Pertinax
@aainalbion.bsky.social
A.'.A.'. aspirant since 2010. Also Zen Buddhist, environmental scientist, ecosystems modeller, amateur musician.
Reposted by Pertinax
To a nation who has lost its way, I remind you of our proud history:
Tear the fascists down - Woody Guthrie
YouTube video by Mshrms
youtu.be
January 30, 2026 at 1:36 PM
To a nation who has lost its way, I remind you of our proud history:
Re-reading the Book of Lies after a few years of Zen Buddhism really throws them into a different light.
January 30, 2026 at 10:53 PM
Re-reading the Book of Lies after a few years of Zen Buddhism really throws them into a different light.
Despite it being commonly sold as such, Zen isn’t therapy, its aims are not meant to be therapeutic. The fact that a lot of our psychological issues tend to resolve through the practice of zen is really due to the tendency of delusions to dissolve when deprived of sustenance.
January 30, 2026 at 7:39 AM
Despite it being commonly sold as such, Zen isn’t therapy, its aims are not meant to be therapeutic. The fact that a lot of our psychological issues tend to resolve through the practice of zen is really due to the tendency of delusions to dissolve when deprived of sustenance.
People say we should get outside our bubble. They doesn’t mean we need to get inside their bubble. To hell with bubbles, get outside!
January 27, 2026 at 7:53 PM
People say we should get outside our bubble. They doesn’t mean we need to get inside their bubble. To hell with bubbles, get outside!
A few months ago speaking to an American lady in a hotel lobby in Tokyo, the topic came up as she was flying with the USAF. The obligatory “thank you for your service” made me thankful for having practiced Liber Jugorum.
January 26, 2026 at 11:51 PM
A few months ago speaking to an American lady in a hotel lobby in Tokyo, the topic came up as she was flying with the USAF. The obligatory “thank you for your service” made me thankful for having practiced Liber Jugorum.
I spent my early 20’s in the army and even then I was dimly aware that it was a con, blood for money dressed up as ‘service’. Defending one’s home is one thing, but we were sent overseas to go an invade someone else’s country. Seeing that reality that patriotism masks is a recipe for cynicism.
January 26, 2026 at 11:48 PM
I spent my early 20’s in the army and even then I was dimly aware that it was a con, blood for money dressed up as ‘service’. Defending one’s home is one thing, but we were sent overseas to go an invade someone else’s country. Seeing that reality that patriotism masks is a recipe for cynicism.
When somebody tells you that you should do your patriotic duty you can read as a subtext that they expect you to go and die in a ditch for somebody else’s interests.
January 26, 2026 at 11:36 PM
When somebody tells you that you should do your patriotic duty you can read as a subtext that they expect you to go and die in a ditch for somebody else’s interests.
“Dharma” was translated in China as “The Law”. So perhaps we could say “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Dharma”.
January 26, 2026 at 6:11 PM
“Dharma” was translated in China as “The Law”. So perhaps we could say “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Dharma”.
K&C needn’t be dramatic, but can be as subtle as the tuning of a violin. Before, something isn’t quite right but it’s unclear in what way. A minor adjustment however, and that scratching noise of bow on string becomes music.
January 25, 2026 at 9:21 PM
K&C needn’t be dramatic, but can be as subtle as the tuning of a violin. Before, something isn’t quite right but it’s unclear in what way. A minor adjustment however, and that scratching noise of bow on string becomes music.
Key to the despots strategy is to have his peons commit crimes so horrific that only his continued rule can prevent retribution. Then, having struck a devils bargain they have no choice but to do more and worse in an attempt to stave off the inevitable.
January 25, 2026 at 3:52 PM
Key to the despots strategy is to have his peons commit crimes so horrific that only his continued rule can prevent retribution. Then, having struck a devils bargain they have no choice but to do more and worse in an attempt to stave off the inevitable.
“No one who would for the master executioner stand, escapes with an uninjured hand.”
Tao Te Ching 74
Tao Te Ching 74
January 25, 2026 at 7:55 AM
“No one who would for the master executioner stand, escapes with an uninjured hand.”
Tao Te Ching 74
Tao Te Ching 74
“If people no longer fear death, what good is it threatening to kill them?” Tao Te Ching chapter 74.
January 25, 2026 at 7:48 AM
“If people no longer fear death, what good is it threatening to kill them?” Tao Te Ching chapter 74.
Thinking you have a self to undergo ego death with is a type of egotism.
January 25, 2026 at 6:54 AM
Thinking you have a self to undergo ego death with is a type of egotism.
I think it’s safe to say that these days I’ve swapped out my Tau robe for the Okesa. But you know what, it’s basically the same fundamental thing. As wearing the Tau implies acceptance of conditions as they are, the Okesa is incarnation itself that we wear willingly and joyfully.
January 18, 2026 at 1:51 AM
I think it’s safe to say that these days I’ve swapped out my Tau robe for the Okesa. But you know what, it’s basically the same fundamental thing. As wearing the Tau implies acceptance of conditions as they are, the Okesa is incarnation itself that we wear willingly and joyfully.
An uncomfortable truth about A.’.A.’. Lines of transmission in that they are often extremely loose. In several instances it’s only the signing of a document from time to time in acknowledgment of complete tasks, rather than teaching in the usual sense. Initiates may in effect be self taught.
January 17, 2026 at 10:15 PM
An uncomfortable truth about A.’.A.’. Lines of transmission in that they are often extremely loose. In several instances it’s only the signing of a document from time to time in acknowledgment of complete tasks, rather than teaching in the usual sense. Initiates may in effect be self taught.
Since ‘Lineage’ has become such a loaded term, I may start using the term ‘line of transmission’. At least until that also inevitably becomes just as loaded, but at least it’s unequivocally descriptive.
January 17, 2026 at 9:57 PM
Since ‘Lineage’ has become such a loaded term, I may start using the term ‘line of transmission’. At least until that also inevitably becomes just as loaded, but at least it’s unequivocally descriptive.
Dawn Zazen. The outward world of subject and object draws attention towards it. The inner world of concept and discursive thought ruses like a chattering tide. Encompassing yet transcending either, unnamed, sit quietly and observe.
January 17, 2026 at 9:01 PM
Dawn Zazen. The outward world of subject and object draws attention towards it. The inner world of concept and discursive thought ruses like a chattering tide. Encompassing yet transcending either, unnamed, sit quietly and observe.
Religion is the bringing together of self and other, me a you, I and Thou in the unity of the spirit. If your sect teaches us vs them, in-group vs out-group, haves vs have nots, that’s not religion, it’s politics in a robe.
January 16, 2026 at 9:26 PM
Religion is the bringing together of self and other, me a you, I and Thou in the unity of the spirit. If your sect teaches us vs them, in-group vs out-group, haves vs have nots, that’s not religion, it’s politics in a robe.
Is it just me or does Master Dogen ramble on excessively and only rarely get to a lucid point. I’m reminded of Foul Ole Ron from the Discworld series. Millenium and shrimp!
January 16, 2026 at 9:19 PM
Is it just me or does Master Dogen ramble on excessively and only rarely get to a lucid point. I’m reminded of Foul Ole Ron from the Discworld series. Millenium and shrimp!
I hate the whole ‘this lineage good, that lineage bad’ nonsense that crop up from time to time. But to sit by while people are mislead in such a critical juncture as becoming a student by those who should know better, sets me off every time. People in glass houses and all that…
January 16, 2026 at 7:15 PM
I hate the whole ‘this lineage good, that lineage bad’ nonsense that crop up from time to time. But to sit by while people are mislead in such a critical juncture as becoming a student by those who should know better, sets me off every time. People in glass houses and all that…
Sometimes I wonder if the Covid pandemic didn’t give us collective brain damage.
January 16, 2026 at 9:34 AM
Sometimes I wonder if the Covid pandemic didn’t give us collective brain damage.
A.’.A.’. exists in the service of humanity, we cannot ignore politics. But neither should we be drawn against our will into partisan struggles. As aspirants first and foremost I feel that we should be not to eager to march under any flag, even those of movements that we might be sympathetic to.
January 16, 2026 at 12:18 AM
A.’.A.’. exists in the service of humanity, we cannot ignore politics. But neither should we be drawn against our will into partisan struggles. As aspirants first and foremost I feel that we should be not to eager to march under any flag, even those of movements that we might be sympathetic to.
Mystic tip: we often hear that we should be less concerned about what other people are doing. This isn’t about morality or arbitrary rules. Rather, it’s about not setting up self vs other dichotomies.
January 15, 2026 at 8:54 PM
Mystic tip: we often hear that we should be less concerned about what other people are doing. This isn’t about morality or arbitrary rules. Rather, it’s about not setting up self vs other dichotomies.