Typing the title for this post reminds me that when I was a kid, the public television station in Tampa used to broadcast what it called a "musical interlude." My brother and I would be waiting for Sesame Street or The Electric Company to start, and there would be a black slide with multicolored instruments displayed on the screen with those words, and tinny music coming from the speaker. I guess they did it to fill time between shows. Seems pretty old-fashioned, doesn't it?
Anyway, I hope you've enjoyed the excerpts from Dogen's "Eight Awarenesses of Great People" the past few days. I plan to post all eight of them. I've always found this essay inspiring and motivating.
I've returned to slightly more active practice this week, after watching the beautiful movie "Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring" over the weekend. I saw it in the theater years ago, and I wanted to show it to Dave, because I thought it might help him (and me!) understand some things about Buddhism. (I say "slightly" more active practice because, while I've been reading about Buddhism a bit more and trying to be more mindful of my day-to-day reality -- walking more slowly, being more observant -- I still haven't returned to sitting.)
People often ask what Buddhism is about, and I've been taught that it can never truly be described -- only practiced. The minute someone tries to describe and define it, they've destroyed it. Dogen, however, manages to define some of its essential qualities in a way that makes me want to practice more diligently.
Practicing, however, did not stop me from having a fantastic gin & tonic when I got to Dave's last night! I took the bus from the city and then walked from the bus stop to his apartment -- it's a longer walk than would be practical every day (about 40 minutes) but it's manageable when he's tied up and can't get me with the car. I'm here to see a holiday concert tonight where he performs with handbells. Should be fun!
(Photo: PetSmart, North Brunswick, New Jersey.)
haha, I quickly read 'he performs with handlebars' instead of handbells. In that second I had all sorts of images floating through my mind.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing you tomorrow!
I was profoundly affected by "Spring..." While I was watching it in the theater years ago, very near the end of the film, the understanding washed through me that despite years of therapy and "emotional work," my marriage was truly over, and that nothing I did from then on could change that. And that indeed was true. An experience I'll never forget.
ReplyDeleteAlso love the book you're excerpting from. Wonder if you read Gary Snyder...
F.
Enjoy Dave's concert!
ReplyDeleteIt's always fun to play to a friend in the audience! I'm glad you could be there.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for my used book to arrive. I have a lot to learn about Buddhism, but I like what little I know.
Loving the eight awarenesses. Esp. loved the pic that accompanies the few desires awareness, and today's post. Interlude. Oh yeah, you are in an interlude most definitely.
ReplyDeleteHow are you? Thinking of you with much love.
i love this photo
ReplyDeleteand am also looking forward to a fantastic G&T this evening