RE: virus: 'Meaning of Life' Memes

Ken McE (Kenmce@catskill.net)
Sat, 06 Sep 1997 15:22:36 -0500


David R <76473.3041@compuserve.com> Wrote:

Don't you think that the "non-mind-virus-like" high-awareness state of
the
Zen masters would have led to the Zen masters practically taking over
the
world like a race of supermen? I mean, what's the big advantage to Zen
except that you feel better in the present moment? --David R.

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Ken McE comments:

What if conquering the world conflicted with mastery of the self? I
believe that much of early Zen involves some degree of distancing onself
from the world and its concerns. If I recall correctly "Going Into The
World With Open Arms" (or something like that) is one of the last stages
of enlightenment.

You might just be too old and sensible to conquer the world by the the
time you are prepared to embody Zen and live the worldy life at the same
time. Clear thought also is not a synonym for military prowess.
Besides, if they conquered it, they'd have to run it!