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A simple math equation can transform your productivity

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Re: A simple math equation can transform your productivity

#101
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If you are peeling the potatoes and have a bit of whole-hearted potato peeling and then immediately go off "wow, I was really focused there, what Zen potato peeling!" for a minute, well, those thoughts are not Zen spirituality. It's a common problem with reading or listening to stories about whole-hearted activity - one fills up with "Zen thoughts" for a while.

Huh, so being in the zone while programming is the definition of Zen.

It is a good example of absorption when the objects and subjects drop away leaving just the action. However, as the Sutra’s say: “to encounter the absolute is not yet enlightenment.” One can argue with family in the same zone of full attention and ease of effortless action.

Re: A simple math equation can transform your productivity

#102

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Wouldn't the natural behaviour of thinking about other things while peeling potatoes be an advantage, instead of a disadvantage to be solved with Zen? Many discoveries or solutions to problems (from scientific to the everyday) are found on walks when the mind is working on problems in the background, and I believe this creativity could be lost with mindfulness of the current activity all of the time.

I don't pretend to be a Buddhist or Zen student, but as I understand it the advantage comes from understanding another Buddhist idea, that desire causes suffering. When you want a big car and you don't have one, you suffer. When you want to keep up with the neighbours and cannot, you suffer. When you desire to be out of the cold, you suffer both coldness and unfulfilled desire. If you released your desire to be out o…

Thank you for your detailed perspective, I just read this. It's a fascinating idea to make the most of everyday activities, as it enriches life.
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