In this weeks readings, we face an interesting dichotomy--two philosophers who take different approaches to explaining the infinite, and by that I mean God and Nature. One would rather try and describe what cannot be described (which can only result in mumbling futility), using colorful simile intended symbolically; another expresses his feelings and interpretations in an attempt to tug the heartstrings of the reader. It is up to each individaul to decide which of these methods is more effective.
Frankly, I get bored with the former. I have mentioned this in class and among friends, but philosophy means much more to me when it helps to see the great beauty in life, or when it makes practical and applicable suggestions that I can integrate toward fulfillment. In this regard, I am much more apt to appreciate the writings of Tzu-Ssu.
What brilliance in:
"...the mature person looks into his own heart and respects what is unseen and unheard."
"The mature person pays attention to what is happening in his inmost self."
"Once we find the center (of arisen pleasure, anger, sorrow, and joy)* and acheive harmony, heaven and earth take their proper places, and all things are fully nourished.'
This I can apply to my life. Seek balance of emotion by avoiding extreme states. To seek balance, look inward. Wonderful.
I am reminded of the Buddhist in New York City, who purchases a five dollar hot dog from a street vendor. Although he pays with a twenty dollar bill, he gets no money back.
When asked about the disparity, the vendor replies, "You of all people should know--change must come from within."
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As to Tu-Shun, I can appreciate the beauty of a good simile, "life is like..." But, I tire quickly of this type of observation. Often the speaker has worked out so detailed a model that his invention lacks spontenaity. I would much rather a man speak from his heart in trying to capture a vision of life than develop a grand illusion for the sake of literary competence. I laud brevity, in conversation and in wit.
To the end of the passage, Tu-Shun borrows from ancient wisdom in stating "a simile is the same as not a simile." I get it, the net is all inclusive, yet it isn't a net. No crystal in the net is different from any other crystal in the net. All things are connected, all people are connected, all is one. The net describes this oneness of many parts.
This is the same example as the ocean metaphor in that every drop of water is necessary yet each drop is identifiable. Valid but not helpful.
In this case, Tu-Shun is like an arsonist who tosses his cigarette into a forest fire--why bother?
* Parentheses are mine.
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5 comments:
You know, I probably would have enjoyed the passage more had Tu-Shun used a drop of water in the ocean instead of the elaborate net scenario he presented. Like you said, we get it. All the gems are like all of the other gems. Who's seen a gem strewn net, though? It's difficuly to see his message when you're too busy critiquing his methods.
Woody,
Tu-Shun isn't your cup of tea, and that is fine. But different sorts of minds need different sorts of medicines. He's exactly what the doctor ordered, for a certain type of thinking.
I realize in hindsight that my comments have an absolute quality to them. I hope I do not discount the effect one writer may have on a person, I merely voice my opinion as to my own preferences and experiences.
I had no intent to offend.
I think that our minds are our own...but what goes on in there is a bit more complicated than that..
I was told, and have experienced this, so I think that it is true, that we have many different “voices” in our minds. You mentioned the ego, that is one of them. Isn't the ego a fun voice? I always get into trouble when I listen to my ego....
Also in our minds are voices like the negotiator, the motivator, the supporter....I believe that there are 9 different voices.
I think of these as my support group. And according to the person who told me this, in each person's mind there is one dominate voice that kind of “rules the meeting” so to speak. This is the voice that makes decisions for us when we aren't conscious of our thought process. Kind of like our auto-pilot voice....
I do think that my mind is mine, even if I feel that I have little control over it at times. Thank you for you comment I enjoy your ideas.
Here's the thing Woody. Yes, you are very opinionated. But I suppose an assortment of opinions are what makes the world so colorful. The thing that I appreciate about your writing, is that you are obviously well-educated on these topics of discussion. Even if I don't fully agree at times, I certainly listen more intensely when I know the person has done their homework on the topic. It's funny though, we tend to se eye-to-eye on most viewpoints. I think you have a much better way of explaining them though than I do. I look forward to your blog's each week.
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