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       #Post#: 11--------------------------------------------------
       Slogan 4
   DIR By: Newt0322
       Date: March 4, 2021, 4:49 pm
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       In doing the readings for this week on slogan #4, I was struck
       by the different phrasing in the two texts. Pema Chodron speaks
       of “ Self-liberate even the antidote.” while Fischer uses the
       phrase “Don’t get stuck on peace”.  I just found it curious as
       they both speak to similar concepts.
       Chodron explains "This is how we begin to wake up our innate
       ability to let go, to reconnect with shunyata, or absolute
       bodhichitta."  I have been getting hung up on whether shunyata
       and absolute bodhichitta are synonymous. This sent me searching
       for a definition of shunyata. I found this explanation in New
       World Encyclopedia helpful “ Another way to frame this is to say
       that objects of perception are thought to have svabhava or
       'inherent existence'—'own being' or 'own power'—which is to say
       that they are perceived and thought to exist 'from their own
       side' exactly as they appear. In this light, sunyata is the
       concept that all objects are Empty of svabhava, they are Empty
       of 'inherent existence'. Therefore, emptiness refers to
       Emptiness of inherent existence.” By extension then  “Absolute
       bodhicitta is the wisdom of shunyata”.
       I realize I need to “lighten up” as Pema would say and not take
       things so seriously or literally. Still I find it easier to
       incorporate the slogans into my meditation if I have a better
       handle on the philosophy.
       Also in the interests of full disclosure Newt0322 is me: Larry
       Edelstein.  Don’t even ask why my email is Newt0322.
       #Post#: 12--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Slogan 4
   DIR By: Autumn
       Date: March 5, 2021, 3:04 pm
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       These concepts can get confusing. Confusion is to be expected.
       (There is an opening chant to meditation that some meditators
       (trained in a Tibetan tradition) use called the Four Dhramas of
       Gampopo which says: Grant your blessings so that my mind may be
       one with the dharma/Grant your blessings so that dharma may
       progress along the path/Grant you blessings so that the path may
       clarify confusion/Grant your blessings so that confusion may
       dawn as wisdom).
       I think it is good to struggle with these ideas; having an
       experience of shunyata may be different from trying to
       'understand' shunyata.
       Things having no inherent existence: every once in a while I get
       this flash of understanding that I will die and my body is just
       composed of molecules and atoms and minerals and other elements.
       I am insubstantial and composed these 'non-Autumn elements'. For
       a second I think I truly get this; and a second later it is all
       conceptual again.
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