"Remembered in Museums", number 121 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.
Evolution does not only work in the species realm. Societies and cultures evolve sometimes in ways we like and sometimes they violently morph and die. This death is sometimes self-inflicted, otherwise when so called advanced societies subvert so called primitive societies, much cultural knowledge has to be rediscovered.
Just as with species extinction, our involvement in societal degradation is unavoidable. Watch for romantic or dismissal portrayals of lost societies. Both are common traps.
Museums hold all the evidence of once thriving societies. Cultures now dominant will one day be reduced to a curator's dream.
Evolution does not only work in the species realm. Societies and cultures evolve sometimes in ways we like and sometimes they violently morph and die. This death is sometimes self-inflicted, otherwise when so called advanced societies subvert so called primitive societies, much cultural knowledge has to be rediscovered.
Just as with species extinction, our involvement in societal degradation is unavoidable. Watch for romantic or dismissal portrayals of lost societies. Both are common traps.
Museums hold all the evidence of once thriving societies. Cultures now dominant will one day be reduced to a curator's dream.
Any error or confusion created by my commentary on
Miniatures of a Zen Master
is solely a reflection of my own delusion and ignorance.
Any merit generated by this activity is solely the result of
Aitken Roshi's clear teaching and is dedicated to
all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas throughout space and time.
Miniatures of a Zen Master
is solely a reflection of my own delusion and ignorance.
Any merit generated by this activity is solely the result of
Aitken Roshi's clear teaching and is dedicated to
all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas throughout space and time.
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