Yoga is the Sanskrit term for discipline. Buddhism or Taoism, aside for the millions of books, are simply about getting over attachment, ego and material desires by practicing discipline. Zen as well. Discipline is simply doing something right, which indeed requires a sort of focus, but more a complete presents in the moment without wanting more than is at hand. Contemplation and study lead to understanding. Understanding leads to letting go. This is what it means to practice discipline. The eight fold path is as about eloquent as it gets. In western terms, which are usually crude, the saying "perfect practice makes perfect" is a good interpretation. It is important though to understand it is a practice, not a perfection.
Without discipline matters requiring action are left to belief. To "believe in truth" is an oxymoron. To practice discipline yield truth and this is precisely why eastern philosophy has been reduced to religion in the western world. The difference between Taoism as a discipline vs a belief, is the disciplined will be carried by the Tao as a surfer upon a wave, the religious will worship the surfer. The difference between Christianity as a discipline vs a belief: Jesus.
Belief is not all together bad, provided it is not founded on prescribed doctrine or deities. God alone is; this is Hindu. God is creation; this is Christian. In both cases you cannot do anything; think anything or believe anything that is separate or contrary to God. The one who tells you "you are a sinner", or you are at odds with God is the one who stands between you and God. God is within as it were. There is no need for proof, only growth from that point. And after all, "God" is a label like "Pope" that is used to coral, or, focus belief on something other than the subtle truth of life; that we are one and as the sum are a direct extension of the expression of omnipotence. This is what is meant by "organized community". Discipline is the glue of community. Belief is the line of separation.
"Alone one struggles. Together many flourish."
No comments:
Post a Comment