Letters posted here are associated with the following Salon Premium Member:
Published Letters: 182
Editor's Choice: 8
I think the point of this article is that there is a connection between science and buddhism. The author is imploring us to see these similarities, rather than the differences.
When I was younger I remember thinking for the first time that there was a connection between physics and the Native American notion of a Spirit that moves in all things. It was the first time that I saw the 'logic' of faith.
Anyway, why should we listen to this guy? I'll tell you why. Because he spent 14 years as a monk. He meditated up to 12 hours a day (I'm lucky if I can clear my mind for 2 minutes), and he isolated himself for 5 months. These experiences give him credibility. He has been to the other side.
Any one who has had an experience of illumination, totally understands just how clear it is, how explainable it is, how logical and sensible it is while one goes through it. It is after the fact, when you try to explain it to others, when you get the blank stares, or the arguments nullifying your insights, that you see just how difficult it is to explain any sort of transcendence.
The first part of the Tao Te Ching, states that the Tao that can be explained is not the true Tao. Well I think Wallace does a hell of a job in at least beginning to explain it.
Wow. A memo between the President of the United States and his National Security advisor in the hands of the NY Times. Wonder who leaked this one?
This is such a transparent ploy by the Bush administration to put the blame for the Iraq Civil War on someone else. This stuff is so old already.
I absolutely LOVE Garrison Keillor ... but on this one, it is he who needs to get a life. His, if you don't like it lump it attitude is the exact opposite of what this, or for that matter ANY season is about.
Are you kidding? How can you possibly take her this seriously? And to blame her for the weaknesses of others is absurd. Every generation has it's man eating, marriage breaking, headline grabbing, 'sluts'. In the my space, internet age, Paris is just more widely seen.
She too shall pass. Relax.
Why not both?
I wake in the morning, put the coffee on and hop in shower. When I get out, my wireless connection to the world is waiting for me. Lying on the couch with my laptop, cup of coffee and all the news I could ever hope for. A most relaxing way to start the day.
I was sorry to hear that the author gave in to his parents threats and paranoia. Imagine not seeing your grandchild because of their penis. How ridiculous!
I too am a jewish man who married a non jew. We had 3 boys. None of whom we had circumcised. I held my ground, relatives got over it and the boys are all now in their 20's, happy and healthy.
Oh, and my son just had his first. A boy. An uncircumcised boy!
We need to go back to Donnie and his wisdoms of the knowns ...
"Reports that say that something hasn't happened are always interesting to me, because as we know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns -- the ones we don't know we don't know."
From the dude who got us into this mess.
To actually have a senator in congress who is articulate, eloquent and intelligent just makes me feel so damn good.
Jim Webb is a breath of fresh air. A statesman in a time when statesmen are so sorely needed. These republicans in congress continually put politics above policy. They don't get it, and will pay dearly in '08.
I predict that this scandal with be the final card that topples the house.
Even on a base level, Americans who have been turning a deaf ear to the myriad scandals that have plagued this administration, will be scratching their heads and asking themselves, "Hell, if he ain't got nothing to hide, why the heck not testify under oath."
Thecurrent batch of excuses is transparent to all but the most blind.
I also finally am beginning to believe, that even though time is running short, impeachment will start to become a reality. As the Dems balls grow bigger, and the American public gets behind them, urging them on, the just desserts of this criminal adminstration will finally be manifest in some consequences with bite.
The smugness, arrogance and hubris of this the worst administration in the history of the USA will prove again that the Constitution was and still is the greatest document in the history of civilization.
Viva la founding Fathers!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There are a few authors who had a profound influence on my life. Vonnegut was one of them.
I'm not one for rereading books, but I decided to reread Player Piano again about a year ago. I first read it when I was 19 years old, I'm now 50. During the first read it inspired me to look at the system and say fuck you, to be rebellious and to live for my dreams. During the second read I kept thinking; this character is crazy, why is he throwing away all he's worked so hard for. Wonder what Kurt'd think of that.
Also, I wrote him last year. In his response (a form letter) he concluded by saying,
Please notice when you are happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, "If this isn't nice, I don't know what is."
Then his signed his name with his infamous asshole drawing next to it.
I'll miss you Kurt.
Peace
*