More Zen Thoughts

Zen originally is not established on slogans, it just points directly to the human mind. Direct pointing is just pointing to that which is inherent in everyone, though in a shell of unawareness. When the whole being appears responsively, it is no different from that of the sages since antiquity. This is what is called the originally pure subtle luminosity of naturally real essence, which swallows and spits out the whole universe, individually freed from material senses. Only by detaching from thoughts and cutting off feelings, utterly transcending ordinary parameters, with great perceptivity and great insight, using inherent power, can this be directly experienced in your present situation. - Yuan wu (1063-1135)

I wonder if the Stoics derived some of their philosophies from the Easter religions? I'm not for sure, but there seems to be some connection there about the separation of our emotions. It sounds almost like the Vulcans from Star Trek. I must confess that when I was in high school I liked the idea of separation from emotions of the Vulcans. I tried really hard to not be emotional, to be very stoical about everything. I have to admit that for a while, I succeeded quite well. The problem is that humans rely heavily on emotions to guide their lives. I have flopped so much, my Myers-Briggs Personality Indicator showed me to by an INFP--Introvert, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceptive--a trait indicator that shows my tendencies towards emotion. I guess I can't get away from it. However, I still would like to learn Zen, and learn how to meditate. I think that might help reduce my stress, and perhaps make it easier to sleep at night and improve my attitude. I have no facts or proof that this it will help, but it is a thought I have. Now, I just have to find the time for it--I'm sure I have time somewhere, but I still have to figure out exactly where I am going to get that time. I want to hope that when I go to a ship, I'll be able to find some time to meditate. I just have to determine what is going to be the best meditation for me. There's the thought of Zen meditation, but I also think about catholic meditation. It's hard to make a decision since there is so much from either side that I really like. I'll keep pondering and hopefully I'll make a good decision.

I'm trying to talk Greg into going to bed now. He has to be up early in the morning for his 5-yr physical, but he doesn't seem too happy about going to bed. He's studying the picture of the crab we took trying to determine exactly what type of crab it is. So far the thought is that it is some type of mud crab. Hopefully he'll give up and get ready to go to bed, especially since he wants up at 0430. I don't want to get up at all tomorrow, am even fighting the temptation to call in sick tomorrow.l

Anyway, I'm falling asleep sitting here typing this. Hopefully this week will be nice. It's supposed to rain tomorrow, and I'm actually looking forward to it if it does. I can always use some rain and overcast skies. Don't know why, I just like the rain. I'm going to close now, though, and go to bed myself. Greg will have to decide for himself when he's going to bed...hopefully he makes the right decision.