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Pilot3
Member
Posts: 22
Registered: Aug 2009 |
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 Posted September 25th, 2009 10:23 IP   
I have another query for the clear minded.
It is said that the sage rarely shares his knowledge, and when he teaches, the ones who are learning may not even realize.
A passive, perhaps unorthodox, way of teaching. But effective.
Everyday, it seems, that I am presented with an opportunity to comment or speak of Taoist stories and the wisdom within. Mainly, the word Tao is not mentioned, except in rare cases; and is just general philosophy is shared.
Normally, even in such conversations, i rarely speak. reserving my words for what i really wish to say. but other times, I speak with intention to impose concepts and is usually direct.
my query is this: What defines a passive approach of spreading wisdom?
what are some of your own experiences sharing?
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mystic light
Administrator
Posts: 6815
Registered: May 2006 |
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Posted September 26th, 2009 20:57 IP
Oh, very interesting topic! 
Quote:
What defines a passive approach of spreading wisdom? |
I'd say to wait until you are asked for your opinion or advice.
Quote:
what are some of your own experiences sharing? |
I love this Zen story:
Quote:
A Cup of Tea
Nan-in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era (1868-1912), received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen.
Nan-in served tea. He poured his visitor's cup full, and then kept on pouring.
The professor watched the overflow until he no longer could restrain himself. "It is overfull. No more will go in!"
"Like this cup," Nan-in said, "you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?" |
I've spared myself so many futile discussions since...
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http://schmuckzauberei.blogspot.com/ |
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Pilot3
Member
Posts: 22
Registered: Aug 2009 |
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Posted September 30th, 2009 01:36 IP
So, of course if one asks for advice, wisdom may be shared.
And like the university professor, to truly understand you must empty yourself of expectations and preconceptions.
So perhaps, teaching may be done the same way. without such cut and dry, student and teacher outlook, Making a much more natural feel.
The best teacher, is when the student doesn't know he's learning.
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mystic light
Administrator
Posts: 6815
Registered: May 2006 |
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Posted September 30th, 2009 17:23 IP
That would be great indeed. Children learn while playing...
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http://schmuckzauberei.blogspot.com/ |
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Pilot3
Member
Posts: 22
Registered: Aug 2009 |
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Posted February 27th, 2010 23:31 IP
So I have a bit more to add to this discussion.
In my travels, I've noticed several things.
Some people respond negatively to advice, be it sage or foolhardy.
Some people, like friends and family, are stubborn. Some may not expect such profound statements from you, some may reject it. I've noticed in general, some people don't like being taught anything. Some people believe they already have all the answers. And who are we to decide if they have or haven't.
But above all that I've learned, is the best way to passively spread wisdom, is by simply focusing on yourself. When you center yourself on your own refinement, those you know will naturally follow,
Without your meddling.
Cultivate. Refine the self. Understand stillness, and peace will spread itself around you.
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mystic light
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Posts: 6815
Registered: May 2006 |
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Posted February 28th, 2010 17:41 IP
Yes, I see your point....I think a part of the aversion people might feel against advice could be, that it could invoke a feeling of inadequacy in some the one who are getting the advice... So if we give advice when not asked for any, we could create a situation where we might be seen as somebody who puts himself over the counseled, and a rebellion against this could arise in the person who received the advice..
People love humbleness. It's not threatening. Somebody humble poses no danger....so I guess not offering advice unless it's asked for, is an act that is seen as humble...
What do you think?
(Edited by mystic light)
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Pilot3
Member
Posts: 22
Registered: Aug 2009 |
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Posted February 28th, 2010 20:18 IP
Perhaps. Perhaps it's simpler than that.
I dont think some people even recognize humility.
Even when asked for advice, you must be weary.
Perhaps it would serve them better to let them figure out on their own. We would not want to lessen someone's own struggle that will give them valuable wisdom.
Rather, if we continue to focus on our own refinement. Others will naturally follow. When you are tranquil, those around you follow your lead.
Direct Experience
A student came up to the master. "This thing you call Tao." he said, throwing wide his arms. "Where does it exist?" the master stood for a moment then pointed to a steaming pile of ox manure at his feet. "it is there," he said.
The student asked the master, "Master, what is the true meaning of Tao?" The master raised his staff and the student gave a shout. The master then struck his student with the staff.
A student asked the master, "I do not ask you anything about pointing, what is the moon?" The master asked back, "who is not asking about pointing?" another student asked, "i do not ask you about the moon, what is pointing?" The master answered, "The moon." The student then said, "I asked about pointing, why did you speak of the moon?" The master answered, "Because you asked about pointing."
A student once asked Hsian Yen, "What is Tao?" Hsiang Yen replied, "a dragon hums inside a withered log."
The student came to the master and said, "Please help me to quiet my mind." The master answered, "Bring me your mind and I promise i will help you." The student stood there for a moment and then said, "But Master, I cannot seem to find it." "Ah," replied the master, "then i have already quieted it."
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mystic light
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Posts: 6815
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Posted February 28th, 2010 21:28 IP
Nice. "A dragon hums inside a log..."
What is more important? To lead or to follow?
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http://schmuckzauberei.blogspot.com/ |
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mystic light
Administrator
Posts: 6815
Registered: May 2006 |
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Posted March 1st, 2010 20:43 IP
:bow:
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Pilot3
Member
Posts: 22
Registered: Aug 2009 |
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Posted March 2nd, 2010 02:38 IP
:namaste:
:rofl:
(Edited by Pilot3)
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Lotus Buddhism Forum :: :: Zen :: Sharing |
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