However, I would more likely place the blame for this stupid-sounding quote on Gwyneth, for thinking she can distill the essence of a centuries-old Eastern spiritual tradition in one out-of-context quote. I think Venerable Genpo knows what he is talking about and any traditon is going to come off silly if you don't know the context. He may or may not be a legitimate spiritual leader but don't write off the tradition because of one quote from a GOOP newsletter. If you care to read more about him:

[en.wikipedia.org]

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Thanks for your thoughtful commentary. I studied zen for some time and have found comfort in much of the philosophy when applied to my bouts of life long depression. I also studied kashmir saivism and it follows along similar lines in terms of looking at unattainable desires as unrealistic expectations and suffering less for want of these things or people we think will "fill the emptiness within" somehow. When I learned about the connection between suffering and not getting what or who I wanted I saw I could step back in some situations and actually end my suffering or at least lessen it because it was the desire which caused me suffering. When I looked at my 'temporary solution" to end my suffering, i.e.; obtaining said object of my affection, when I looked at it from the perspective of, "I am not this body" or "I am not merely this brain/set of emotions" and said object is FLEETING I could really find some relief for my suffering. Why? Because I could separate my powerful feelings of desire and want and look at it almost as a third person. These philosophies have helped me to objectify more and to look at the bigger picture and to contemplate my soul so to speak. The last 5 years or so I have really gotten off track spiritually and philosophically and I'm trying to find some sort of balance again in this area. Thanks for your lovely words.

I am not being at all well written here but I literally just got over a post thanksgiving workout and I am a little dehydrated!

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And yes, I agree about the ability to "objectify." I have struggled with my emotional responses throughout my whole life and this tradition and practice has given me a tool for learning to be with myself in such a way that I can accept experience the world fully but not become unhealthily attached to it. Thus, I can emotionally respond but not become neurotic.

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Oh yes fellow Dotty admirer, I forgot to write about how ridiculous Goop is to me on so many levels. Also so much of the wishy washy western interpretations of these ancient texts are too new agey crunch granola or watered down for me. I also am not interested in being in any religion or becoming a monk. I am very happy being a woman of the world. However taking what I want out of some of these philosophies has been a lifesaver for me for some personal reasons. The goop thing is firstly the worst name possible and I am still befuddled as to how she thought it was a good one and secondly find her waspy lifelong super pampered background a ridiculous source to draw "world wisdom for the commoners" from. In this economic state her whole sales pitch and insultingly watered down superficial ersatz spirituality/fashion spoutings are distasteful.

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It was one of the most awesome, honest religous lectures I have ever been to. I actually felt better about religion, not worse, because the monk/friar? was honest with us about what an immense undertaking it was to study religion and try to dedicate your life to it. All the teenagers there just loved him. It was the highlight of the year. He didn't try to come off as having all, or any, of the answers. Freakin' awesome.

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Aren't they usually one in the same?

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