Everyone, I try to communicate with people on this forum in the way I think would be best to reach them. In Zen that's called 'skillful means'. I sometimes refer to it as 'using all the tools in my toolbox'.
I communicate with Edgar with logic and long exegeses because I believe that is the only 'tool' he believes is valid - logic and understanding. He in my opinion is a good example of the saying 'when all you have is a hammer everything looks like a nail'. Logic is his hammer and he want's to apply it to everything. I believe it is an inappropriate tool to apply to zen, especially if that's the only tool you use. I communicate with Anthony with humor because I have seen him respond well to that. I communicate with Kris and Mike using zen metaphors and that seems to work well. I thought Merle, seeing the way she posted and being an artist, would respond better to metaphors than to logic and dissertations, but I may have misread that one. Anyway what I want everyone to know is that when I post my long dissertations to Edgar it is specifically tailored for and primarily directed at him. I know it's not appropriate for everyone so don't judge me too harshly. This style is certainly not the one I am most comfortable with, but is one I can employ. If anyone specifically addresses me in a post I will respond. I will also respond to posts in which I'm not addressed if I think I have something to add. When I post I usually address them to someone specific, and use the style I think is the best way to communicate to them. It probably won't suit everyone. Like I said I have many tools in my toolbox, but am more skillful and comfortable with some than others. ...Bill! ------------------------------------ Current Book Discussion: any Zen book that you recently have read or are reading! Talk about it today!Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: zen_forum-dig...@yahoogroups.com zen_forum-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: zen_forum-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/