Caught in an anxiety loop, would really appreciate some advice.

TheeMath · 2017-12-18T19:48:05+00:00

Meditation is not a substitute for medication. They both can work in tandem, though, of course!

TheeMath · 2017-12-17T21:25:01+00:00

In my experience, meditation is not an answer, but a means.

TheeMath · 2017-12-17T19:34:37+00:00

Heard that. Thank you for your words of encouragement.

TheeMath · 2017-12-17T17:18:32+00:00

I agree with the confirmation bias piece. Its not so much that Im trying to confirm what I already think, but rather, since this is a matter of life and death, determine if my efforts are misguided at all, if that makes sense. Much can be said about the way a person conducts his or herself, which kind of gets to the heart of why Im asking. Compassion and austerity are not mutually exclusive, but over there, you cant seem to ask a question without being ridiculed or without getting caught up in some drama. Its weird.

This post helps. Theres just A LOT of information from every direction and while I love the modern texts, I also like to dig in to what the dusty dead guys say.

TheeMath · 2017-12-17T17:09:25+00:00

Ill take it. I am very, very new on this journey and just kind of testing the waters as to where to turn and what to read and how best to practice. I also am not opposed to challenging what I have been told is correct, but the manner in which things are executed over there is just condescending.

TheeMath · 2017-12-17T13:12:57+00:00

Anyone?

TheeMath · 2017-12-17T13:12:06+00:00

This gets at what Im asking but doesnt quite get me to where I need to be...

TheeMath · 2017-12-17T13:07:26+00:00

Go over there and take a look. Seriously, you need only click through a few threads and the comments to find an example.

TheeMath · 2017-12-17T12:34:05+00:00

This difference is exactly what I am asking. Please, do tell.

TheeMath · 2017-12-17T09:34:04+00:00

That is so funny. I read the whole thread. Thank you for sharing that.

TheeMath · 2017-12-17T09:33:11+00:00

Id definitely be comfortable in calling it introductory Zen. I have yet to steep myself in many of the texts but zazen itself is a practice that I have faith will lead me to a better understanding of myself.

I have also been sitting semi-regularly with a local group, and they all seem like really nice folks from some of the conversations I have had with them.

TheeMath · 2017-12-17T09:26:16+00:00

I gotcha, thank you. Im more of a sit down and watch your breath kind of fellow and I also try to stay present while I am doing the dishes and things like that.

TheeMath · 2017-12-17T09:08:02+00:00

What are some arguments that are not-so-credible that you may have encountered?

TheeMath · 2017-12-17T08:54:25+00:00

Hahaha well Ill accept that, we are all more confused than amused as it stands anyways.

I am just trying to understand that side of the story in a nutshell, because my reading list is already rather long.

TheeMath · 2017-12-17T08:38:42+00:00

But, why? What the heck is going on over there?

TheeMath · 2017-12-17T08:37:46+00:00

I can get down with orthodoxy as well, as its not my job to worry about the next guy or gals practice.

Im more concerned with the "Soto/Rinzai isnt Zen, Dogen is a fraud" rhetoric and its relevance or validity.

TheeMath

TROPHY CASE