Cleats by Bill Hinds for September 11, 2010

“Fritz: To take the Zen to the correct place ( since there isn’t one in Zen, that’s a joke.) “If you meet the Buddha. kill the Buddha” Was interpreted by it’s “sayer” to mean that you have to find your own way. Going after the B’s Way would do you no good.”

That’s basically what I was intending to say, with “you can’t enter Nirvana riding on another’s shoulders.” Likewise, an artist can’t become great simply by copying Michaelangelo (to return to the Florentines). Although it’s certainly possible to learn from Michaelangelo and to be inspired by Michaelangelo, I imagine Michaelangelo would be more supportive of a student who would achieve equal heights in his own way than of one who slavishly and obsessively copies the Sistine Chapel ceiling on every blank surface.

There comes a point where following another’s example becomes counterproductive. “The Buddha on the road” is a metaphor, I think; what might ultimately obstruct your growth is your idea of the Buddha, which is simply another attachment that must be severed before enlightenment. This is true whether or not your “idea” of the Buddha is an accurate one.

Don’t follow leaders, Watch the parking meters!

(And watching a parking meter expire can be an surprisingly effective meditation practice. It’s not only easier {for me} than “following your breathing”, but you have a clear indication when you’re done. You’ll get some stares, certainly, but learning both to tune them out and not to care anyway are useful.)