‘Buddhists put equal value on having a human mind, a human body and a human heart. Any of them can be a point of entry into practical Buddhism. Buddhist practice begins wherever we are, and unifies the three great facts of our existence. We start by looking for our ordinary selves, and what we find is unlimited wisdom, active compassion, and capacity for devotion. ’
- topic of an evening talk, Innsbruck, Wednesday 23rd. April 2008
- details from Hannes Müller, hannes.ibk@gmx.at
‘Buddhism as religion, philosophy and way of life.’
March 22, 2008 by Carlo Toscaneda
I like the way body, speech and mind are put forth as the three gates. The three modes of entry, or the three sluices – where it becomes unclear what is entering into what, depending on the difference of level (of what?). Who can measure this pouring of water into water, or of space into space? My guess: no cups required.
It sounds right to say that the heart must be linked to the gate of speech, voice, or song. It is the gate of the blues perhaps, the raw outflow of that what is undigestable by itself, unless shared. In Dutch we have a saying which translates as “carrying one’s heart on the tongue” which pertains to people who refrain from filtering their speech for want of political correctness. They will say it, as it is! Or, more accurately, as they perceive it, which isn’t usually the same thing. Whereas an urge for honesty may be commendable, an unimpeded flow of opinionated bile is nothing less than nauseating. The difference between the two, I would wager, is the measure of culture. Or sophisitication. Or art…isn’t it the privilige of the most elevated of singers to sing it AS IT IS? Isn’t it this understanding, which, so often brinking on destruction, which is so highly revered in the history of pop-culture? Singing it as it is, but burning for it a breathtaking rate… Is every rock star a bodhisattva? I hope not, although I have a weak spot for Meatloaf.
What a relief to envision the Buddha as a blues singer, crooning and wailing, coaxing and cajoling us to join in the chorus praising the infinite purity of the phenomenal world!
Open the gates…