Advice needed: spider vs spider

[mikenz66]

Just for the record, I wasn't exclusively talking about spiders. I kinda see this question a lot like a Zen koan. The implications are quite interesting to think about, particularly when we substitute a situation that has more personal meaning for us.

A comment that a Theravada Teacher (Ajahn Brahm) often makes is that we have to let go of the idea that we can fix everything (or everyone). But, having observed that, we can still care, or "be there for them..."

He has frequently mentioned this in reference to how some (leaving the fraction indeterminate so I don't get in too much trouble...) modern medics approach patients: too much desire to cure and too little understanding of how to care...

Metta
Mike

[Dhammakid]

As usual, Ajahn Brahm puts it beautifully.


Dhammakid

[Annapurna]

What Ben said.

Keep the house tidy, carry spiders out, and you avoid the dilemma.

This is the only mildly poisonous spider where I live, /like wasp or hornet) but I have some in my garden, and on my patio...you walk into them....

If I don't remove them, they have hundreds of babies around them eventually. . .

[chicka-Dee]

Just for the record, I wasn't exclusively talking about spiders. I kinda see this question a lot like a Zen koan. The implications are quite interesting to think about, particularly when we substitute a situation that has more personal meaning for us.

A comment that a Theravada Teacher (Ajahn Brahm) often makes is that we have to let go of the idea that we can fix everything (or everyone). But, having observed that, we can still care.

He has frequently mentioned this in reference to how some (leaving the fraction indeterminate so I don't get in too much trouble...) modern medics approach patients: too much desire to cure and too little understand of how to care...

Metta
Mike

I absolutely agree.

But it is human to get emotionally involved, sometimes. We each have our learning curve on this. And it can be a wonderful experience to go through this personal growth.

Metta
Dee

[Individual]

Cannibalism is an entirely natural phenomenon among some spiders and the idea of intervening is as absurd as stopping a lion from eating an antelope.

[mikenz66]

But it is human to get emotionally involved, sometimes. We each have our learning curve on this. And it can be a wonderful experience to go through this personal growth.

Sure it is "human" to be "emotionally involved". The Buddha's teachings are not "common sense" or "human", so they are difficult to fathom, and difficult to implement.

How does one have compassion that avoids the "near enemy" of pity/sadness? How does one have loving kindness that avoids the "near enemy" of desire/lust? How does one have sympathetic joy that avoids the "near enemy" of exuberance/excitement? How does one have equanimity that avoids the "near enemy" of indifference?
http://www.brahmaviharas.org/article-Th ... iharas.htm

It's not easy...

Metta
Mike

[chicka-Dee]

But it is human to get emotionally involved, sometimes. We each have our learning curve on this. And it can be a wonderful experience to go through this personal growth.

Sure it is "human" to be "emotionally involved". The Buddha's teachings are not "common sense" or "human", so they are difficult to fathom, and difficult to implement.

How does one have compassion that avoids the "near enemy" of pity/sadness? How does one have loving kindness that avoids the "near enemy" of desire/lust? How does one have sympathetic joy that avoids the "near enemy" of exuberance/excitement? How does one have equanimity that avoids the "near enemy" of indifference?
http://www.brahmaviharas.org/article-Th ... iharas.htm

It's not easy...

Metta
Mike

Hi Mike,

Thanks, I appreciate what you say, here. It is very subtle, and not at all easy.

With Metta,

Dee