I haven't entered anything in a while, so I thought I mght as well recommend that you all read Brad Warner's blog until I can think of something to write:
http://www.hardcorezen.blogspot.com/
Oh, you might as well read the articles on his website too:
http://homepage.mac.com/doubtboy/
Oh, and check out his book Hardcore Zen, it's one of my favorites.
I don't necessarily agree with absolutely everything Brad writes, but damn he is authentic. He is truly himself and his experience and point of view really resonate with me. I also love his sense of humor because I would like to flatter myself by thinking that it is pretty much the same as my own sense of humor. Brad is exactly the kind of person I would have loved hanging out with back when I was in the Philly punk scene, and in fact he is the kind of person that I would love to be in a Sangha with: a straightshooter who doesn't take himself too seriously, idealistic but with enough worldly wisdom to allow for a very wry sense of humor, and sincere about his practice without being a narrow-minded self-righteous fanatic.
Anyway, I always find myself entertained and edified by his musings, so I hope that others enjoy them as well.
And if any of you are in the LA area, why not drop by his sitting group and tell him I said hello?
Hmm, one last thing, I think in comparison to Brad, my own writing online is rather pedantic and stuffy. I have purposefully tried not to be flippant and abrasive because people over the years have invariably taken it the wrong way. But sometimes when I read Brad's stuff I think to myself: maybe I should be more myself? I also think: maybe I should write more about the nitnoy things in my own life and my own interests and not be such a stuffed robe all the time? Eh, I don't know. I usually feel safer just being a conduit of information and pedantic reflections. If people want to know what I'm really like they can come over to Faithful Fools or invite me to lead a retreat or workshop, or maybe invite me out for a beer. How about it?
Namu Myoho Renge Kyo,
Ryuei
YES! YES! YES! A wise teacher once told me, "Your mission is to SPEAK YOUR TRUTH." Time and again I have found it's extremely valuable -- both to myself AND others -- to speak from my own heart and experience, in my own voice, without trying to soft-pedal and "be nice." In fact, I often think it's my TRUE PRACTICE to do so.
And it's much more enjoyable to hear from people who share their real experiences in the same voice they use when they self-talk.
I always encourage people to write in the same voice they use when talking with a best friend. THAT'S what touches readers the most.
I agree - Brad has a lot to teach and share. I am in L.A. and I've been meaning to drop in on his meditation group. You've reminded me... and so I will!
Queen Lolo
Posted by: Queen Lolo at January 20, 2006 11:02 PM