I’m dissatisfied with the direction of Fraught With Peril. I have become “high concept” only writing when I am inspired to write an essay with a specific message or theme. A fellow Shidoshi who had taken the time to explore this site remarked that he would have liked to have seen “daily words of wisdom” or some nice instructions on how to be happier, i.e. a meditation or mantra perhaps.
Well, here goes….
Chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. Chant it in a 6 beat continuous rythym. Chant only Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.
Embark on a painful process of self-discovery, discover who you are, and explore every nook and ugly cranny of your own dark psyche. There are no short-cuts. There is no easy way out or place in which you can hide from yourself.
This includes leadership positions in religious organizations by the way. No level of leadership will ever exempt you from the responsibility of painful self-discovery. If you avoid self-discovery, you will suffer.
Often times when I speak of this process (for us Nichiren Buddhists, read Human Revolution) there are those who at first think I’m talking about phobias, neuroticisms, “hang-ups”, fears and the like. If only it were that simple.
I’m talking about discovering, through self-honesty and reflection, who you really are, not who you would like those around you to think you are. We all know right from wrong, the trouble is when we pretend one is the other. Often the best place to start reflecting is in your relationships.
It is one thing to lie to those who do not really wish to hear the truth, the danger is in lying to yourself.
Rev. Greg Dilley, Shidoshi
Wow, calling it like you see it huh? I've been waiting months in the hope that our stagnant writers would wake up.... guess it's time to "get on with it"
Thanks for your honesty Charles...
Rev. Greg
Posted by: Rev. Greg at March 5, 2005 06:54 AMRev. Greg -
One thing Lisa had before Buddhajones went down, was a general blog with several part-time bloggers. This is an option which might be worth considering again, especially for many of us who aren't quite as prolific as Charles, Ryuei and yourself......
Namaste, Engyo Mike Barrett
Posted by: Engyo Mike Barrett at March 3, 2005 01:20 PMRev. Greg:
FWP could be an exceptional site. But when we look at the writers on the opening page, many of them have crapped out for months and I suspect permanently. Everyone gets blocked once in a while. However, waiting for inspiration, revelation, or literary regurgitation are understandable, but ultimately excuses for the writer.
I once heard a formula that all writers should memorize. "Writing success equals applying ass to seat." For example, when there is a two week gap in my blogs, it's not because I can't come up with something, it's because my ass is in that seat cooking up something for a paying market. Many times, I have to write articles or papers that aren't a lot of fun, but they pay the bills. For me, writing for FWP is like flirting with a mega babe. I like it - it's fun, and time races by. All our FWP writing isn't that way, but it's a lot more fun than doing your taxes, which I also tend to avoid.
If you want the direction of FWP to change, fill the slots of those bloggers who have opted out. There are plenty of Buddhist writers who could infuse FWP with tremendous insight. Chikushonin is someone who jumps to mind. Robin Beck is another. I'm sure there are many others with a provocative and compelling point-of-view just waiting for the platform to express their ideas.
As for you, Rev. Greg. We all look forward to your blogs. Your idea of daily wisdom is great, so give us a dose more often. You take no prisoners and you're fearless in your writings - that, is the characteristic of a creative writer as Patty would agree. No, we don't all agree with you, but we sure like what you do.
Charles
Posted by: Charles at March 3, 2005 12:06 AMI had thought that coming to see things "as they are" was the point of being Buddhist - and that includes seeing one's self - warts and all.
As for bad hair days, "This comes to us all".
Though I don't think Siddhartha considered this when he and his charioteer did the rounds ...
Thanks for the reminder about self-reflection.
John
Hi Greg.
Does self-discovery have to be painful or ugly? Or is that just on bad hair days?
Seriously, I think your blog is great. Pro or con, you inspire us to think. That is more important than singing to the choir.
Posted by: chikushonin 智倶諸人 at February 25, 2005 06:03 AMSo true. Relinquishing the attachment to self-delusion is the toughest one by far, and it is never really finished. It must be continually re-released, again and again. Practicing right thought and right speech, in one's own head to one's self, are much harder than practicing them outwardly to others.
Namaste, Engyo Mike Barrett
Posted by: Engyo Mike Barrett at February 23, 2005 06:45 PM