presuming?
Tuesday, 24. March 2009, 01:19:24
Knowing Fish
One day Chuang Tzu and a friend were walking by a river.
"Look at the fish swimming about," said Chuang Tzu, "They are really enjoying themselves."
"You are not a fish," replied the friend, "So you can't truly know that they are enjoying themselves."
"You are not me," said Chuang Tzu. "So how do you know that I do not know that the fish are enjoying themselves?"
even chuang tzu had a thing about personal presumptions ...
Odd though but every domestic abuse susrvivor i've spoken with has said that one thing that triggers problems for them is when people make negative persoanl presumptions, the other is when they feel unseen, or only seen from one side and not the full and diverse folks they are. Tends to make them internalise the above and when they don't they feel hurt and often unwelcome. (1 in 3/4 women and 1 in 6/7 men go through hetrosexual spousal abuse in the UK and US, thats one form of abuse, factor in the others thats alot of people, factor in many folks find daoism through therapy thats another load of folks)
How hard is it i wonder to walk a mile in other peoples moccasins and realise that our words we think are so unhurtful and 'mindful' create a wealth of problems we may never know because we're too busy resenting, shouting at and shooting the messenger.
We all do it, even the best and most sincere of intentions backfire from time to time often spectacularly and often in such a massive way folks forget the good we've done and acheived almost instantly.
over the last day or two i've kinda had a crisis of confidence, even basic confidence in basic choices and instincts -- still having it truth be told although writign this blog entry has helped somewhat .... thing is i was begining to seriously doubt my and others perspectives on personal presumptions and their negative impact, i was reading zen blogs for a bit of peace and contemplation, and came across the above from chuang tzu, and you know what, negative personal presumptions are an impertinance at best and deeply wounding at worst any dao cultivator worth their salt would avoid them like the plague where possible, they do no-one any justice at all.
much the same can be said for taking people only on one facet of their knowledge, i've been told it feels like objectification for many; does it hurt us to be more mindful of how we deal with others? God knows i need to work on that as much as anyone else, but what is it ttc 71 says about fault?
Chapter 71
To know that you do not know is highest
To not know but think you know is flawed
Only when one recognizes the fault as a fault
can one be without fault
The sages are without fault
Because they recognize the fault as a fault
That is why they are without fault
in recognising a fault this is how sages are without fault -- this is not saying sages make no mistakes, but that the very ability to recognise faults and try to learn from them makes what the yi jing calls 'no fault' coupled of course with sincerity of action.
Not sure precicly what has happened but in writing this blog a few thigns have clicked into place, things i've allowed others to dislodge ... go to love this wonderful safe haven
even if i don't update it as much as i probably aught.
Thanks for bearing with the waffle
peace to you
beccaxx
One day Chuang Tzu and a friend were walking by a river.
"Look at the fish swimming about," said Chuang Tzu, "They are really enjoying themselves."
"You are not a fish," replied the friend, "So you can't truly know that they are enjoying themselves."
"You are not me," said Chuang Tzu. "So how do you know that I do not know that the fish are enjoying themselves?"
even chuang tzu had a thing about personal presumptions ...
Odd though but every domestic abuse susrvivor i've spoken with has said that one thing that triggers problems for them is when people make negative persoanl presumptions, the other is when they feel unseen, or only seen from one side and not the full and diverse folks they are. Tends to make them internalise the above and when they don't they feel hurt and often unwelcome. (1 in 3/4 women and 1 in 6/7 men go through hetrosexual spousal abuse in the UK and US, thats one form of abuse, factor in the others thats alot of people, factor in many folks find daoism through therapy thats another load of folks)
How hard is it i wonder to walk a mile in other peoples moccasins and realise that our words we think are so unhurtful and 'mindful' create a wealth of problems we may never know because we're too busy resenting, shouting at and shooting the messenger.
We all do it, even the best and most sincere of intentions backfire from time to time often spectacularly and often in such a massive way folks forget the good we've done and acheived almost instantly.
over the last day or two i've kinda had a crisis of confidence, even basic confidence in basic choices and instincts -- still having it truth be told although writign this blog entry has helped somewhat .... thing is i was begining to seriously doubt my and others perspectives on personal presumptions and their negative impact, i was reading zen blogs for a bit of peace and contemplation, and came across the above from chuang tzu, and you know what, negative personal presumptions are an impertinance at best and deeply wounding at worst any dao cultivator worth their salt would avoid them like the plague where possible, they do no-one any justice at all.
much the same can be said for taking people only on one facet of their knowledge, i've been told it feels like objectification for many; does it hurt us to be more mindful of how we deal with others? God knows i need to work on that as much as anyone else, but what is it ttc 71 says about fault?
Chapter 71
To know that you do not know is highest
To not know but think you know is flawed
Only when one recognizes the fault as a fault
can one be without fault
The sages are without fault
Because they recognize the fault as a fault
That is why they are without fault
in recognising a fault this is how sages are without fault -- this is not saying sages make no mistakes, but that the very ability to recognise faults and try to learn from them makes what the yi jing calls 'no fault' coupled of course with sincerity of action.
Not sure precicly what has happened but in writing this blog a few thigns have clicked into place, things i've allowed others to dislodge ... go to love this wonderful safe haven
even if i don't update it as much as i probably aught. Thanks for bearing with the waffle
peace to you
beccaxx
WIDGETIZE
Anonymous # 25. March 2009, 10:28
Hi Becca,
It has been a while, but i thought i could post a translation i have always had of the TTC - if that does not offend you.
Those who admit that they don’t know become wise. Those who conceal their ignorance never learn. Those who admit mistakes develop strength of character. Those who pretend to be strong become weak. (Tao 71)
Becca James # 27. March 2009, 01:09
I quite like that translation and am not a little offended at you sharing it
Do you mind if i ask whose it is and if it is available as book or online?
Lovely to see you
beccaxx