibe just enough with experience that we can follow it. But, there are elements that are clearly made up. By made up, I mean they don’t have any link to our experience. Often times, these fictions can never be verified or refuted. But we’re willing to accept them for the sake of the story.
When we discuss reincarnation, I am at a complete loss for shared experience. I do not remember past lives. I’m still mystified by the idea. When I read one of the books by the Dalai Lama, where he discussed his experience with reincarnation, I was relieved to hear that his experience was the same. He has no recollection of any past lives. He even recently spoke publicly about the possibility that there will be no reincarnation of a Dalai Lama.
In my opinion, reincarnation most closely resembles fiction, or maybe a hypothetical. In this regard, it has clear benefits. It’s part of a good story that teaches us the value of acting morally and responsibly. It also demonstrates the consequences of doing the opposite.
My opinion is digging any deeper into the story of reincarnation is counterproductive and probably causes more suffering than it prevents.
What’s your take on reincarnation? Is it true? Is it a useful moral story? Is it cultural baggage that warps the core message of the Vedic traditions?
I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Modern Koans is an ongoing series that recognizes that good questions are often more important then their answers.
The riddles of God are more satisfying than the solutions of man. ― G.K. Chesterton
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January 14, 2016
Post Card Project – What If?
OK, the cards are in, envelopes and post card stamps are purchased‡. Soon the cards will be in the mail to those of you who signed up*. The ball will be in your court. What If you don’t know what you want to do with the card?
It’s in my best interest to help you get those cards back in the mail to me soon after you receive them. A few things worry me on this front. These are the “What Ifs?” that I’m anticipating. Email me if you have others.
What To Do?
What if I can’t think of something to do with the card? I have three answers to this question:
What to do? No. 1 I have confidence in you. Find a quiet spot and sit with it for a few minutes.
What to do? No. 2 (Don't open unless No. 1 didn't help you) I’m a big fan of chance operations, let the universe decide for you. For instance there are a few categories of things you could do
Color in the image on the card
Write a message on the post card
Doodle on the card (big fan)
Draw, color, ink, marker, or stamp something over the image (make it yours)
Enumerate these or any other choices you’d consider doing then go here to generate a random number to choose for you.
I also recommend using a random word generator to inspire a choice.
What to do? No. 3 (Don't open unless No. 1 or 2 didn't help you)
Click Here To Email Me & I’ll Tell You What To Do!
What If I Don’t Get It Right?
What if you’re worried about making a mistake? Here are three more answers for you:
Getting It Right No. 1 Be courageous, be bold. Just do it. It’s perfect, now send it, I can’t wait to see it and put it together with its siblings.
Getting It Right No. 2 (Don't open unless No. 1 didn't help you) Here are some copies of the post cards. You can practice with these (click on the image to open it, then print as many as you’d like to practice with)
Getting It Right No. 3 (Don't open unless No. 1 and 2 didn't help you)
Email Me & I’ll Send You Another Card!
‡ If you’re feeling generous and would be willing to help out with the production costs, You can contribute here.
* you can still sign up, I have about 90 cards left. You can sign up here.
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John Muir – Anything By Itself
Quotes -The path to right view is an arduous walk through fields of manure.
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A View From The Bar Harbor Inn – A Three Minute Meditation
A late autumn long weekend on Mount Desert Island gave me the opportunity to film this short meditation. No additional commentary, just enjoy.
These Meditation Videos Are Best Viewed In Full Screen
One Minute Meditations is an ongoing series of short videos, poems, and commentary intended as a meditation. Offered as an opportunity to step back from your cyber routine and settle into a more natural rhythm, if only for a minute.
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These videos are produced for those of us who spend an inordinately large amount of time in the cyber-world. They are not a substitute for unplugging from your devices and taking a stroll near trees, water, or a patch of unkempt grass. Getting out into the world - touching, smelling, hearing, and seeing nature is the best way to reconnect with our prime purpose.
What is our prime purpose? We are feeling and sensing machines. We are the universe looking back on itself. We are witness to the wonders and dangers of living in this corner of the cosmos. We are the seekers looking for connection a little further beyond yesterday's borders and boundaries.
But sitting and staring at the screen robs us of the sustenance that we rely upon for wonder and sanity. These videos are an opportunity to bring the sensations of nature to you, while you're in the cyber-world. Its an opportunity to relax your gaze, resettle your posture, and regain some depth in your breath. Listen and watch the video and allow your self to open up and recharge.
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January 13, 2016
Inspired By God – Verse Us (Poems by Me)
Verse Us - Poems I write: haiku, senryu, mesostics, free verse, random word constructions, I might even use rhyme or meter once and a while.
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Acadia III – Tiny Drops (Photography)
Click on an image below to view images in the lightbox
2015-10-30 12.05.41
Silver Cascade
Snow Falls Bridge
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January 12, 2016
The Post Cards Have Arrived
I got the post cards back from the printer. The run went well. I have to pick up stamps and envelopes tomorrow and I’ll start sending them out. I’m really looking forward to getting all these surprises in the mail. I’m also trying not to set expectations. Putting these together into completed sets is going to be fun.
I have plenty of cards, so don’t worry about asking for more.
If you’re reading about this for the first time and would like to participate in a free cooperative art project, you can sign up here.
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Buddha’s Mistake? – Say What?
Say What? is an ongoing series of laconic exchanges on Buddhism in the format of a comic strip.
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In January by Maurice Sendak – Compass Songs
In January it’s so nice,
While slipping on the sliding ice,
To sip hot chicken soup with rice.
Sipping once, sipping twice,
Sipping chicken soup with rice.
Compass Songs is an ongoing series of works by poets that I enjoy. Poetry, as the Zen Masters have said, is like a finger pointing to the moon. It speaks the unspeakable.
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