Harry ji,
I am probably a little to straight forward at times. I thought my honesty and motivation was in question. If it was not then apologies are not needed. I have in a few posts been unfairly accused of placing a Buddhist slant on the thread or referring to Buddhism. When in fact I was trying to avoid just that without being rude when others had brought it up.
My Buddhism is partially relevant (but again being mindful that I do not de-rail the thread or be perceived as proselytising) I will contextualise this briefly. I have practiced many forms of discipline both secular and religious. I know that I could experience the ineffable utilising many of them (I have to greater and lesser extents, mostly lesser truth be told) I have studied and practised Advaita Vedanta, Christian contemplation, Sufi discipline, more esoteric forms of both western and eastern mysticism and some disparate forms of Buddhism (in this country and abroad). They are all relevant to me! They all define me in varying degrees. But just like I studied Karate first, then Jeet Kune Do, then Kick boxing, then Lee family poison hands kung fu before settling with Ip chung Wing Chun Kung Fu. They inform me! They are vehicles to take me to an objective. Is my journey or my destination that of a Hindu, Buddhist, Catholic or Sikh? In a fight will I be wing chun or karate or both or neither. If I win or lose what has lost me or the style?
Travelling on a motorcycle to Blackpool, is my journey only characterised by my motorcycle or if I travel by Robin Reliant (goodness forbid) is it characterised by that?
My Buddhist practice is just that a vehicle to reach a destination. Does it preclude other vehicles? No.
I am not partisan about it, I have no interest in gaining converts or even proving it’s worth to others. I am secure enough to know that at this time and at this place it is a useful vehicle for me.
Do I still admire other vehicles, do I still share journeys, will I eventually share the same destination…yes.
To say I am a Buddhist is an arbitrary label it doesn't define me or my journey it just tells you my preferred mode of transport.
One that in the final destination I will leave behind like some old useless socks!
