OMG I hate Koans. I used to sit around in the 70's contemplating these. Why? Why? Why? Since all begins with nothing where can dust collect? The sound of one hand clapping....eeeeeee I'm having a flashback....eeeeeee.
The point of a koan always being to free yourself of useless overthinking: that's why impossible conundrums were given, to show that through no reasonable measure of thinking could you arrive at a solution. The Zen concept of 'living action', where instant recognition preempted any necessity for action, was the moment all sought but few realized. Krishnamurti also tried to convey this and I do place him in the realm of Zen philosophy. To try to negate anger is silly, but diverting its energy through meditation, a 'communicating with self', is worthwhile. Transforming the energy of anger requires that we not maintain our focus on the thing which angers us, though.
condundrum
ReplyDeleteAnger is a very normal and natural emotion. I am not sure why we need to pretend it does not exist.
ReplyDeleteOMG I hate Koans. I used to sit around in the 70's contemplating these. Why? Why? Why? Since all begins with nothing where can dust collect? The sound of one hand clapping....eeeeeee I'm having a flashback....eeeeeee.
ReplyDeleteMaggie: Yes, most definitely
ReplyDeleteBirdie: True -- normal -- but something to muse upon
Secret Pepper Person: you make me laugh, always
The point of a koan always being to free yourself of useless overthinking: that's why impossible conundrums were given, to show that through no reasonable measure of thinking could you arrive at a solution. The Zen concept of 'living action', where instant recognition preempted any necessity for action, was the moment all sought but few realized.
ReplyDeleteKrishnamurti also tried to convey this and I do place him in the realm of Zen philosophy.
To try to negate anger is silly, but diverting its energy through meditation, a 'communicating with self', is worthwhile. Transforming the energy of anger requires that we not maintain our focus on the thing which angers us, though.
I'm with Aristotle.
ReplyDeleteI think the key word in this is "indulge".
ReplyDeletelove your posts, just taking it in on a day when I could use it.. Probably end up somewhere in btw. the 2 today, if I'm lucky.
ReplyDeleteI used to be afraid of anger and disdainful of it. Now, I fully appreciate its ability to motivate me to do the right thing as soon as I'm calm.
ReplyDeleteOh, boy! Delicious food for thought.
ReplyDeletei have to admit i'm more in tune with aristotle...
ReplyDeleteWhat Claire said.
ReplyDeleteThough these days I am more prone to make friends with my anger - tend to it the way I would a tired toddler.