BOOK OF EQUANIMITY - Case 22

[jeff_u]

So, since we simply sit in/as/through-and-through What Is, how can such fail to be Truth?

Gassho, J (having a little fun)

This is a fun case Thanks for spinning my head around!

Reading this reminds me of math. Specifically the debates around the turn of the 19^th century where everyone was obsessed with finding a system that encompassed absolute mathematical truth—given the right starting truths (axioms), they said, we could generate all true mathematical statements. Greatly simplified, it turns out that this is impossible to do. However, studying math or logic even today feels like being asked to categorize every snowflake as beautiful or ugly, or with any other arbitrary dualistic distinction. This is as if Ganto goes to every teacher and categorizes their Dharma as ordinary or holy.

In math and science we like to know what’s true and what isn’t. Separating the wheat from the chaff. In proving a theorem (true statement) you also carve out falsehoods. But these falsehoods are not, not real or meaningless. They are locked in a dance with the truths. They can’t exist separately. One implies the other. They are both Truth.

We get so obsessed with dividing what is from what isn’t we forget that what isn’t is, and what is, isn’t.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cBOyx1sNIc...ssellation.jpg


What does it mean for something to not be true?

Gassho,
-Jeff

[Jundo]

This is a fun case Thanks for spinning my head around!

Reading this reminds me of math. Specifically the debates around the turn of the 19^th century where everyone was obsessed with finding a system that encompassed absolute mathematical truth—given the right starting truths (axioms), they said, we could generate all true mathematical statements. Greatly simplified, it turns out that this is impossible to do.

In Zen math, 2 + 2 = 4 as any schoolchild knows.

However, 2 + 2 = 2 too, and = 3,4,5.

2 - 2 = 9 all down the line.

2 = 4 = 7 = Buddha Heaven.

And all or any numbers added, divided, subtracted or divided are simply 1 at the start, middle and end.

.00001 = the 10,000 things

1 + 1 =

But don't think of as nothing but Zero.

All the columns always in balance, whatever is put in them.

Something like that.

Gassho, J

[galen]

Thanks for the contemplation here, Jundo and jeff.

[Kaishin]

This Sangha is a real treasure, but one comprising humans who sometimes come together and sometimes push apart. But it's still a treasure. As far as I'm concerned, there would be no Buddhism without Treeleaf. Now, my practice, on the other hand, especially lately feels more like fool's gold than a Treasure. A fallow time. Waiting for the harvest. Need to get on the cushion regularly. No posturing at the gate for me. More like falling asleep under it!


Gassho, Kaishin / Matt

[AlanLa]

Buddhist math, as explained by Jundo above, is way easier for me than algebra

[Taigu]

Galen,

It seems you really like playing teacher and pooring oil on fire.
Could please look into your self? I am sure it would help.

Gassho


Taigu


PS: if may add the following pointer, you have a fine mind and your wisdom ability is quite impressive, much like one of Dogen s students, you could be asked to develop your grand mother mind, embracing and compassionate mind.