Buddhism<\/a> because it was so \u201cspiritual,\u201d and therefore for some, indistinguishable from Christianity \u2013 and in this seeing how I was part of a current that would likely be the dominant form of Unitarian Universalism for a while, wondering a bit whether I would find myself in the place of those disgruntled UUs who saw their form of the tradition slipping into a minority place. And not particularly liking it.<\/p>\nThis is partially true, I suspect. But there\u2019s much more to this, I feel, than sensing one\u2019s contribution to the tradition isn\u2019t appreciated.<\/p>\n
And, of course, it would be foolish to extrapolate too much from such a small sample, twenty-five colleagues in New England. Still, the curriculum was developed within the auspicious of the denomination and has been used around the country. So, clearly it represents something\u2026<\/p>\n
Now, I have no problem with a multiplicity of stands within our liberal tradition. It is how we work. The bottom line for us is a covenant to not turn away, but rather to walk with.<\/p>\n
Cool.<\/p>\n
And I\u2019ve seen wisdom rising in the hearts of my classically theistic friends. Often these things are just how we explain our deepest experiences. I\u2019m cool with that. Really\u2026 <\/p>\n
And, I want to hold up the possibility of another way, perhaps one with fewer traps along the way\u2026<\/p>\n
This way has no problem with classic theistic language. The universe is large and mysterious and the usages of tradition can be compelling. I often refer to the whole mess as God without apology.<\/p>\n
I don\u2019t even mind prayers as aspirations for others or oneself. Without meaning this as dismissive, I find wishful thinking has its values. Our wishes works as something mysterious within our human hearts.<\/p>\n
But. <\/p>\n
And.<\/p>\n
When we start to think of a deity that will fix things, or can, if we move for a second beyond sentimentality, we encounter serious problems. A deity that intervenes for this person but not that, who allows whole populations to starve or be murdered while blessing others is not a god I want to encounter in a dark alley. <\/p>\n
Now, if it were true, that\u2019s a different deal. But, from where I sit it looks painfully like projection. Horses and their horse gods. And I see no reason to project my sense of self onto the cosmos. Not only does the mask not fit, but it misleads me about my place in the scheme of things.<\/p>\n
Instead I suggest a different walk in this wilderness.<\/p>\n
One I think more useful. At least it has been so for me.<\/p>\n
In the great Zen classic anthology, the Blue Cliff Record<\/i>, the very first case sets the matter up.<\/p>\n
The Emperor Wu of Liang asked Bodhidharma, \u201cWhat is the first principle of the holy teachings?\u201d<\/p>\n
Bodhidharma replied, \u201cVast emptiness. Nothing holy.\u201d<\/p>\n
The emperor recoiled, and then asked, \u201cSo, who is this standing before me?\u201d<\/p>\n
The master replied, \u201cI do not know.\u201d<\/p>\n
The emperor did not understand and so the master crossed the river and went on to Wei.<\/p>\n
Later the emperor took of this matter with Master Zhigong. Zhigong asked him, \u201cDoes your majesty know who that is?\u201d<\/p>\n
The emperor replied, \u201cI do not know him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zhigong said, \u201cThat was the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, conveying the mindseal of the Buddha.\u201d<\/p>\n
The emperor felt a wave of remorse and was about to order a messenger to find the master Bodhidharma and beg him to return. But Zhigong said, \u201cThere is no use in sending a messenger. Even if everyone in the country went after him, he would not return.\u201d<\/p>\n
This is no cheap relativism. This is not saying I don\u2019t know, and neither do you. It is an invitation into the heart of the matter. <\/p>\n
Only don\u2019t know.<\/p>\n
I suggest this deep not knowing as the way.<\/p>\n
Opening heart.<\/p>\n
Opening mind.<\/p>\n
And not knowing.<\/p>\n
Only not knowing.<\/p>\n
(Thank you, Kate & The Zen Community Aggregator for helping me to restore this\u2026)<\/i> <\/p><\/div>\n
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