I’ve been on Substack since 2021 and have encountered many instances when readers have missed the point of what I’ve written. This is bound to happen, but the frequency of such disconnects has definitely increased over my many years of writing.
More and more people appear to view uncommon opinions and concepts through a lens of pride and fear. Thus, they respond accordingly in the comments section.
I understand everyone is free to interpret as they choose but, to be radically honest, it sometimes feels as if folks are responding to an imaginary post. Social media algorithms will do that to you.
We get herded into hive minds so anything that deviates from the “norm” might as well be written in Latin. Hence, reactions are formulated well before the reading begins.
With all this in mind, I’ll share a short excerpt from one of the most important books of my youth, Zen in the Martial Arts by Joe Hyams. (This anecdote is most often attributed to Bruce Lee.)
A Japanese Zen master received a university professor who came to enquire about Zen. It was obvious from the start of the conversation that the professor was not so much interested in learning about Zen as he was in impressing the master with his own opinions and knowledge.
The master listened patiently and finally suggested they have tea. The master poured his visitor’s cup full and then kept on pouring.
The professor watched the cup overflowing until he could no longer contain himself.
‘The cup is overfull, no more will go in.’
‘Like this cup,’ the master said, ‘you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?’
To those who will not empty their cup before considering new concepts, I say:
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)
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It is much easier to talk about yourself than to listen. On the other hand the only experience we can share is our own. But it is most important to listen and understand before comparing to our own life. If we can not do that there is no use going to the master1
So true Mickey! I just love your gentle and inoffensive way of leading people to take a look in the mirror and consider themselves. It's really a gift..... Thank you for your continued thought-provoking posts....