tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904219782540965444.post18563488729965752..comments2024-03-14T04:06:54.124-04:00Comments on GENKAKU-AGAIN (adam fisher): religion as a competitive sportgenkakuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12135705172119950326noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904219782540965444.post-58808573258460903232014-11-25T17:29:37.042-05:002014-11-25T17:29:37.042-05:00First off congrats to your son. Let him take in th...First off congrats to your son. Let him take in the appointment to that position in a way that both he and the school probably mean: He has shown great competence in most if not all aspect of the sport and has demonstrated good leadership skills.<br /><br />But yes, it is wise to let him know that such positions usually come with detailed administrative tasks -- often tedious and seemingly spirit sucking. But if he can master the art of the efficient and effective bureaucrat (usually done by diligence and carefully supervised delegation and hanging out with the "right people") he will be able to "go far."<br /><br />Onto the post. I liked your flippy ending Genkaku but I read it as opposite of grounded experience. In the common notion of non-religious, non-spiritual world, goals are actually or close to being concrete and tangible: the plaque, the trophy, the pay raise, the title, the corner office, the stock options, the perks, the Golden Parachute, etc.<br /><br />Spiritual / religious goals may be worthy but the before even embarking on a path to achieve such "goals" there need be a great deal of examination. Then periodic, non-obsessive reexamination is required as well. It's tricky as the need for faith, dedication, clarity of purpose, and critical examination conflict or appear to conflict at times.<br /><br />As for religion as competitive sport, there are elements that probably benefit from competition and elements that are on a different plane altogether.<br /><br />Let's take a mischievous approach and have some fun. Let's have the Annual Buddhist Paramita Events: Who can demonstrate the most generosity? Who is the most moral (least corrupt?). We await to learn who are the most patient. Who is the most energetic? And the best meditator is ..... Finally we can identify the best and wisest of the year. While it's totally absurd, I rather see people put time and effort into working on their character, their "virtue," their mindfulness and their concentration, rather than putting time into the Perfection of Baseball Skills, or Basketball Skills or Football Skills. LOL!<br /><br />However, to my honest, my best guess says working on perfecting just about anything will take you into the world of the "good," the "religious" and the "spiritual. Competition is optional but can be a welcomes addition.<br /><br />"It's How You Take It! Hahaha!"<br /><br /><br />Idaios Daktylos Herakles of Olympianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904219782540965444.post-22157350731120455502014-11-25T12:57:25.573-05:002014-11-25T12:57:25.573-05:00I'm past my prime. The only award left to win...I'm past my prime. The only award left to win is death.olcharliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00309255390011851502noreply@blogger.com