A little treatise on the joys of mental masturbation
A little treatise on the joys of mental masturbation
The idea that many threads on this and other forums is nothing but “mental masturbation” or “mental floss” has come up repeatedly. Also, with an awareness of the absence of many well known and valuable members of the community, it is reasonable to assume that some may consider the whole idea of a forum as mental masturbation. Given the recent loss of a member of the forum and the slight “degeneration” that happened in one thread… I’d like to indulge in sharing some thoughts.
To begin with… let’s get rid of the bad “rep” that masturbation has. I’m sure both genders in this forum have experienced the joy of masturbation in times of need… Shared masturbation can be even more rewarding! As far as “mental floss”, I think it is equally necessary, to avoid truth decay.
The Shakuhachi community is relatively small and composed, I dare say, of rather unique individuals that love this unique instrument. Communication is one of the most fundamental needs of human beings. For me personally it’s mostly about the pleasure of communication and exchange of ideas, and if I get to learn something valuable, that’s a bonus. On the other hand, many beginners can indeed learn here important elements of technique and general knowledge from the more experienced players that can be so generous with their time.
My wife is a yoga teacher and dedicated Zen practitioner and she can’t understand my love of books and gets a little annoyed at my ever expanding library… again… the mental masturbation concept. She seems to find it hard to understand that I don’t look for “truth” or “answers” in books. I a) simply love to read! b) I enjoy learning how other people think about the things that interest me… and c) I am fascinated about how others verbalize some ideas and experiences that I find hard to express in words, and it helps me see other “angles” of the same subject.
The same applies to the forum… I was personally sad when the “Zen” section of the original forum was deleted, even though I totally understand the reasons. People seem to get lost in being right or wrong, instead of enjoying and learning from the exchange of ideas.
Fundamental concept: don’t lose your sense of humor!... and if you don’t have one… go and get some.
Fundamental concept 2: Let go of the need to be right or wrong, and even to learn something “valuable”… expectations and ego trips lead only to misery for all involved. Enjoy a little shared masturbation and mental floss, and the fact that we are creating community and dialogue (I feel that if I showed up a Kiku’s door in London, or Brian’s door in Australia, I’d be quite welcome, and that to me is extremely valuable in itself)… if you do learn something (I know I have), or if you get to be right… consider it a bonus.
Fundamental concept 3: keep up with your Robuki. That piece of mother earth with five holes is the best teacher and friend you have… and that’s the only thing to be “serious” about.
Best regards to all…
To begin with… let’s get rid of the bad “rep” that masturbation has. I’m sure both genders in this forum have experienced the joy of masturbation in times of need… Shared masturbation can be even more rewarding! As far as “mental floss”, I think it is equally necessary, to avoid truth decay.
The Shakuhachi community is relatively small and composed, I dare say, of rather unique individuals that love this unique instrument. Communication is one of the most fundamental needs of human beings. For me personally it’s mostly about the pleasure of communication and exchange of ideas, and if I get to learn something valuable, that’s a bonus. On the other hand, many beginners can indeed learn here important elements of technique and general knowledge from the more experienced players that can be so generous with their time.
My wife is a yoga teacher and dedicated Zen practitioner and she can’t understand my love of books and gets a little annoyed at my ever expanding library… again… the mental masturbation concept. She seems to find it hard to understand that I don’t look for “truth” or “answers” in books. I a) simply love to read! b) I enjoy learning how other people think about the things that interest me… and c) I am fascinated about how others verbalize some ideas and experiences that I find hard to express in words, and it helps me see other “angles” of the same subject.
The same applies to the forum… I was personally sad when the “Zen” section of the original forum was deleted, even though I totally understand the reasons. People seem to get lost in being right or wrong, instead of enjoying and learning from the exchange of ideas.
Fundamental concept: don’t lose your sense of humor!... and if you don’t have one… go and get some.
Fundamental concept 2: Let go of the need to be right or wrong, and even to learn something “valuable”… expectations and ego trips lead only to misery for all involved. Enjoy a little shared masturbation and mental floss, and the fact that we are creating community and dialogue (I feel that if I showed up a Kiku’s door in London, or Brian’s door in Australia, I’d be quite welcome, and that to me is extremely valuable in itself)… if you do learn something (I know I have), or if you get to be right… consider it a bonus.
Fundamental concept 3: keep up with your Robuki. That piece of mother earth with five holes is the best teacher and friend you have… and that’s the only thing to be “serious” about.
Best regards to all…
The Shakuhachi community is relatively small and composed, I dare say, of rather unique individuals that love this unique instrument. Communication is one of the most fundamental needs of human beings. For me personally it’s mostly about the pleasure of communication and exchange of ideas, and if I get to learn something valuable, that’s a bonus. On the other hand, many beginners can indeed learn here important elements of technique and general knowledge from the more experienced players that can be so generous with their time.
This is exactly why I am a member of this forum. I can't get enough of the practical and sometimes esoteric implications about the practice which the Komuso began looooooong before we, as individuals, where even granted breathe. Sadly, when human being utilize linguistics... much that was intended is viewed through the semantics and personal ego-dynamics (which any good discussion can generate). I honestly feel that Toby should not necessarily consider himself banished. Or maybe from his stance, choosing to leave an unfriendly environment, whereby he felt unwelcome and unwanted.
Humankind generates an undue degree of personal friction. In today's world of fast communication and immediate expression... too many misunderstandings arise from the heat of the moment.
It's important t remember why we are here. I feel that I am here to learn more about a subject I both love and am quite honestly, fairly ignorant of. There's an old expression, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." This implies harmony and integration. I hope that through mutual understanding, we might collectively achieve such a balanced state.
From a beginners perspective... I suggest we keep a positive attitude and enjoy what beauty we might celebrate about this most mysterious and wonderful instrument, the shakuhachi. Thank you all for sharing your wisdom and expertise. I firmly believe any wrinkles in communication can be worked out in an amicable fashion.
Keep up with your Robuki. That piece of mother earth with five holes is the best teacher and friend you have… and that’s the only thing to be “serious” about.
I can only second such profound advice, so I'm off to practice. Peace to all music lovers.
I find it hard to understand how any exchange of ideas in any venue could be called mental masturbation, unless you are writing to yourself...
Well Toby... I was just quoting from past threads... and that's why I said "shared masturbation". But don't go taking these words literally... or scientifically... and... welcome back...
Shared masturbation is better than solitary masturbation is better than no sex at all. Probably even provable scientifically. Thanks, nice to be back.
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