The Art of Being Happy Anytime

The term ideal, herein is not used in the sense of an abstract, unattainable perfection; but rather it means a worthy goal that has promise of attainment through appropriate efforts. The gap between where you are and where you desire to be creates a mental and emotional conflict, "a holy discontent" - often called stress in today's world. Normally the first response to stress is to mentally and emotionally run over the outward indications of the conflict - anger, fear, disappointment, resentment, embarrassment, or other such negative feelings. In doing this one's mind is trying to fill the gap between his expectation of what he desires and what actually exists.

~ Loyd J. Ericson

Sorry I'm not what you desire (Tod, Mr. Aweful, etc..), but this is a critical point; anger arises at the juncture between your desires/expectations and the reality of the situation. Acceptance; is one of the primary spiritual exercise, learning to accept the reality as it is. You can't change it; as hard as you try, as much as you want. Punching me in the mouth will only bring you regret in the future.

*facepalm*

Ryan's had a bit of a relapse, guys. Just don't feed him, and he'll quiet down again.

I do not understand why you (plural) think you are morally superior people or why you think you are ethically justified in saying the things you say and stultifying discussion. Let's recap for a moment:

Robert Birming posted an article on Zen practice; which I am supposing means something to Robert and he's not just posting it randomly. I've noticed that certain Neatorama staff have certain interests and their posts are largely within the range of their interests. Robert Birming, Alex and Miss Cellania are frequently posting articles relating to psychology and pop culture. So I suspect they have some interest in these subjects.

Employing a loving and considerate attitude toward the author Leo Babatua we must be in a position to understand his point of view and offer up some thoughtful opinions. Is that what you do? Let's see how you treat Leo.

Red Bunny: I wonder if this guy has ever had to sit in a cubicle for 8 hours a day? I'm sure he'd be just oozing with joy.

[Someone who apparently doesn't know the first thing about Zazen and so inspires us to imagine a scenario that flies in the face of Zen practice. Alternatively; someone who didn't put in the time to understand the point of view they were criticising.]

Chris B: I want some of whatever he is smoking

[The first commentor to equivocate Zazen and enlightenment with drug use. Another example of a person who doesn't seek to understand or even to discuss the subject but engages in ridiculing Leo instead.]

Craig: If you're ALWAYS happy, then happiness has no meaning. Yin and yang; you can't have one without the other.

[Here is a rudimentary example of trying to having a semi-rational discussion, however Craig failed to understand Taoist philosophy before stating his opinion on it.]

VonSkippy: Sounds like pretty much every drug user I've ever talked to.

[Second example of someone equivocating spirituality with drug-use and not addressing Leo's points in a careful, loving, respectful, or even rational manner.]

So you are all hypocrites if you want me to treat you with the kind of love and respect that you deny to Leo and myself. You don't say anything of logical significance, it is just mudslinging and fallacious reasoning. I'm sorry I tried to talk about actual Taoist and Zen philosophy. That seemed to be what the OP was about, but I guess it was really just an excuse for you guys to be insulting, aloof and indignant.

You guys are full of hypocrisy; you don't read my posts but claim to have me figured out. "I haven't even bothered to read your posts."

Exactly, most of you who criticize me so harshly wind up saying that you don't even read what I write. I don't think you could be any more ignorant.