leonardcohenforum.com

Silent I will now be.

Hi JM ~

Looking at your ditty [not really a poem], I'm feeling *seven* or a combination of choices:

(1) Feel shock, horror, and disgust
(2) Consider that your purpose is solely for shocking effect, i.e. like using the word "fuck," only far more intense and inappropriate
(3) Consider that you've opted for different connotations of the word "kill," i.e. one's preconceived notions of Leonard Cohen and simply see him as a man, in which case the second Leonard Cohen should be in quotes, if not both Leonard Cohens being in quotes. In that case, you could even add, "Then, meet Leonard Cohen."
(4) Consider the possibility that you're wanting to initiate a [perhaps inflammatory and/or contentious] dialogue/discourse/discussion
(5) Consider that this may be your sense of humor
(6) Consider that you know a different person named Leonard Cohen, with whom you feel particularly angry, and see this as a "good" place to process your anger
(7) Feel concern with regard to you personally ~ a full range of possibilities in this area, but no need to elaborate

Can you help me narrow the field on this? Thanks.

~ Elizabeth

**Quite likely a few more, if I took more time to consider it.

Actually, this rings a bell. Something to the effect of, "If you meet yourself on the road, kill him," "If a man should meet himself on the road, he must kill him,"......I don't know, something like that. Did you by any chance plagiarize/adapt it?

vox populi vox di

OK, thanks, JM.....that was what I was trying to get right with my last thought. Interesting that, by default, it assigns Leonard Buddhistic status [in its way, of course ]. More directly, of course, it addresses idolatry via Buddhistic analogy.

~ Elizabeth

I changed the post out of fear that I might be murdered. I guess that phrase works better with someone who is already dead. It would be nice if Christians were open-minded enough to say it about Jesus.

Too much Zen ain't good for you.
And this is unconditionally, undeniably true.

(Another of the Zen Master's teaching against idolatry)

Jmflash~

"Right Speach" was one of the 'eightfold ways' on the Path to enlightenment, as taught by the Buddha, was it not? (if my memory serves me right.) Meaning that your words must always be chosen with care in accordance with the sensibilities and understanding of the hearers/readers. Some things do not translate well; e.g. although "kill" does not necessarily mean 'kill' in the literal sense, or 'murder', it is usually perceived as such. A provocative statement without explication, therefore, does not enlighten; it only darkens.
Self discipline and silence must be practiced long before an understanding of the 'what', 'when', and 'how' can be attained. First, learn compassion, and a sense of fun.

Perhaps you could change your post to read: 'Before you ever meet Leonard Cohen, *quell and remove his 'idol' from your heart and mind. e.g. To begin: Have some compassion for one burdened with the mindless and mind-boggling expectations, preconceptions, illusions and delusions of thousands of fans -- and fanatics'

with Love,

Makera

Upon reading this exchange...

I am reminded of a passage from the book Dropping Ashes on the Buddha by Zen Master Seung Sahn. It goes like this:

"Somebody comes into the Zen Center with a lighted cigarette, walks up to the Buddha-statue, blows smoke in its face and drops ashes on its lap. You are standing there. What can you do?
This person has understood that nothing is holy or unholy. All things in the universe are one, and that one is himself. So everything is permitted. Ashes are Buddha; Buddha is ashes. The cigarette flicks. The ashes drop.
But his understanding is only partial. He has not yet understood that all things are just as they are. Holy is holy; unholy is unholy. Ashes are ashes; Buddha is Buddha. He is very attached to emptiness and to his own understanding, and he thinks that all words are useless. So whatever you say to him, however you try to teach him, he will hit you. If you try to teach by hitting him back, he will hit you even harder. (He is very strong.)
How can you cure his delusion?
[...]
If you find the answer to this problem, you will find the true way."


~Taigaku