Where To Plant Your Feet

Posted on April 30, 2014 by Mark C. Rathbun | 61 Comments

Ta-sui was asked, “Buddha’s truth is everywhere; so where do you teach students to plant their feet?”

He replied, “The vast ocean lets fish leap freely; the endless sky lets birds fly freely.”

– translation by Thomas Cleary

This entry was posted in acknowledgments, healing, Integral Theory, Zen and tagged "mark rathbun", Buddha, marty rathbun, Ta-sui, Thomas Cleary, Zen. Bookmark the permalink.

61 responses to “Where To Plant Your Feet”

vinaire | April 30, 2014 at 10:52 am |

I like that. 🙂
threefeetback | April 30, 2014 at 10:57 am |

Clearly, not Washington D.C.
one of those who see | April 30, 2014 at 11:13 am |

Exactly.
MarkNR | April 30, 2014 at 11:22 am |

When I was younger (and still) I had a great respect and admiration for persons who could easily quit their job and go somewhere else without that fear of “Oh my god, what am I going to do, I’m screwed.” Not those who got pissed off and quit, but those who would complete a job and say “I think I’d like to go to Florida for awhile.”, and just pack up their tools and some cloths and go.

There is a freedom in having the competence and confidence in knowing that you can always get by or even do well, whatever the circumstances. This can be viewed as an attitude or even serenity, But the actual source is competence, the ability to DO.

“The greatest freedom is knowing you can handle anything that comes along.” MNR

Serenity is born from action. LRH’s article on professionalism is one of the best articles he ever wrote. The confidence in the ability to do, produce, erases fear. It is also the source of responsibility, “The willingness to be the source of action, occurrence.”

Right now, got to pack up the chain saws and chains in the 4×4 and head to some tornado damaged areas. I do volunteer disaster cleanup every spring here in the south. There is a joy in sweat well spent.
Mark
Margot Diaz Learned | April 30, 2014 at 11:25 am |

Thank you. So beautiful, put light into the beginning of my day!
basketballjane | April 30, 2014 at 12:30 pm |

Here here. Namaste.
George M. White | April 30, 2014 at 12:41 pm |

Hi Marty,
The picture of the dolphins is wonderful.

Here is something from the Ancients:

“Dare anyone a limit place
On benefits that virtue brings,
Without which virtue clansmen [ordinary people] find
No footing in the teachings of the Buddha?”

Kind Regards,
George M. White
SILVIA | April 30, 2014 at 1:52 pm |

So you can be anywhere freely. Thank you
Eddie | April 30, 2014 at 2:21 pm |

The truth can be found everywhere when someone seeks it, even in the seemingly most unimportant moment in life. I learned from my experience with Scientology (a lot years of a lot training and auditing …) that it is impossible to be caged (in a moral code or a set path which does not fit) and really find truth and freedom of or in oneself. After I got out I could be myself again and find out things for myself without evaluation or invalidation. And I found very basic truths about who I am really, what my mind is exactly and how important and wonderful life and empathy and love and the present moment is. I am leading a way more happy life now with a strong feeling of brotherhood with people, animals, plants and even anorganic stuff like stones. …. like a bird that finally flys freely 🙂
Potpie | April 30, 2014 at 3:20 pm |

Hi Mark,
There is indeed a joy in sweat well spent.
There is also joy in having a willingness to
HELP…..Good on you.
Brian the Inspired | April 30, 2014 at 6:14 pm |

Where is space?
The wind, planets, bodies, galaxies move in it.

Pure being is like space: all encompassing and holding all things like the artists blank canvas.

I in All and All in I.

Where to plant our feet?

When the cork of ego is plucked from the bottle, it’s salty contents is loosed and comingles with the vast Ocean of Being.

What is the difference then between the little liquid in the bottle and the vast Ocean it now inhabits.

Words fail time and again except to say:

Only Love, Joy and Immortal Wisdom remains. Like infinite space, Infinite Being is omnipresent and everywhere conscious of ItSelf as all life.

Then, in that very conscious state, we bow to others, all others and say: Namaste, I bow to the spiritual light in you. Thou art My Own Self.

May all beings find true lasting happiness: drunk with God Joy!
Lawrence | April 30, 2014 at 7:18 pm |

Marty, you are just full of earth shattering wisdom these last few days! 🙂 I am reminded of my TR’s training. People have said “What you mean do fish swim or do birds fly? I ain’t asking noboby that s**t!” 🙂 My question of course have done TR’s training would be “Why not?” But, that is another story! 🙂
marildi | April 30, 2014 at 7:57 pm |

“I learned from my experience with Scientology (a lot years of a lot training and auditing …) that it is impossible to be caged (in a moral code or a set path which does not fit) and really find truth and freedom of or in oneself.”

I learned that too and consider it one of the biggest lessons gained. At the same time, I still think core Scientology offers a highly workable set of “training wheels” which help a person to eventually ride free.
2ndxmr | April 30, 2014 at 9:55 pm |

It’s making that jump from sea to sky that is the trick.
iamvalkov | April 30, 2014 at 11:03 pm |

There are at least 3 different songs titled “Stand” by 3 different artists, but I like the REM song and video. Although the 2 others also seem appropriate. But here it is:

nd “Stand” Ringtone to your Mobile
“Stand”

Stand in the place where you live
Now face north
Think about direction
Wonder why you haven’t before

Now stand in the place where you work
Now face west
Think about the place where you live
Wonder why you haven’t before

If you are confused, check with the sun
Carry a compass to help you along
Your feet are going to be on the ground
Your head is there to move you around

So stand in the place where you live
Now face north
Think about direction
Wonder why you haven’t before

Now stand in the place where you work
Now face west
Think about the place where you live
Wonder why you haven’t before

Your feet are going to be on the ground
Your head is there to move you around
If wishes were trees, the trees would be falling
Listen to reason, season is calling

Stand in the place where you live
Now face north
Think about direction
Wonder why you haven’t before

Now stand in the place where you work
Now face west
Think about the place where you live
Wonder why you haven’t before

If wishes were trees, the trees would be falling
Listen to reason, reason is calling
Your feet are going to be on the ground
Your head is there to move you around

So stand (Stand!)
Now face north
Think about direction
Wonder why you haven’t before

Now stand (Stand!)
Now face west
Think about the place where you live
Wonder why you haven’t

Stand in the place where you live
Now face north
Think about direction
Wonder why you haven’t before

Now stand in the place where you work
Now face west
Think about the place where you live
Wonder why you haven’t before

Stand in the place where you are
Now face north
Stand in the place where you are
Now face west
Your feet are going to be on the ground
(Stand in the place where you are)
Your head is there to move you around, so stand
marildi | May 1, 2014 at 12:25 am |

Great line – whether poetry, philosophy or humor. 😉
The Oracle | May 1, 2014 at 12:56 am |

Fish don’t have feet. Birds have feet. I guess. Or claws or talons. I had hoofs once and I loved them. That was when I was sent here to scout and we had these bodies that were half horse and half man. What a great body.
You could run all over the place and keep notes. A pretty accurate description here:

http://narnia.wikia.com/wiki/Centaur Wow this guy had great recall.

I am thinking you can not plant people, only vegetables.

Some feet are born to run.
The Oracle | May 1, 2014 at 1:14 am |

I am one of those people that thinks, “nobody wins unless everybody wins”.
I am still pretty fucked up with very unattainable goals. That is so unreal it isn’t even funny.
The Oracle | May 1, 2014 at 1:23 am |

I guess everyone can win at a rock and roll concert, but not in the Church of Scientology?
The Oracle | May 1, 2014 at 1:32 am |

And David transports rock and roll to torture.” We are the champions” for the musical chairs engram. He uses music to set everyone up for a LOSS! An engram! Lovely how Mr. Miscavige incorporated rock and roll into his life isn’t it? Take the art that comes in and use it to suppress and degrade. Dave. Most people can’t excuse this shit. Get over it. You did your audition as world leader and got a minus ten star rating out of a plus 100 star review. What is it going to take to peel you off the fucking stage?
The Oracle | May 1, 2014 at 1:34 am |

Are you REALLY going to take it to the point where you are DRAGGED away by the authorities?
MarkNR | May 1, 2014 at 2:50 am |

Thanks. Been a long day, needed that ack.
Mark
Monte | May 1, 2014 at 7:51 am |

Only the ‘self’ construct would be concerned about where to plant its feet.
LDW | May 1, 2014 at 9:37 am |

Walk into a room and close the door. Observe the space and decide this all there is or ever was or ever will be.

Walk outside the room and observe the space including the door to the room that contained you for a moment.

Walk outside the house and observe the space and decide this is all there is or ever was or will be.

Step outside the solar system and observe it and see if it really is all there ever was or will be.

Plant your feet where you will for as long as you wish.
Still Awakening | May 1, 2014 at 12:04 pm |

Perfect!
David Cooke | May 1, 2014 at 9:22 pm |

That’s an excellent process! I can think of some people who’d try to make it confidential and charge big money for using it.
Lawrence | May 1, 2014 at 10:24 pm |

Oracle, you are a smart man and I admire you and jealous of you that you are so good looking! 🙂 (I am just kidding) But, I want to say something about David Miscavige. Point blank. He is ignorant. Period. He is an ignorant moron. Period! 🙂 People like David Miscavige, don’t believe or feel they need to be tech trained in order to ADMINISTER LRH’s legacy. Does that actually make sense? Is that really the way things work in the universe? 🙂 Would David Miscavige allow himself to be audited by someone like himself? I suspect the answer is NO! 🙂 So, for that reason, it is enough for me to know he is a self made idiot and not support his activities he supports in any way. One day when he kisses my ass for his freedom, I will give it a thought! 🙂
Lawrence | May 1, 2014 at 10:39 pm |

If you see a property that belongs to David Miscavige out there in tornado alley with damage remember to skip the good deeds on that one! 🙂
Zephyr | May 1, 2014 at 11:23 pm |

A change of ‘wallpaper’, i.e. a different location can be highly therapeutic.
Sounds like a ‘working vacation’. Enjoy!
Greta
Zephyr | May 1, 2014 at 11:31 pm |

🙂
Greta
The Oracle | May 2, 2014 at 3:45 am |

But Marty did talk us down from violence. By encouraging us to shift our energy into reasoning, He saved the C of S in a regard that has gone unacknowledged. While David is out beating the drum to create enemies Marty has been calming people down. This is real people.
Mike Hobson | May 2, 2014 at 10:10 am |

Mark, of course I love Ta-Sui’s answer.

However, I feel it necessary to point out something about this blog post that makes me shake my head sadly: on a post about Freedom, you have placed a photograph of extremely non-free performing dolphins. Dolphins who were ripped from their families when very young that have never learned how to catch their own food and so are entirely dependent upon their captors and therefore do not run away, even on open ocean swims with tourist divers and snorkelers.

They are slaves, wholly dependent upon the persons profiting from displaying such trained behaviors as the synchronized high jump in the photo.

Michael A. Hobson
Independent Scientologist
Potpie | May 2, 2014 at 10:58 am |

Oh how many travelers get weary bearing
both their burdens and their scars.
Don’t you think they’d love to start all over
and fly like eagles out among the stars?
Johnny Cash
2ndxmr | May 2, 2014 at 11:11 am |

The space of the universe is the sea. Our own space is the sky. The vastness of the sea shields it from the perception that it was created from sky.
threefeetback | May 2, 2014 at 11:18 am |

Washington D. C. Syndrome
fcdcclassof74 | May 2, 2014 at 1:19 pm |

Yes it was hard seeing the decline and the sterile plastic space, automatons and emptiness and I don’t mean in an enlighten manner. This was after a hasty visit last year to eval the state for myself. ARC Bill Dupree
Mike Hobson | May 2, 2014 at 1:27 pm |

English, please.
The Oracle | May 2, 2014 at 2:35 pm |

Lawrence, I have no idea why you think I am a man.
marildi | May 2, 2014 at 3:39 pm |

Ah, what a lovely metaphor.
Philosophical realism
with a touch of poetry to underscore.
It strikes a deep chord.
Tom Gallagher | May 2, 2014 at 5:52 pm |

Marty,

Simply put, as I look at our collective lives, outcomes and this universe, it’s very real to me that ‘Our legacy is our future’.

As an American and reformed former scientologist, all I can say is ‘god help us’.

We failed, but however, the purge that pursues is a necessary cleansing.

Sincerely, I offer my apology to the Universe (God?!?) and all my fellow beings. We’ll get through it.

We do come back. This time let’s transcend the ‘dark side’.
Lawrence | May 2, 2014 at 8:31 pm |

A man? It can happen. People do move up and down the tone scale. It can happen. 🙂
Letting go | May 3, 2014 at 3:11 am |

In awareness?
threefeetback | May 3, 2014 at 9:08 am |

The Prez is a dupe.
FOTF2012 | May 3, 2014 at 10:52 am |

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…” (Dr. Seuss, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go”)
FOTF2012 | May 3, 2014 at 11:04 am |

Sterile, plastic, automated, empty. It sounds like a reactive mind manifested in the physical universe!

At a time when many organizations are actively striving for a more relaxed, homier, cozy feel in their public areas, the Church has somehow decided to go with a cold, impersonal style. That will not draw people in.

It would have been far better to stick with the previous buildings just spiffed up to be nice and to fit a style that appeals to the folks in their locale in the target market.

Then get a coffee franchise in there to serve snacks and coffee. And get off those stupid benches where you watch movies but cannot even lean back and relax, and put in some nice couches, comfortable chairs to create a warm and cozy reading and discussion area. Take the books out of their MEST wrapping barriers and lay them around in that reading area so people can browse them while having a coffee and croissant or whatever. Have staff check by occasionally but don’t be too intrusive. Provide free wi-fi while you are at it.

And instead of not-is-ing all of the Church’s bad PR, embrace it, like one would embrace one’s Jungian “shadow.” Embrace it for continual improvement and be upfront with prospective newcomers (not raw meat or fresh meat — newcomers — be respectful). Let them know there have been problems, but that the organization is actively addressing them and show them how and show them the results of those improvements.

Of course that would take leadership and a commitment to excellent service and continual improvement. The Church lacks sane leadership, it cannot provide excellent service as it is stuck in predatory practices and false products for some levels, and it cannot even consider dedication to continual improvement since it “knows” that as an organization it already “knows” everything there is to know.

Hence the ship of fools lurches steadily and blindly toward the reef, denying the storm that rages around it, and demonizing every call to common sense, Captain Bly screaming inanities about their successful voyage right up to impalement on the coral.
martyrathbun09 | May 3, 2014 at 2:17 pm |

Well, I think it is sad that you have spent so many years studying the subject and have never witnessed dolphins in the wild perform synchronized movements, include some far more spectacular than those depicted here. We have seen them do so many times on Corpus Christi bay.
The Oracle | May 3, 2014 at 5:04 pm |

Enjoy the Q and A.
Tom Gallagher | May 3, 2014 at 8:46 pm |

If Ron knew this history, perhaps his organizations wouldn’t be in such an observable collapse.

Or was Ron hell bent on being a competitor of these known criminals…
Tom Gallagher | May 3, 2014 at 8:49 pm |
The Oracle | May 4, 2014 at 4:49 am |

Oh come on knock it off Mike. You go from witch hunter / bouncer, to dolphin savior? Fair enough. You can feel for something so remote it does not apply to you at all. And the people who really do give a real fuck about you, you pin to crosses and try to work witch hunts.

This is simple goal problems mass. Not a handicap and very easily sorted out. Think about it and reach for some help. We got you brother on some level.
The Oracle | May 4, 2014 at 4:51 am |

This is not the first time I have pointed the way. It may just be on your purpose line to be a stray. We didn’t have anything to do with that.
Mike Hobson | May 4, 2014 at 10:55 am |

Mark,

If I’m wrong about this image, then so be it. I don’t have a “button” on being mistaken. Eyewitness trumps everything else. I certainly have not had the good fortune to observe dolphins doing such things in the wild.

That having been said, did you (or perhaps Sinar) take this photo ?

Michael A. Hobson
Independent Scientologist
martyrathbun09 | May 4, 2014 at 8:34 pm |

I have no idea of it is provenance – I was just commenting to counteract the inference of hypocrisy on my part.
Mike Hobson | May 4, 2014 at 10:40 pm |

Mark, I don’t do covert, slimy innuendo. If I had intended to accuse you of hypocrisy, I would have done it straight out. Right, wrong, brilliant or stupid – I only do straight comm. If you find yourself “reading between the lines” on any communication of mind, you will not find anything written there by me.

This paragraph is not intended to be some sort of smarmy invalidation of you, either – only a tip on American English usage: “implication” is what the writer does and “inference” is what the reader does. I certainly did not mean to imply what you inferred.

I have done some investigation and can now positively state that the photograph headlining this article is of two open ocean recall trained performing dolphins from the Anthony’s Key Resort / Roatan Institute of Marine Science in Roatan, Honduras. The dorsal fins dolphins are distinctive and provide positive identification. The left-hand dolphin’s dorsal has a particularly distinctive trailing edge that can be seen in many other “leaping dolphin photos” identified as having been taken there.

Mark, there is no way you could have known that without someone familiar with this particular scene to inform you, as I have done. No personal slight or insult was intended at all, I assure you. If my communication was unclear, I apologize.

Michael A. Hobson
Independent Scientologist
The Oracle | May 5, 2014 at 1:07 am |

If you get hungry enough you will eat one of those dolphins in a heart beat. I suspect you have already eaten a few.
Zephyr | May 5, 2014 at 1:20 am |

TG
Thanks, that is one of the very best videos to understand history and present global situation.
Greta
April | May 5, 2014 at 3:26 am |

It looks to me like a beautiful photo of dolphins in the wild. They look like they are in the ocean, I see no nets or containment walls, etc. Dolphins often jump like that in the ocean. 🙂 Also, to the person who commented on the environment for newbies to Scientology – that sounds great! Coffee, comfy areas for seating, reading, watching videos… I don’t like the “ideal orgs” they come off as too… I don’t know, businesslike and officious I guess… not warm and welcoming. More than the place, it’s the people who are important and who make the ideas work. I don’t see Scientology expanding because of the way it’s being run these days.
Schorsch | May 5, 2014 at 9:23 am |

You can find the picture here.
http://bilder.4ever.eu/tiere/wasserleben/delfin-147771
The dolphins had been cut out and pasted into the picture. Zoom in and look at the white border around the dolphins.
martyrathbun09 | May 5, 2014 at 10:07 am |

Gotcha
April | May 5, 2014 at 3:05 pm |

I was thinking about the dolphin photo again (it seems I have nothing better to do on my day off, lol). Such a beautiful photo of joy in life. After reading the comments, I also Googled the photo and found the origin: titled “Bottlenose Dolphins at the Roatan Institute of Marine Science” , the photo was taken in Honduras, by wildlife photographer Brandon Cole.

Mike Hobson posted that although the dolphins swim in the ocean, they are trained to return to the Marine center. This made me thoughtful, and in thinking further about Mr. Hobson’s comments: (quote) “on a post about Freedom, you have placed a photograph of extremely non-free performing dolphins. Dolphins who were ripped from their families when very young that have never learned how to catch their own food and so are entirely dependent upon their captors and therefore do not run away, even on open ocean swims with tourist divers and snorkelers. They are slaves, wholly dependent upon the persons profiting from displaying such trained behaviors…”

So if this is true, this is actually a perfect photo for this article on freedom, as it illustrates the point that the CoS does exactly the same thing, but to people, not dolphins. Think Amy Scobee, Marc Headley, Mike Rinder, or any young (age 14 or so) Sea Org recruit, who spent their early years being conditioned to think and act in a certain way by their “religion” and trained that they must do some things, circumventing their free will… just as the dolphins do, they become (quote) “entirely dependent …and therefore do not run away” and become mentally/emotionally/physically (quote) “wholly dependent upon the persons profiting from displaying such trained behaviors…” (or the group who profits from their volunteer services). CoS members also have difficulty breaking away – it seems like the dolphins and church members are similar in that they are both subjected to a type of mind control… so that freedom is so close, yet they are unable to break the conditioned patterns of behavior or thought, and not able to grasp that it is within their power to set themselves free. So perhaps Mr. Rathbun chose this photo for the article on freedom that very reason, its analogous, a metaphor, (a thing regarded as representative or symbolic of something else, especially something abstract). He does seem to be getting kind of philosophically “deep” these days, lol. :p Or then again, maybe he just thought it was a nice photo. 🙂
T^om Gallagher | May 5, 2014 at 6:23 pm |

Thanks Greta, I think so too.