There is a problem with fact-based thinking when it comes to
managing your day to day life. Often the facts are too easily
interpreted to be binary. I've dabbled in more "traditional"
methods of pathfinding some in the past, and I think I should get
back to it. I'm talking about things like Astrology, Tarot and
the I Ching. I've even used abstract painting in this way.
In fact that was the most succesful method, because it creates
a product out of the gasseous feeling tones of the situation.
It creates the impression that I have "done something about it"
since I have put it on canvas.
Let's say I am not happy with whatever is going on at the moment.
If I think only about facts, I will probably decide to remove or
add some object or function in my life. I probably won't decide
to "meditate" on the feelings. But in the case of all these
divination practices, that is exactly what I do in each case.
It is the clearest with the I Ching, where the "answer" to a
question is so strange that you really have to go into a
meditation of sorts to have any vision of what it might be
saying. "Not a straw under the feet, no roof over the head"
and such koan-like answers.
As a side note, check out Mountain Cloud Podcast. The best stuff
about koans in audio form that I have been able to find. There
are many dharma podcasts out there but I personally can't listen
to that semi-whispering tone and overt virtual signalling about
how understanding and gentle they are. Not that Mountain Cloud is
not understanding and gentle, but it's not made into a "product"
as it seems to be with most new age stuff. The usual speaker
is Henry Shukman, some sort of poet, I believe. Also, the main
focus of the podcast are koans, which is more intellectual than
just focusing on meditation practice or mindfulness but also more
timeless than focusing on the more inspirational dharma talks.
