Zen and the Economy

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Avi

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Hi,

I was wondering if you could give me your thoughts on the Zen perspective of our current economic disaster. :eek:

For example, what is the Zen way of dealing with this situation ? What are your expections of what Obama's accomplishments might include ? Any other observations about the Zen perspective here.

From my very limited understanding of Zen, I have some thoughts, but I would like to hear what you think.

Thanks.
 
*Ladle to the head*
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Mine or yours :D ?

Perhaps it will make more sense if I re-phrase my question. It is not a current events, news or economics question.

What I mean is, is there a philosopical approach to dealing with a severe economic crisis which would be consistent with Zen philosophy ?

Actually, where I am going is do you think that Obama's contributions during his first term will in fact relate to the ecomomy at all ? Or perhaps is it more likely that his contributions might turn out to be in some other area ?
 
Not an overly wordy group here, in the sub-forum :)

I will take a look at the Way of Chuang Tzu and get back with further questions.

Thanks.
 
Avi1223 said:
I was wondering if you could give me your thoughts on the Zen perspective of our current economic disaster. :eek:
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I once read that when it came to dealing with economic issues, it was better to do so listening to the sound of both hands clapping.

In other words, while zen will influence every part of ones life, money requires that we apply a more conventional wisdom.
 
citizenzen said:
I once read that when it came to dealing with economic issues, it was better to do so listening to the sound of both hands clapping.

In other words, while zen will influence every part of ones life, money requires that we apply a more conventional wisdom.
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Thank you! Trying to politicize Zen practice is kinda like trying to divide by zero.
 
What crisis?

Must be something going on over there in the US, I guess.

s.
 
Seattlegal, thanks for the link to the parable, it was quite interesting. For some reason, one of the ideas which caught my attention was right at the end of the parable, where the heart is described as being "full of light". This is an image which I think transcends different faiths, and I think this transcendance is the most interesting part about interfaith study.


Thank you! Trying to politicize Zen practice is kinda like trying to divide by zero.
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Actually, that was not my goal either. I put the question in the form of a current issue, which related to Obama and economic suffering. What I was actually asking was about leadership and suffering. I believe these are both important issues in Zen, aren't they ?

So I think you have pointed me to a good source for the first part of my question.

But how about the second part, here it is, I will copy it again:

Actually, where I am going is do you think that Obama's contributions during his first term will in fact relate to the ecomomy at all ? Or perhaps is it more likely that his contributions might turn out to be in some other area ?
Click to expand...

Do you have any thoughts about this issue ?
 
Avi1223 said:
So I think you have pointed me to a good source for the first part of my question.

But how about the second part, here it is, I will copy it again:
Actually, where I am going is do you think that Obama's contributions during his first term will in fact relate to the ecomomy at all ? Or perhaps is it more likely that his contributions might turn out to be in some other area ?
Click to expand...


Do you have any thoughts about this issue ?
Click to expand...
**ladle to the head**
 
The silence eventually comes to each and every living thing. We are all in this together... humans, animals, fish, bugs, plants, and, rocks. Yes rocks, just sit and you'll see, everything, together as one.
 
Avi1223 said:
If you folks want to flog me, please, at least use a Zen-like ladle :
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I was just re-reading this thread, and I am going to apologize for the sarcastic remark I made above.

I was having trouble articulating my question and became frustrated so I shot back this comment which is not how I really feel.

Especially Seattlegal, you were trying to help me to understand the Zen concept, so I should not have been sarcastic toward you.

Sincerely,
-Avi
 
Avi1223 said:
I was just re-reading this thread, and I am going to apologize for the sarcastic remark I made above.

I was having trouble articulating my question and became frustrated so I shot back this comment which is not how I really feel.

Especially Seattlegal, you were trying to help me to understand the Zen concept, so I should not have been sarcastic toward you.

Sincerely,
-Avi
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It's alright, Avi. Part of Zen is learning to transcend frustration by breaking out of non-creative thought patterns. In many Zen practices, especially koan practice, frustration and sarcasm are important parts of the total practice. {It's all good.} :)
 
Hi folks, I realized when I was talking with SG on the global warming thread today that I still had some questions on this thread which I had not asked you about. But lets leave politics out of it this time :D.

One of the areas that I have been thinking about recently is the complementary nature of pantheism and panentheism with religion and philosophy as well.

Do you think these notions of G-d complement or clash with ideas in Zen ? Also, is Zen compatible with atheism and agnosticism ?

Thanks.
 
Avi1223 said:
One of the areas that I have been thinking about recently is the complementary nature of pantheism and panentheism with religion and philosophy as well.

Do you think these notions of G-d complement or clash with ideas in Zen ?
Click to expand...

(Parking the "definition" of God)... If pressed, I would perhaps say that the former is more compatible with Zen (where buddha nature may be the "equivalent" term), than the latter. But not if it causes an argument!


Also, is Zen compatible with atheism and agnosticism ?
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Sure, why not. It is said that a Zen Master will tell you that black is white if it helps you. Word games are fun but sometimes you should put the Scrabble board away :)

s.
 
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