Is Zen Rational?
- PadmaVonSamba
- Posts: 9443
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Re: Is Zen Rational?
No real basis. I like that.Astus wrote:Is being rational Zen? Is being irrational Zen? Of course not. Can Zen be rationalised or "irrationalised"? Definitely. So it is not something but can be made into anything, such is the magic of mind. Zen can be presented in any way it is needed, that's the primary approach Zen has. That is quite a rational attitude that understands dependent origination and how to assist people in seeing the nature of mind, i.e. perceiving that ideas such as rationality and irrationality depend on each other without any real basis.
Re: Is Zen Rational?
I know Dependent Origination is rational.
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Re: Is Zen Rational?
Zen is rationally irrational.
Re: Is Zen Rational?
Zen relies upon Buddha Nature directly. Because Buddha Nature cannot be elaborated upon meaningfully using logic, Zen is beyond logic. Logic is a tool for consistent reasoning but Zen accords to the circumstance and condition. Zen's rationality is totally based on Buddha Nature. You can reason correctly in Zen, just not with a linear intellectual approach (although you can get started that way).ajax wrote:Hello Kirtkirtu wrote:Zen is rational, but it is not linear and it is not bound by logic.
Kirt
Can you possibly elaborate? How can Zen be rational if it is not bound by logic or reasoning?
Kirt
“Where do atomic bombs come from?”
Zen Master Seung Sahn said, “That’s simple. Atomic bombs come from the mind that likes this and doesn’t like that.”
"Even if you practice only for an hour a day with faith and inspiration, good qualities will steadily increase. Regular practice makes it easy to transform your mind. From seeing only relative truth, you will eventually reach a profound certainty in the meaning of absolute truth."
Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.
"Only you can make your mind beautiful."
HH Chetsang Rinpoche
Zen Master Seung Sahn said, “That’s simple. Atomic bombs come from the mind that likes this and doesn’t like that.”
"Even if you practice only for an hour a day with faith and inspiration, good qualities will steadily increase. Regular practice makes it easy to transform your mind. From seeing only relative truth, you will eventually reach a profound certainty in the meaning of absolute truth."
Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.
"Only you can make your mind beautiful."
HH Chetsang Rinpoche
- PadmaVonSamba
- Posts: 9443
- Joined: Sat May 14, 2011 1:41 am
Re: Is Zen Rational?
on one side is rational, on the other side is irrational. That's not zen.
So the answer is, no.
Sheng-ts'an's great poem, "On Beliveing In Mind" sums it up niceley:
"As long as you tarry in the dualism, How can you realize oneness?"
So the answer is, no.
Sheng-ts'an's great poem, "On Beliveing In Mind" sums it up niceley:
"As long as you tarry in the dualism, How can you realize oneness?"
EMPTIFUL.
An inward outlook produces outward insight.
An inward outlook produces outward insight.
Re: Is Zen Rational?
It was just an example of rationality in Zen. I am implying that the same line of thought can be applied broadly to Zen practice.ajax wrote:hello catmoon
I also doubt the practice of zazen was derived from a process of logical analysis. However the question of how the practice was derived is a different question.catmoon wrote:I doubt the practice of sitting on cushions was derived from a process of logical analysis.
Sergeant Schultz knew everything there was to know.
- AdmiralJim
- Posts: 162
- Joined: Mon Aug 22, 2011 6:11 pm
- Location: Aberdeen, Scotland
Re: Is Zen Rational?
to quote spock 'logic is the beginning of wisdom not the end'
I don't know where we are going but it will be nice when we get there