Puzzlers are questions with unexpected answers. Much like
koans, which in the Zen
tradition were used to help students understand certain aspect of their reality
(and their spirituality) in a
very deep and personal manner, the TGB Puzzlers are intended to help our guests
expand their overall experience at The Green Bough.
Also, just like the koans, the TGB Puzzlers do not have a right
or a wrong answer... the answer is whatever the teacher wants it to be for the
betterment of the practitioner. So, these puzzlers and their answers
are nothing but vignettes of actual "thought, feeling and emotion" experiences
of guests who have participated in events at The Green Bough.
We intend to add one puzzler
each month. Here, for your enrichment, awakening and spiritual insight, we
present to you.... the TGB Puzzlers!
Puzzler #1[top]
Where can you find twenty-one steps to
Nirvana?
Answer: At The Green Bough! Where else?
There are 21 steps from the street level to the landing on the second floor....
and no elevator, so every visitir gets to experience each of the steps on their
way UP to the Green Bough. And then they enter our space and... Nirvanaaaah!
Those of you inclined to the numerology of the number 21,
may want to check it out -- here is a
good resource on
Numerology from Wikipedia.
Puzzler #2 [Top]
In which way are
the Sounds of the Ocean and the Noise from the Traffic outside the same?
Answer: You can use both types of sounds as an
entry point for meditation when you keenly focus on them and, in so doing,
screen out the usual chatter of the mind! The ocean has long been a preferred
background sound for meditative practice, with the sounds of the waves cresting
and crashing on the shore, and with plenty of seagulls honking mindlessly as
they fly by, and the unmistakable distant sound from a ship's horn. Not
being in California, Hawaii, Florida or the Bahamas, we have to work with the
next best thing available to us.... so
at The Green Bough we specifically "feature" the powerful
meditative sounds of the streets of Irwin!
Next time
you are here, think of the sounds of rolling tires on pavement and cars passing
by as the waves of the ocean, some crashing louder than others... the beautiful
chirping of the birds outside the window as seagulls... and the occasional
motorcycle roaring by as a ship belching full of sound!
So, come and be sure to fully re-experience the sounds of
traffic outside like never before!!
Puzzler #3[Top]
When is a Coffee Stain on
the carpet a vehicle for going deeper into the Self?
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