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I find it fascinating that Zen/Tao "teachings" for thousands of years have focused on what seems to be one of the most difficult areas of human existence: "man

I find it fascinating that Zen/Tao "teachings" for thousands of years have focused on what seems to be one of the most difficult areas of human existence: "man vs. himself". Modern cognitive therapy seems to be an institutionalized version of the whole Zen thing which I find amusing. Personally I've never been happier once I realized that the world is literally what you make of it, that is, it is all up to your internal interpretation. Once you realize that your mind is constantly interpreting everything, you can learn - through practice and meditation - to just be however you want to be and be in complete control of yourself. Because in the end... you're just being... unless you're not and then it doesn't matter.

sigzero 16y ago
I don't believe anybody can be "in complete control" of ones self. That just is not in our nature.
- Oxryly 16y ago
  If you're not in control of yourself, who is?
  - Psyonic 16y ago
    Good point, but on the other hand, if you're already in control of yourself, how can you gain more control?
  - zackattack 16y ago
    This could get weird if we don't define our terms. If your "self" is your mind/attention, then sigzero is right by saying complete control is impossible; the human mind is too whimsical to ever be fully reined in. But we can consciously course-correct...
    - Oxryly 16y ago
      Self could be your mind/attention, but there's no reason you can't expand your idea of self to include your ego, mind, entire body. I suppose the question is: will you take responsibility for what goes on within your skin?
- futuremint 16y ago
  I guess more specifically I meant control in that your emotions aren't making the decisions rather your "self" is in control. Its hard to explain with language... imagine if someone is completely consumed with rage... or lust... we don't usually say that that person is in "control" of themselves. Thats all I meant by it.

sigzero 16y ago

I don't believe anybody can be "in complete control" of ones self. That just is not in our nature.

Oxryly 16y ago
If you're not in control of yourself, who is?
- Psyonic 16y ago
  Good point, but on the other hand, if you're already in control of yourself, how can you gain more control?
- zackattack 16y ago
  This could get weird if we don't define our terms. If your "self" is your mind/attention, then sigzero is right by saying complete control is impossible; the human mind is too whimsical to ever be fully reined in. But we can consciously course-correct...
  - Oxryly 16y ago
    Self could be your mind/attention, but there's no reason you can't expand your idea of self to include your ego, mind, entire body. I suppose the question is: will you take responsibility for what goes on within your skin?
futuremint 16y ago
I guess more specifically I meant control in that your emotions aren't making the decisions rather your "self" is in control. Its hard to explain with language... imagine if someone is completely consumed with rage... or lust... we don't usually say that that person is in "control" of themselves. Thats all I meant by it.