parable - Spiritual Blogs - Ashtar Command - Spiritual Community2024-03-28T13:55:44Zhttps://www.ashtarcommandcrew.net/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/parableEpilogue (The Door Of The Law part 6)https://www.ashtarcommandcrew.net/profiles/blogs/epilogue-the-door-of-the-law-part-62012-11-05T23:00:00.000Z2012-11-05T23:00:00.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://www.ashtarcommandcrew.net/members/ChristopherStewart<div><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://poligraf.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/444px-amc-doors.jpg?w=444" alt="" /><br /> <span style="font-size:x-small;">(« <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:AMC-Doors.jpg">Artwork on the Anschutz Medical Campus</a> » by Rinaldodsouza)</span><br /></p><div align="center"><object height="81" data="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F835695&show_comments=true&auto_play=false&color=063a0a" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="never" ></param><param name="allowNetworking" value="internal" ></param><param name="movie" value="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F835695&show_comments=true&auto_play=false&color=063a0a" ></param><embed wmode="opaque" allowscriptaccess="never" src="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F835695&show_comments=true&auto_play=false&color=063a0a" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="81" allownetworking="internal"></embed> <param name="wmode" value="opaque" ></param></object></div><br /><p>The conclusion of the suite, « Epilogue, » is a short section wherein I present my interpretation of the parable. The music is basically a reprise of the introduction, with a very simple acoustic guitar and vocals arrangement, so as to give all the space to the lyrics :<br /> <br /></p><p><em>There is no wall confining you<br /> There used to be, but you've left it behind<br /><br />There is no guard here to stop you<br />The one you fear is a voice you designed<br /><br />No obstacles in front of you<br />The ones you see are only in your mind<br /><br />There is no law preventing you<br />To live your dream free yourself from your bind</em><br /><br /></p><p>The roshi has slammed the zendo's door in Simon's face, causing him to reach awakening. It isn't said to what Simon was actually awaken, so there's plenty of room for interpretation. Here's mine :<br /></p><p>In my view, the man at the door of the law commits the mistake of choosing the reasonable approach, and, as Kafka puts it, « decides that it is better to wait until he gets permission to enter. » The man sees that the door is guarded, he is being told that he cannot pass, and that there are even worst difficulties ahead, but in fact the gate is open, and moreover the guard has stepped aside. The man attempts to be admitted by bribery, but he doesn't try to simply walk through the door.<br /></p><p>So, in this perspective, by slamming the door in his student's face the roshi effectively signifies « here's a closed door. »<br /></p><p>That being said, I think Wilson's point is that different readers will have different explanations, just as it is with koans which require one to find their own answer for themselves. What is yours ?<br /></p><p>Is there such a door of the law in your world at this very moment ? A situation from which you want to move on, but which looks as if it won't change no matter how much effort you exert. Why don't you give it another try ?<br /> <br /></p><div align="center">·</div><div style="font-size:x-small;border:1px solid #AAAAAA;">« The Door Of The Law » is a suite in six chapters inspired by « A Parable About A Parable » from RAWilson's « <a href="http://www.rawilson.com/quantum.html">Quantum Psychology</a>, » itself inspired by Kafka's « <a href="http://myweb.wvnet.edu/~jelkins/lawyerslit/exercises/kafka.htm">Before The Law</a>. » (There is also a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WOrNlVtS8A">video adaptation</a> by jackhalfaprayer.)</div></div>Awakening (The Door Of The Law part 5)https://www.ashtarcommandcrew.net/profiles/blogs/awakening-the-door-of-the-law-part-52012-11-01T23:00:00.000Z2012-11-01T23:00:00.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://www.ashtarcommandcrew.net/members/ChristopherStewart<div><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://poligraf.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/444px-the_path_to_enlightenment.jpg?w=444" alt="" /><br /> <span style="font-size:x-small;">(« <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_path_to_enlightenment.jpg">The path to enlightenment</a> » by <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/18419987@N00">rohit gowaikar</a>)</span><br /></p><div align="center"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://kiwi6.com/swf/player.swf" id="audioplayer" height="24" width="290"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="never" ></param><param name="allowNetworking" value="internal" ></param><param name="movie" value="http://kiwi6.com/swf/player.swf" ></param><param name="wmode" value="opaque" ></param></object></div><br /><p>As instructed, Simon follows his roshi to the meditation hall. When they reach the door of the zendo, the master steps inside quickly, turns around, and slams the door in his student's face. At that moment, Simon experiences awakening.<br /></p><p>The fifth part of the suite is thus entitled « Awakening » and is intended as an instrumental illustration of the process Simon goes through when the door is shut in his face.<br /> <br /></p><div align="center">·</div><div style="font-size:x-small;border:1px solid #AAAAAA;">« The Door Of The Law » is a suite in six chapters inspired by « A Parable About A Parable » from RAWilson's « <a href="http://www.rawilson.com/quantum.html">Quantum Psychology</a>, » itself inspired by Kafka's « <a href="http://myweb.wvnet.edu/~jelkins/lawyerslit/exercises/kafka.htm">Before The Law</a>. » (There is also a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WOrNlVtS8A">video adaptation</a> by jackhalfaprayer.)</div></div>Pedagogue (The Door Of The Law part 4)https://www.ashtarcommandcrew.net/profiles/blogs/pedagogue-the-door-of-the-law-part-42012-10-29T22:30:00.000Z2012-10-29T22:30:00.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://www.ashtarcommandcrew.net/members/ChristopherStewart<div><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://poligraf.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/444px-dai_bosatsu_zendo_kongo-ji_2.jpg?w=444" alt="" /><br /> <span style="font-size:x-small;">(« <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dai_Bosatsu_Zendo_Kongo-Ji_2.jpg">Dai Bosatsu Zendo Kongo-Ji Meditation Hall</a> » by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10582945@N02/">Michael Dougan</a>)</span><br /></p><div align="center"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://kiwi6.com/swf/player.swf" id="audioplayer" height="24" width="290"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="never" ></param><param name="allowNetworking" value="internal" ></param><param name="movie" value="http://kiwi6.com/swf/player.swf" ></param><param name="wmode" value="opaque" ></param></object></div><br /><p>After Simon tells his roshi the story of the man who waited at the door of the Law, the student begs his master to explain the dark parable. The teacher replies that he will explain it, if Simon follows him into the zendo.<br /></p><p>The fourth part of « The Door Of The Law » is entitled « Pedagogue » and tells the story of the roshi's response to his student's plea.<br /> <br /></p><p><em>Now I see<br /> Dear Simon why you looked so weary<br /><br />Don't worry<br />I will explain the allegory<br />And from its bind you will be free<br /><br />Come with me<br />I know just the thing needed for thee<br />Follow me<br /><br />The meditation hall holds the key<br />But the answer is one you must see</em><br /><br /></p><div align="center">·</div><div style="font-size:x-small;border:1px solid #AAAAAA;">« The Door Of The Law » is a suite in six chapters inspired by « A Parable About A Parable » from RAWilson's « <a href="http://www.rawilson.com/quantum.html">Quantum Psychology</a>, » itself inspired by Kafka's « <a href="http://myweb.wvnet.edu/~jelkins/lawyerslit/exercises/kafka.htm">Before The Law</a>. » (There is also a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WOrNlVtS8A">video adaptation</a> by jackhalfaprayer.)</div></div>Parable (The Door Of The Law part 3)https://www.ashtarcommandcrew.net/profiles/blogs/parable-the-door-of-the-law-part-32012-10-25T21:30:00.000Z2012-10-25T21:30:00.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://www.ashtarcommandcrew.net/members/ChristopherStewart<div><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://poligraf.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/444px-ganjoji-toyooka04n4592.jpg?w=444" alt="" /><br /> <span style="font-size:x-small;">(« <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ganjoji-Toyooka04n4592.jpg">Ganjoji in Izushi</a> » by <a href="http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/user:663highland">663highland</a>)</span><br /></p><div align="center"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://kiwi6.com/swf/player.swf" id="audioplayer" height="24" width="290"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="never" ></param><param name="allowNetworking" value="internal" ></param><param name="movie" value="http://kiwi6.com/swf/player.swf" ></param><param name="wmode" value="opaque" ></param></object></div><br /><p>The third part of « The Door Of The Law » is entitled « Parable » and presents the part of the story wherein Simon, the Zen student, reads to his master the bewildering parable.<br /> <br /></p><p><em>Once was a man who had made it<br /> Up all the way to the Door of the Law<br />No obstacle had made him quit<br />No one burden had caused him to withdraw<br /><br />There was a guard at the summit<br />Right on the path leading to the entrance<br />Duty was his to keep the wall<br />And greet the man who would seek admittance<br /><br />The sentry said "I cannot let you in<br />At this moment but in time you might see<br />The day when your prize you're allowed to win<br />Permission to move onward and past me"<br /><br />Thus the man sat and waited on and on<br />Day after day hopefully restlessly<br />Staying up late and waking before dawn<br />Struggling to retain his sanity<br /><br />Out of patience the man would take his chance<br />And his way in he would attempt to buy<br />But the other would not alter his stance<br />No matter how often the first one would try<br /><br />"It is no use giving your properties"<br />The sentinel responded politely<br />"I only consent to your briberies<br />So you do not give up hope entirely"<br /><br />Then came a day when the man felt too old<br />Fearful that death was about to claim him<br />Resigned himself having spent all his gold<br />Took one deep breath and expelled one last whim<br /><br />"Pray tell me whom else might this door enthrall<br />So many years flew by in mystery<br />I have been told that the Law is for all<br />How come no one made it here but just me ?"<br /><br />"I will explain" said the guard in return<br />"This door was made for no one but for thee<br />As you now die your last spark I thus spurn<br />The door I close and complete my duty"</em><br /><br /></p><div align="center">·</div><div style="font-size:x-small;border:1px solid #AAAAAA;">« The Door Of The Law » is a suite in six chapters inspired by « A Parable About A Parable » from RAWilson's « <a href="http://www.rawilson.com/quantum.html">Quantum Psychology</a>, » itself inspired by Kafka's « <a href="http://myweb.wvnet.edu/~jelkins/lawyerslit/exercises/kafka.htm">Before The Law</a>. » (There is also a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WOrNlVtS8A">video adaptation</a> by jackhalfaprayer.)</div></div>Prologue & Plight (The Door Of The Law parts 1 & 2)https://www.ashtarcommandcrew.net/profiles/blogs/prologue-plight-the-door-of-the-law-parts-1-22012-10-22T21:30:00.000Z2012-10-22T21:30:00.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://www.ashtarcommandcrew.net/members/ChristopherStewart<div><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://poligraf.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/444px-huike_thinking.jpg?w=444" alt="" /><br /> <span style="font-size:x-small;">(« <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Huike_thinking.jpg">Huike Thinking</a> » by Shi Ke)</span><br /></p><div align="center"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://kiwi6.com/swf/player.swf" id="audioplayer" height="24" width="290"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="never" ></param><param name="allowNetworking" value="internal" ></param><param name="movie" value="http://kiwi6.com/swf/player.swf" ></param><param name="wmode" value="opaque" ></param></object></div><br /><p>« The Door Of The Law » is a suite in six chapters inspired by « A Parable About A Parable » from RAWilson's « <a href="http://www.rawilson.com/quantum.html">Quantum Psychology</a>, » itself inspired by Kafka's « <a href="http://myweb.wvnet.edu/~jelkins/lawyerslit/exercises/kafka.htm">Before The Law</a>. » (There is also a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WOrNlVtS8A">video adaptation</a> by jackhalfaprayer.)<br /></p><p>The second section of the suite is entitled « Plight » and presents the situation in which Simon Moon, a young American man studying Zen, finds himself after reading « Before The Law, » a mystifying parable which can be found near the end of the Czech author's masterpiece « The Trial. »<br /></p><p>Simon finds Kafka's fable so disturbing, that it ruins his meditations, scatters his wits, and distracts him from his study of the Sutras. The more Simon broods on this allegory, the more he feels that he will never understand Zen until he first understands this strange tale. Eventually, near breakdown from sheer mental fatigue, Simon goes to his roshi (his Zen teacher) and tells him Kafka's story of the man who waited at the door of the Law — the door that existed only for him but would not admit him, and was closed when death would no longer allow him to enter.<br /></p><p>The audio clip presents the first section of the suite, « Prologue, » followed by « Plight » which begins at 1:37. Here are the lyrics :<br /> <br /></p><p><em>Please help me<br /> Oh Roshi won't you help me to see<br /><br />Pray tell me<br />What is the point of this story<br />To my progress necessary<br /><br />Mercy me<br />This parable is a mystery<br /><br />Haunting me<br />Distracting me of my study<br />In meditation it disturbs me</em></p></div>