Lessons in Buddha's Method

Lessons in Buddha's Method
Dissolving the Set - Part B
Find: Part A; Other Meditations

"This is why in Buddha's Method, we meditate." He continued along his broken-English thought stream from his mantra Happiness is Silence. Speaking to the Medicine Man is like reading the Tao: his language is simple, but if you search for depth, you'll find it.

"When I meditate, I know I am sitting in this chair. But in my mind," he moved his hand from his temple to his sternum, "I am in an empty room, not sitting on anything."

Eastern Tradition says the Mind is of the Heart, not the Brain.

"It is the Brain's way to have many troubles. But this is not true of the Mind." His fingers once again pressed towards his Heart. "The Mind and the Brain are different."

"If you taste a food and it's sour, your Brain reacts to the experience. Your Mind does not have this experience. After awhile, your Brain influences your Mind. The troubles of the Brain become a set and combine with the Mind. IN practicing Buddha's Method, we learn to -"

"Disolve the set." I interjected, finally understanding.

"Yes." he nodded softly, and smiled in resolve.

Lessons in Buddha's Method

Lessons in Buddha's Method
Dissolving the Set - Part A
Find: Part B; Other Meditations

"I don't agree with what people say," he started, "Buddha's Method is a Science, not a religion." I had asked him to tell me more of Buddhism -- his favorite topic. When the Medicine Man talks Buddha, he is really teaching life.

"Like your God: When you experience His presence - in the room - that is not religion, that is Science. Buddha's Method is a process -- for all of life: happy, sad, sick, Time, Love.

"Let me say it this way. Your computer has a set process. Buddha's Method is to dissolve the set."

Nodding softly, I appreciated the effort. But it didn't become clearer until later...

"I do not like Taiwan's education. They destroy Creative Mind. They push only one answer until all are down one road. When students read a book, the teacher asks a question, but only accepts one answer. When I read, I see many answers!

"That's why I make sure my children play every day. My son plays with animals and insects. He feeds fish. And everyday, I ask him," the father turned to his 7 year old nearby, "Are you happy?" With a signature ear-to-ear grin, the boy shook his head in resolve.

"Happiness is most important in life," he stated in satisfaction.

"Buddha's Method is about happiness. The Psychology. It is basic Science. But people don't think so. As humans create more -- cars, TV, electric power, lights -- they think this is Happiness. But they forget; this is not real happiness. Happiness is Silence."

"I think today, people are afraid of Silence," I offered.

"Yes" he stated, nodding softly.

A Medicine Man's Mountainside and other Meditations

My Taiwanese Family has a cousin who is a Chinese Medicine Doctor.

Though his English is slow-coming, I've enjoyed lengthy conversations each time he comes round to visit. We talk of his trade, and how he doesn't like to work a lot. He likes to enjoy life. When he discovered I had studied various Martial Arts, he told me his line of work teaches him to see Chi. This excited me to no end, and he's promised our next conversation will be in the aspects and application of Chi. When I told him I also enjoy writing, I thought briefly of this blog. Now, when he sees me, he asks if I'm working on my book yet.

One of our first conversations, he spoke of his slow-paced life. His cadence and tone authenticated his words. He said "While I was in School for Medicine, they taught us of Da-rwin. I do not like Da-rwin. He said 'The stonger man wins,' that 'society is getting better,' but I look around, and I don't see that." I understood. The Medicine Doctor continued, "I like Ye-su. He taught be kind to the poor man. Give to the poor man." To me, these were strong, unsolicited words for a Taiwanese Buddhist. I told him if I were ever to write my book, I want it to be filled with conversations like this.

In a global culture that says "More = a better life" he consciously pursues simplification. Successful in his career, the Doctor purchased the side of a mountain to make as his Retirement Home. Nearly untouched now, he plans to spend the next ten years preparing the grounds of his future home.

Today, the family and I met him at his mountain side for a picnic. Resolved to enjoy our excursion, we decided to ignore the fog and drizzle and make the most of what we had. The doctor brought out a hatchet and saw and within a couple minutes, we had a fire blazing from the dried brush and fallen bamboo we could uncover from the foilage.

It was a great way to spend the afternoon. A fair chance to open my lungs outside the Taichung smog, and touch nature again. There was a peace in our landing. I could see what attracted him to the mountain-life. It brought back the best of memories from my years as a Scout. I couldn't help but wonder if that's how it's supposed to be. Less city and smog. Less of "More". Living off the land, and relying on one's resources for sustainability.

I didn't come to a conclusion. Regardless, it was a welcomed break from the concrete-familiarity.

Steeping Tea

Road Side Landing: Perfect for a Picnic

Lunch by the fire