Comments on: What to think, what to do?

By: Paul

Paul — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 21:08:12 +0000

Peter, yes, I think they are “guided by some inner sense of where they need to go.” I’m curious about what that is. What would it be like to get up each morning not only with a sense of purpose but an innate understanding of exactly what to do and what to say moment to moment. It’s just plain fascinating to me that there are people in the world like that, regardless of their achievements. Of course, those of them without achievements (or modest achievements) we haven’t heard of. Nor do we hear much about those who try so hard but fail over and over again.

On the other hand – because I’m not “successful” and continue to struggle along in my working-class way – must I assume that I am not in touch with who I am, that I am not guided by an inner sense of where I need to go, and I am not good at reading the signs?

By: Peter Clothier

Peter Clothier — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 22:46:57 +0000

Paul, I think those people are just more in touch than most with who they are, and are guided by some inner sense of where they need to go; or perhaps they’re just good at reading the signs.

By: Paul

Paul — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:59:47 +0000

Peter, I’m not sure what you mean by “the whole chain of causation.” Does that include everything or just what’s involved in one’s own karmic chain? If it’s the latter, then I think it is relevant to the choices one makes today. Relevancy here is just that – there is an association between past and present. I don’t mean to imply we are prisoners our our own actions in the sense that we never have a choice, that we are predestined by some force set into motion long, long ago. Each of us is free to make choices in what to think, do, and say in every moment. However, what I think and do today is influenced by my past and will have an influence on my future. The whole point of the post in question was a wondering about how and why some people seem to know just what to do in a given moment to make certain things come to pass – and others don’t.

Incidentally, Ajahn Thanissaro will be in Portland soon. I’m looking forward to spending some time with him.

By: Peter Clothier

Peter Clothier — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:29:03 +0000

I’m not sure that the whole chain of causation is actually relevant to the choices we make today. I don’t see us as prisoners. Thanissaro Bhikkhu points out there is not one, but many karmas, and that we have the ability–and responsibility–to make the right choices freely, unhampered by the past. I think I have that right…!

By: James Boyd

James Boyd — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 02:38:46 +0000

I’ve enjoyed all three of Gladwell’s books, with “The Tipping Point” being my favorite. When you talked about Trump, it reminded me of “Outliers” where Gladwell asserts that extraordinary success is often the intersection of extraordinary opportunities, extrinsic advantages, cultural legacies, and historical timing. Donald Trump is the beneficiary of all these things, not the least of which was that his father was himself a very wealthy real estate developer, which afforded the future Combover Billionaire the opportunity to attend Wharton and to have a hands-on education in the industry from his father. Anyhow, enjoy the book. Some of the examples in the book are truly startling, especially the one of the successful hockey players who happen to be born early in the year. I hope all is well with you, and especially Robin. Gassho.

By: Paul

Paul — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 01:46:02 +0000

I’ve read about it, James, and it interests me. I will take your comment as a recommendation.

By: James Boyd

James Boyd — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 00:19:36 +0000

Have you read “Outliers”, Paul? It rhymes nicely with dependent origination.