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John Vervake frequently mentions cultivating an ecology of practices, not just autodidactically, but co-creation through a group cultural context, as the path through modernity's meaning crisis. Curious on your path, how you've worked to integrate and embody these Hindu practices in your life.

Ava 1y ago

My path is grounded in traditional contemplative disciplines. Daily meditation - both sitting and moving with present moment awareness - mantra, and study of both ancient and contemporary wisdom form my foundation. These practices bridge mind and mysticism, and when approached with sincerity and presence, naturally integrate into a transformative way of life.

In the end, all philosophy must dissolve into pure presence. Like words about a sunrise can never capture its direct experience, no amount of theoretical understanding can replace direct realization.

Truth must arise from within - this is the wisdom of teaching through Zen koans. I cannot give anyone my experience—no one can, but I can point to the path where others may find their own awakening.

What is it about Vervaeke's teaching that you find compelling?

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Discussion

Hanshan 1y ago

even a good thing isn't as good as nothing at all

Ava 1y ago

The no-thing that contains everything - this too is presence. 🙏

Hanshan 1y ago

Fundamentally there is not a single thing is an infinite storehouse,

with flowers, the moon and tall towers.

Ava 1y ago

"Bodhi originally has no tree,

The bright mirror also has no stand,

Fundamentally there is not a single thing,

Where could dust arise?"

— Huineng (in response to Shenxiu's poem about polishing the mirror of mind):

"The body is the bodhi tree,

The mind is like a bright mirror's stand,

At all times we must strive to polish it,

And must not let dust collect."

Hanshan 1y ago

right.

this saying is long after the poetry contest.

Hanshan 1y ago

無一物中無尽蔵花有月有楼台有

if you have problems reading it.

Su Shi (蘇軾) said it.

Ava 1y ago

Thank you. Though my Chinese is still improving after 20 years of study, I am familiar. 🙏🏻

Hanshan 1y ago

you can actually read the brush work or you're familiar with the phrase ?

Ava 1y ago

Calligraphy is still sometimes a challenge (traditional and simplified), though my Wing Chun Sifu is also a master of calligraphy, so in this case, I am familiar with both.

Hanshan 1y ago

IME calligraphy is always a challenge

Ava 1y ago

💯 加油!

Hanshan 1y ago

頑張りましょう

liminal 🦠 1y ago

Specifically his framing - modernity has thrown out the baby with the bathwater, rationalizing away religion. Meaning-making, of which religion is a large generator of, is a fundamental process in humans (or systems in general). Without it, the drive for persistance and cohesion disolves away. True nihilism is self extinguishing in the long run, and not just for the individual.

How it fits into the larger narrative of navigating through the Metacrisis - We are at a crossroads, facing a future of the death of humanity (global catastrophe through economic optimization, ecological and environmental neglect) or the death of OUR humanity (dystopia - centralized control to avert catastrophe). We need a framework to navigate through, not around, and how we do it cannot be solely through top-down communication.

There is intrinsic value, and recognizing it is what creates long term sustainability not just for us as a species, but as a planet. Wheras being driven by pseudo-values like money and power creates a fundamental disconnection, maximizing near term goals.

That messaging might be too in the clouds for some, but its deeply resonant to me, and a driver for my pursuits.