coming and going

[Guest guest]

In the Jaina tradition, it is customary for a person to literally pull out

his hair in 5 or 6 chunks before embarking upon the career of a monk. I was

once told that the method is precise and the hair are rooted out in such a

way that injury is minimized and healing takes place in time. Of course some

bleeding and pain has to be expected in such an endeavor. There is no doubt

that some people like my teacher embarked on such practices willingly with

anticipation and joy.

 

When I was very young it was difficult for me to understand why a religion

that has nonviolence as its primal principle would support a practice

causing pain to the body. Of course, I do not object to people following the

ancient traditions and other ascetic practices such as fasting and pranayama

for the right reasons if their heart calls for it.

 

One time I heard my teacher say something and the gist of it was that he

became progressively more nonviolent towards himself and in his outlook and

spiritual practices as he got older. That makes sense to me now. Youth is

associated with great energy and enthusiasm but also with violence in

various forms, even in ascetic practices. This seems to be particularly true

of males. Age and experience can sometimes give us perspective and wisdom if

the seeds were there in the youth. It seems, as we look around, that life is

fragile and one is subjected to enough suffering as it is without needing to

engage in behaviors and practices that cause more pain to one self and

others.

 

There is the coming together and there is the parting. This is the nature of

all things. Knowing this deeply is sufficient to make one want to embrace

every living being and give all of one's love.

 

I got the following Haiku from David Hodges website.

 

Cry not insects!

Lovers, even the Stars,

Must part.

-Issa

[Guest guest]

Amen, Harsha, Amen!

 

(you hoodlum, you)

 

Love, Mark

 

Harsha wrote:

>

>

> It seems, as we look around, that life is fragile and one is subjected

> to enough suffering as it is without needing to engage in behaviors

> and practices that cause more pain to one self and others.

>

> There is the coming together and there is the parting. This is the

> nature of

> all things. Knowing this deeply is sufficient to make one want to

> embrace

> every living being and give all of one's love.

>

[Guest guest]

Harsha wrote:

> When I was very young it was difficult for me to understand why a religion

> that has nonviolence as its primal principle would support a practice

> causing pain to the body. Of course, I do not object to people following the

> ancient traditions and other ascetic practices such as fasting and pranayama

> for the right reasons if their heart calls for it.

>

 

This reminded me of an argument I once had with my father who maintained

that pain was beneficial to it's recipient. While we were speaking I picked up

a large knife and stabbed it into my thigh, looked him in the eye and asked

him

how this helped anyone. He said " It helped you to make your point."

 

Mace