(3) I used to believe that it was my duty to contribute as actively as possible to society to make people as happy as possible. Not any longer. I've now realized that there is no such thing as right or wrong, good or bad, or true or false.
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(4) The least I can do now is to contribute as *little* as possible. To try to make any contribution is the root of all evil. Contribution is always negative. That's what I now believe. So what I can do now for the well being of society is try *not* to do anything.
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(5) But still, I tend to be a loving, active person and I tend to do or say something when I see anyone in trouble. So when I do see any such person, I do something for them anyway. Then, after that, I go quickly back into my shells and try to hide at all times from society.
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(6) I'm guilty. I know I'm fundamentally wrong and terrible. All I can do is evil. I'm wicked. But so are you. So is the rest of society. The best gift anyone can give is to perish. If there is any God-ordained mission for humanity, it is to destroy themselves.
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Speaking of trying not to do anything, that sounds like "wu wei", the ancient Chinese art of "not-doing". It's very much part of the Zen tradition, as well. I agree. Do as little as possible. Too much doing is bad. Let it do itself. Stay out of it.
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Wow, you're quite widely read. You've read a lot about Islam, Christianity, and Chinese philosophy too. "Wu wei," yes, I like that.
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Yes. I'm a Buddhist & a Hindu, too. I like Sri Ramana Maharshi & Nisargadatta Maharaj. The Tang Dynasty Zen (Chan) masters were the best; except for Bankei, the great Japaneses master of the 17th century. Oh, yes, & I'm also a Taoist.
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(1) Wow, you're truly interesting. I remember very well you said earlier that when young, you loved to read William Burroughs, Jack Kerouac, and Buddhist teachings. Several months ago I read his "The Scriptures of the Golden Eeternity" (1960).
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(2) This 15-page-long collection of aphorisms seemingly inspired by Buddhism intrigued me. His whole life seems to have been a long succession of torment and agony searching for meaning of life. I like him.
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(3) I also like to read books and see documentaries and movies about how the Vietnam War has been affecting the Americans. I guess they have rediscovered something profound in that process.
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If Americans have discovered anything from the Vietnam Debacle, please tell me what it is. Except for they've learned not to allow footage of their recent wars be broadcast on the nightly news. War is much more sanitized, now.
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(1) War is much more sanitized, huh? Yes, it must be. In a way, I'm glad that they recorded tons of footage of the Vietnam War and let the public know how it was.
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(2) And I thought that through the Vietnam War and domestic turmoil over it, Americans had begun to ponder more seriously over life and become more sensitive to others, including the other peoples.
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