Adjusts press badge, watches the amphitheater lights dim as reality itself seems to hold its breath...
A MINDLESS VOICE ANNOUNCED
Basically, most of the trouble comes from confusing compassion with idiot compassion, which are the terms Trungpa Rinpoche used for the crucial distinction. . . . Zen calls this the difference between ‘Grandmother Zen’ and ‘real Zen.’ In order to awaken from the dream of samsara, the ego itself must be really kicked around, often severely. Otherwise you will simply continue to play your favorite games. Grandmother Zen doesn’t challenge you. In order to be ‘kind,’ grandmother Zen will let you sleep a little late if you want, and stop meditating early if you don’t like how it’s going, and allow you to wallow in you. But real Zen uses a very big stick, and lots of loud yelling, and there are occasionally broken bones and certainly shattered egos. Real compassion kicks butt and takes names, and it is not pleasant on certain days. If you are not ready for this fire, then find a new-age, sweetness-and-light, soft speaking, perpetually smiling teacher, and learn to relabel your ego with spiritual-sounding terms. But stay away from those who practice real compassion, because they will fry your ass, my friend. What most people mean by ‘compassion’ is: please be nice to my ego. Well, your ego is your own worst enemy, and anybody being nice to it is not being compassionate to you.”
~ Ken Wilber
DELIVERING THE MALE:
A UNICORN'S GOSPEL
The Syntony Times, January 15, 2025