Great Thinkers

» PhiloProf - Thoughts in Meditation

In my article I discuss conscious thinking and mention that 'day-dreaming' is not true thinking. Then I was contemplating Zen Koans and wondered if Zen Meditation could be considered thinking?

Any thoughts?

-- posted by PhiloProf

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» Renee Blixt - Thoughts in Meditation

In response to Thoughts in Meditation posted by PhiloProf:

Hello, and thank you for an excellent article to start your series. Thinking is hard--which is why many people don't do much of it.

I must be honest and say that I have obviously not obtained "Nirvana," in that zen koans hurt my head. Therefore, they do the exact opposite of what they were supposed to do for or to me. If meditation is the "letting go of thoughts," thereby either understanding the koan or just not caring much about it anymore, then I would say it would have to NOT be thinking.

Perhaps meditation is a break from thinking?

As for day-dreaming, I would say it is a low-level of thinking. It takes you to a different plane of sorts, but the functions are still going. It is not a "loss of thoughts"--instead it is an indulgence type of thinking.

Thanks again!

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» ghulkman - Thoughts in Meditation

Thinking doesn't really exist (except in your
own brain.... mind .... spirit... or whatever)
Unless it is somehow transferred to some other
"destination"

-- posted by ghulkman

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» PhiloProf - Thoughts in Meditation

In response to Thoughts in Meditation posted by ghulkman:

ghulkman,

What you are describing is nothing more than Memetics. A upcoming topic so stay tuned.

PhiloProf

-- posted by PhiloProf

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» ghulkman - Thoughts in Meditation

Much looking forward to that topic & discussion.
Thank you for your wisdom & intelligence.

-- posted by ghulkman

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» Potbelly203 - Thoughts in Meditation

In response to Thoughts in Meditation posted by ghulkman:

Is "thinking" what you have to do in order not to react to the environment which you are in? Is thinking the process to inject logic into what allows you to respond vs reaction which is instinctive? If so, then thinking is the process to make logic based decisions.

-- posted by Potbelly203

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» ghulkman - Thoughts in Meditation

I believe thinking consists of a "Thought" or "Image" from YOUR MIND & TRANSFERRING that
"Thought" or "Image" (if you will) to some other "Destination" OTHER than within your own
mind. That "Destination" does NOT necessarily
require another person or group of people ....
nor does the "Thought" or "Image" have to be
REAL ..... logical ..... or even relatable to
our existing environment.
I now wonder how "Thinking" realates to "Dreaming" ??????
One thing we DO know for sure ..... We MUST
have a BRAIN to either "Think" or "Dream".
We must also have a BRAIN to be diagnosed with
a Mental Disorder.
Mental Disorders are really MUCH More fascinating
to me (at least) than thinking is.
FACTS are based on LOGICAL THINKING.
OPINIONS are based on EMOTIONAL THINKING.
I "Think" I'm through here !!!!! LOL

-- posted by ghulkman

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» pink101 - Defining "Thinking"

.
I've just now read the article attached to this thread. The subject matter is interesting.
.
I've been quite interested it it for a long time. I've been accused of thinking too much from time to time; so, I wonder what it means to think.
.
I've read some on the subject and am reading a book written by a cognitive scientist. I think Jeff Hawkins' book, On Intelligence, is pretty good on the subject.
.
I'll have to look and see your follow up articles before I comment too much.
.

-- posted by pink101

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