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UncleJohn · 12-08-2008, 04:46 AM

Uncle John here: I've posted about openness and truth. Two traits which I value very highly.

Let me add another which goes hand in hand with openness, and that is availability.

I'm available for anyone who wants to discuss my knowledge, understanding and ideas in a civil manner. I have been for a long time. I've left many arenas, but I've never had anyone say to me that I closed the door on them when they acted with civility. This is really what I mean by openness. Even if anyone wants to discuss things with me face to face, I pray I will not back away. I will not hide behind an ivory tower, secrecy, being too busy or not having enough time. I've worked hard in my life to have enough time.

I draw my inspiration from the Bodhisatva ideal in Mahayana Buddhism. From the Heart of Great Compassion Dharani Sutra: "Should any being recite and cleave to the sacred Dharani of Great Compassion and yet not be reborn in my Buddhaland, I vow not to enter Supreme Enlightenment."

This was also echoed in my favorite song, "Uncle John's Band:"

"Anybody's choice
I can hear your voice"

I know that the only absolute truth in the universe is found in Mathematics.

What I mean by truth is I try to not say things are a certain way unless I'm convinced that that is the way that they are and I'm open to discuss this truth with others. Inherent in my concept of truth is responsibility. The responsibility of correcting and apologizing when I've spoken something that later turns out to not to be true at the high level I try to maintain it.

James has not reached out for my level of openness and truth. One can bliss out on James presentations and I'm happy for you, but that is not going to change what I'm posting about. Not one bit!

Let me end with a poem by Soyen Shaku, the person who brought Buddhism to the west in 1893 at the World Parliament of Religions held in Chicago.

"One hut built on the whole universe.
From there I can see mountains, rivers and good earth
As my own garden.
Once I was annoyed with human language
Of good and bad, liking and disliking.
I can hear those voices from here, like the music of Paradise"

12-08-2008, 04:46 AM	#24
UncleJohn Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Los Altos California Posts: 112	Re: James of Wingmakers interview Uncle John here: I've posted about openness and truth. Two traits which I value very highly. Let me add another which goes hand in hand with openness, and that is availability. I'm available for anyone who wants to discuss my knowledge, understanding and ideas in a civil manner. I have been for a long time. I've left many arenas, but I've never had anyone say to me that I closed the door on them when they acted with civility. This is really what I mean by openness. Even if anyone wants to discuss things with me face to face, I pray I will not back away. I will not hide behind an ivory tower, secrecy, being too busy or not having enough time. I've worked hard in my life to have enough time. I draw my inspiration from the Bodhisatva ideal in Mahayana Buddhism. From the Heart of Great Compassion Dharani Sutra: "Should any being recite and cleave to the sacred Dharani of Great Compassion and yet not be reborn in my Buddhaland, I vow not to enter Supreme Enlightenment." This was also echoed in my favorite song, "Uncle John's Band:" "Anybody's choice I can hear your voice" I know that the only absolute truth in the universe is found in Mathematics. What I mean by truth is I try to not say things are a certain way unless I'm convinced that that is the way that they are and I'm open to discuss this truth with others. Inherent in my concept of truth is responsibility. The responsibility of correcting and apologizing when I've spoken something that later turns out to not to be true at the high level I try to maintain it. James has not reached out for my level of openness and truth. One can bliss out on James presentations and I'm happy for you, but that is not going to change what I'm posting about. Not one bit! Let me end with a poem by Soyen Shaku, the person who brought Buddhism to the west in 1893 at the World Parliament of Religions held in Chicago. "One hut built on the whole universe. From there I can see mountains, rivers and good earth As my own garden. Once I was annoyed with human language Of good and bad, liking and disliking. I can hear those voices from here, like the music of Paradise"