a question of the zen buddhists (or any buddhist)

[Kendrah]

I've always loved the idea of following a Zen-like path, but whenever I try, I get stopped short for one very simple reason. I love to write. I love writing the stories that would drive me crazy if I kept them inside my head. ;D However, one of the tenets (as I understand it) is to live completely conscious, all the time. I can't do that if I'm dreaming up stories to write down.

Is there some way to balance the two, so I can still write creatively and practice Zen? (Or any form of buddhism?)

[Cerulean_damselfly]

I think for you now, the act of writing is your meditative work--and that is wonderful.

1, Natalie Goldberg has various books that explore both her zen studies and writing life--here's a free article to read:

www.thesunmagazine.org/Sun335_Goldberg.pdf

Her book, "Writing Down the Bones" gives good advice, if you like books about writing that has zenlike perspectives. I've a feeling you might have explored her work already...

I've read two or three of her biographical books and respect her pathways in writing and zen. It's not something I follow strictly. If I need to express myself in writing, I usually will do integration of an experience with poetry...

2, Jane Hirshfield follows an Eastern path and poetry with much grace. I've heard she is a Zen Buddhist:

http://www.poetrymagazine.com/archives/2001/Holiday2001/hirshfield.htm

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=jane+hirshfield+zen

Of the two, I like Jane Hirshfield the best and her writing keeps teaching me what I feel I need to know of awareness, poetry, language and the best integration...and there's zen thoughtful awareness and peacefulness as well in the poetry

But I like exploring movement and action more in drumming, yoga, walking and certain art crafts...indeed, these things assist me to be more present. I am not responding as a Zen Buddhist though, but as someone who appreciates two writers who are helpful to me view writing and zenlike paths from that integrated perspective. I have done a little exploration and readings with curiousity on these two topics. I hope this is helpful.

Best wishes,

Cerulean_Damselfly

[Lets Go Bowling]

I've always loved the idea of following a Zen-like path, but whenever I try, I get stopped short for one very simple reason. I love to write. I love writing the stories that would drive me crazy if I kept them inside my head. ;D However, one of the tenets (as I understand it) is to live completely conscious, all the time. I can't do that if I'm dreaming up stories to write down.

Is there some way to balance the two, so I can still write creatively and practice Zen? (Or any form of buddhism?)

You can dream up stories while being conscious. In fact you are probably doing that already, you just don't know it yet. The idea of awareness is to be aware of everything, not to do nothing. Meditation is merely a practice....like a warm up exercise for daily life. YOu can have awareness even when you are writing. Awareness isn't anything other than what you are doing now.