Comments on: Episode 53 : h8terz

By: Dave

Dave — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:32:44 +0000

The reason why we one negative comment out of a hundred positive ones bothers us so much is because of our ego. We’re naturally geared towards the “pity me”, “why me”, “how could this happen to me” and when someone has something critical to say we think there might be some merit to it. We want to head towards that person in hopes of a retraction or proof that what they said isn’t true so we can feel better about ourselves.

I think Ajahn Chah said it best, when someone says something negative and it isn’t true, why get upset? If we know ourselves and our minds and know that it isn’t true then that’s where it should end. However, if the critique is true, why get upset? They brought up a very good point about us and we need to think about it. That’s not a quote, it’s something to that degree.

By: Alan

Alan — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:05:57 +0000

I like both of your non-pretentious and humerous views of buddhism.

I think it was Robert Heinlein said it best with words to the effect, “An insult is like a glass of wine. It cannot effect you unless you accept it.”

Please keep up the good work.

By: TMcG

TMcG — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 18:03:02 +0000

You guys are AWESOME and I love the podcast.

Gwen, Don’t let the haters get you down. I find what you are doing inspiring and so very helpful.

By: AS

AS — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 05:03:31 +0000

At what point does it become not ok to voice an opinion whether deserved (who makes that choice??) or not. Seems to me (and I am really trying NOT to spout anything that could be defined as ZenNonsense!) that folkes are simply gonna do what they do. While their reactions are a mirror to ourselves, maybe your comments section becomes a much needed place for someone to vent. These guys are gonna do what they do and the beauty of it, is that they can….no judgments (or at least an attempt at not making a judgment!). You both do an amazing job and manage to keep this ADD old lady amused and intrigued. And, hell, I learn a thing or two listening to you. Thanks for putting yourself out there for folkes like me. Please keep it coming. You fill a rather interesting void…I can only listen to so many “droners!” Let the complainers be….. Then again, what the hell do I know?

By: Scott P

Scott P — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 23:48:56 +0000

Gwen, when you enter the marketplace of ideas, you better make sure your turtle shell is rock hard and you’re wearing asbestos BVDs (or some other suitable fire-proof undergarment - thongs need not apply). But, you have all the tools you need to weather the storm. As a student of Zen you have: no-self — since there is no “you” existing as an independent self, it’s not about you so don’t sweat it; non-attachment — it’s just an idea, hang it out there and let it exist on its own, see where it goes and if it comes back better, cool; and finally non-aversion — don’t harbor negativity towards those that hurl their negativity at you, it’s a “TP” - their problem. Mean people suck, true, but let’s face it — there are lot more of them out there then you can shake a stick at. Deal with it. You can!!

As for Patrick not getting as much abuse, who knows. I read his political blog-post and found it well reasoned and an honest forthright accounting of his own opinion — something he is entitled to. I, nor any one else on the face of this earth, could claim to agree in totality. We are all different and unique. But I appreciate his courage for putting it out there and I respect him for it. I confess I haven’t read any of your *controversial* posts, so I can’t give you the benefit of my assessement, but I will venture to do so. And please don’t worry. I will practice “right speech” in my comments to you, if I have any to make.

You’re both RockStars in my book, you “hipsters”.

Finally, I almost lost it burst out loud lauging on my flight from Dallas to Denver when Patrick unleased with his bon-mont about that ultimate moment of manly truth that gave initiation to every living breathing human being. I could tell by Gwen’s laughter she was thinking “what is he doing?” But I thought is was hilarious/honest.

By: Adam

Adam — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:27:54 +0000

Gwen, you are a rockstar. You are the most amazing chick I’ve ever met. You’ve been to all these cool countries. You speak all these amazing languages. You’ve dated some of the coolest guys around. Yer pretty.