It is hard to find an artist with a broader reach of influence than Robert Allen Zimmerman, aka Bob Dylan. He has been singing and performing since well before I was born and influencing people much older and much younger than myself. His music has been relevant in the turbulent 1960’s all the way to today. His music has been part of the soundtrack of many movies and has punctuated memories in the lives of millions of people.
My personal connection to Bob Dylan started in the 1980’s, in a time when I was trying to answer some of the key questions of the world. Why are women so hard to figure out? Why are people so mean to each other? Why do older generations seem to not understand or care about youth? What is this life all about? Many of the answers came from the music of Bob Dylan. At least his songs were a roadmap to start to look for the right answers. There is a flood of nostalgic memories and thoughts that come from hearing the thoughtful words of Bob Dylan.
Don’t Think Twice– Relationships end, that is a part of life. Sometimes it’s hard and sometimes it’s a good thing. This song was the first to state my feelings about when it is good to move forward, leave a relationship behind and it was a good thing. Sometimes people don’t treat us the way we deserve and it is good to move forward. Goodbye is too good a word, babe. So I just say fare thee well, I ain’t sayin’ you treated me unkind You could have done better but I don’t mind. You just kinda wasted my precious time.
Shelter from the Storm– In all lives there are storms and these are the times when we are challenged to change and survive. The storm is raging and you feel like a piece of debris. It is that these moments, shelter from the storm is most appreciated. I have been fortunate to find shelter from the storm several times in my life and I am grateful. This song always reminds me of those moments I needed help and got it. Try imagining a place where it’s always safe and warm. Come in, she said, “I’ll give ya shelter from the storm.”
3. The Times They Are A Changin’– The words are as true about politics and our country today as they were in the early 60’s. The generations and misunderstanding. Leadership gets more convoluted, and the divisions in the world become bigger. Until we change and accept each other and our differences we are in trouble. Come senators, congressmen. Please heed the call. Don’t stand in the doorway. Don’t block up the hall. For he that gets hurt. Will be he who has stalled. There’s a battle outside and it is ragin’. It’ll soon shake your windows and rattle your walls. For the times they are a-changin’.
2. Forever Young– This song is my wish for all the people I have ever cared about in life. I wish you the best and that you are able to stay forever young. To hang on the essence of you, that made you uniquely who you are. The world will try to change you and cover up your abilities. Don’t change to be popular, don’t hide because you’re afraid. Be brave and be the best version of yourself. May your hands always be busy. May your feet always be swift. May you have a strong foundation. When the winds of changes shift.
Tangled Up In Blue– Bob Dylan took a phrase that meant nothing and supplied it with a story. One that many people could relate to. We have all been tangled up in blue in our life’s narrative at one point or another. Nostalgic music month allows us to look to the past, relationships, regrets, triumphs, and positive things. The many times that I was tangled up in blue. But all the while I was alone. The past was close behind. I seen a lot of women. But she never escaped my mind. And I just grew. Tangled up in blue.
Honorable mention- Like a Rolling Stone, Hurricane, Gotta Serve Somebody, Subterranean Homesick Blues, A Hard Rains Gonna Fall, Rainy Day Woman #12 + 35, Blowin’ in the Wind, It Ain’t Me Babe, Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door
Nirvana by Mike Martin
I like listening to Nirvana. At the time their music became mainstream listening to them made me feel angry and invincible-now it kind of makes me a little scared.
As I’ve mentioned prior, I use music to help educate my children, and playing the ‘grunge” rock sound of Nirvana is the right time to have a discussion about the dangers of heroin, depression, and mental illness.
Nirvana was formed by singer and guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic in 1987. Dave Grohl, who later became the front man for the Foo Fighters, joined the band as their drummer in 1990.
They released their second album Nevermind in 1991. The success of the albums first single “Smells Like Teen Spirit” introduced alternative rock music to the masses-a new music sound that was embraced by Generation Xers like myself.
For about a second, Nirvana was the hottest band in the world, but Cobain’s personal demons and battles with drugs lead to a quick and violent end to the band from Aberdeen, Washington.
On April 8, 1994, Kurt Cobain was found dead in Seattle, Washington. It was quickly determined that he had killed himself with a shotgun. After reading the lyrics written by the Cobain and the other members of Nirvana, I can’t help but speculate-why did my power go out this morning? It Indigenous Peoples Day for peat’s sake?
“Come as you are, as you were, as I want you to be
As a friend, as a friend, as and old enemy
Take your time, hurry up, the choice is yours, don’t be late
Take a rest as a friend as and old memoria
Memoria, memoria, memoria, memoria”
And, if that doesn’t work, there is always – Lithium
“I’m so happy because today
I’ve found my friends
They’re in my head”
Please. Party-on folks, and if you have any questions, drop us a line and please partake in #OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth and while you are at it take a trip to Greenville, Maine-I understand the foliage is majestic this time of year! #OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth #visitGreenville
A Taoist awakes and for no reason decides to go for a stroll. He walks for a while, and with his stomach growling, he stops to meditate. His thoughts are clear as he sits upon a well-used rock. He “just is” happy because his days are fruitful when the wind takes him to this well-worn path.
In the distance, he spies a Buddhist ascending the cliff that separates the path. He “just knows” the man follows the ways of the Buddha simply by the route that he chose and the look on his face. The Taoist meets many types of men on his walks and the Buddhist will say, “My search will not be abandoned at any point in my struggle.” People often come to the Taoist for his wisdom theTaoist is reluctant to speak.
His Tao is quite simple but not well received. When the Taoist was young, he attempted to explain to all that would listen. It is his manner to be kind and open, but he discovered, with the effort being extended, he was not acting as the Tao had intended. He “just knows” to share his wisdom only when properly persuaded, and a Buddhist has the ability to be quite persuasive.
The Meeting
The Buddhist is well prepared as he travels along the Eightfold path discussed in the Buddha’s teachings. A Buddhist is full of desire, and because he tries so hard to define it, he is determined to avoid it. The Taoist would have simply explained to the traveler that just by desiring not to desire and defining struggle in the context of desire the achievement of enlightenment is most impossible. He would say, “I desire nothing because my basic desires are noble and I am provided with all that is needed.” The Buddhist along with many others just cannot grasp the concept of it all.
The Taoist “just knows” the Buddhists are all close to a place they call Nirvana. They feel as he does that all living beings belong to the world and the environment must be respected. He feels that their thoughts are misguided in their absolute quest for knowledge. This knowledge, required for the existence of the Taoist village, is only sought when the Tao deems it necessary. If the village needs a doctor, the Tao will provide. He “just knows” that the Tao, as long as he does not resist it, shall never let him suffer.
A little help
The Buddha’s teachings claim that humans are responsible for their suffering and it is all caused by their “unrestrained dispositions.” Desire is the cause of all suffering, and following the eightfold path to enlightenment, by living a moral life, is the only way to be free from desire. It seems rather foolish to the Taoist that the Buddhist put so much work into something that is achieved so little effort.
The effort is necessary for the Buddhist because, unlike the Taoist, he must resist the pleasure of the senses. The Taoist lives for pleasure. He finds appeasement in enjoying all the energy of the world, and he “just knows”, by enjoying the environment, with all his senses, he is more able keep clear of thought acting only on intuitions becoming closer to the Tao by losing his desires.
When the Taoist is following the Dao, the excessive desires that cause misfortune are avoided. The Taoist only strives to fulfill his place in the Tao any effort contrary incurs bad consequence. The Taoist desires what is true and natural, and all needs are met without any conscious thought.
The Buddhist is always thinking while striving for enlightenment and this is why he awakes the Taoist from his trance. The Buddhist hopes to discover why the man appears completely comfortable while sitting on the jagged rock. He asks the Taoist why he appears so aloof. The Taoist smiles broadly and asks the Buddhist why he appears so troubled. The Buddhist explains that he is on long journey and desire rest, but if he rests his journey may be extended.
The Taoist, though he has heard the story before, ask the Buddhist to sit, and explain his troubles. The rest now takes on purpose so the Buddhist’s rest will not be seen as acting on his desires. The Buddhist accepts the invitation and beings to explain his struggle and his “middle way” to enlightenment. The Taoist assumes a hypnotic state, as he watches the Buddhist contently. The Buddhist is friendly and shares all that he has, with friend or stranger, so they have quite a feast.
When the day turns to dusk and the wind shifts direction, the Taoist explains he must return to his family. The Buddhist begs the Taoist to reveal his secret though the Taoist explains that his way (Tao) has no secrets but is “elusive and distinct”, and though it exists, it is hard to explain. The Buddhist is persistent in his request and offers to give the Taoist all that he carriers. The Daoist agrees but only is provided with what he needs and can comfortable carry.
The Taoist explains, “We, as you know, are one with all things. All the animals we see have no less value than you or me. Why do they seem so happy and free acting on the desire that is intended be. The answer to this question is quite simple; you’re trying too hard, dude.”
The Taoist then thanks the man for his kindness, and with the wind at his back, heads for home. He “just knows” that most people, like the Buddhists, will never understand his Tao to happiness. People may say his Tao is foolish, and ask how does he survive without wanting? His desire is satisfied by instinct so excessive desire does not rear its ugly head. It is at times when he thinks and second-guesses his actions that cause trouble.
Troubles are avoided when his Tao is spontaneous, which brings about normative action. The Taoist is a true believer because his actions produce the best result with the least amount of effort. With his family fed and his belly full, the Taoist sleeps comfortable, while preparing for another day of sharing his wisdom.
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Contributing writer; Mike Martin
Born in Greenville, Maine, Mike Martin has three children and lives in Belgrade, Maine with his beautiful wife Shannon. He has served as the executive director of Touch Tanks for Kids since 2005. He has a BA from the University of Maine at Augusta and served in the United States Navy for six years as an engineer.
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Taoism (also spelled Daoism) refers to a philosophical or religious tradition in which the basic concept is to establish harmony with the Tao (道), which is the mechanism of everything that exists. The word “Tao” (or “Dao”, depending on the Romanization scheme) is usually translated as “way”, “path” or “principle”, although the word literally means “nature” as in the nature of all things as well as the natural world. Taoism had not only a profound influence on the culture of China, but also on neighboring countries. While the philosophical Taoism is not institutionalized, the religious Taoism is institutionalized and present in multiple countries. Taoist philosophy is deeply rooted in contemporary China, and is an unavoidable part of modern Chinese life.
Quotes of the Tao:
When you are but slightly involved in the world, the effect the world has on you is also slight. When you are deeply enmeshed in affairs, you machinations also deepen. So for enlightened people simplicity is better than refinement, and freedom is better than punctiliousness.
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People are considered pure of heart when they do not approach power and pomp; but those who can be near without being affected are the purest of all. People are considered high-minded when they do not know how to plot and contrive; but those who know how yet do not do so are the highest of all.
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When you are constantly hearing offensive words and always have some irritating matter in mind, only then do you have a whetstone for character development. If you hear only what pleases you, and deal only with what thrills you, then you are burying your life in deadly poison.
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Late at night, when everyone is quiet, sit alone and gaze into the mind; then you notice illusion ending and reality appearing. You gain a great sense of potential in this every time. Once you have noticed reality appearing yet find that illusion is hard to escape, you also find yourself greatly humbled.
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Blessings often give rise to injury, so be careful when things are going your way. Success may be achieved after failure, so don’t just give up when you’ve been disappointed.
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Blessings often give rise to injury, so be careful when things are going your way. Success may be achieved after failure, so don’t just give up when you’ve been disappointed.
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There is a true Buddha in family life; there is a real Tao in everyday activities. If people can be sincere and harmonious, promoting communication with a cheerful demeanor and friendly words, that is much better than formal meditation practice.
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Don’t be too severe in criticizing people’s faults; consider how much they can bear. Don’t be too lofty in enjoining virtue, so people may be able to follow.
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A grub in filth is dirty, but it changes into a cicada and sips dew in the autumn breeze. Rotting plants have no luster, but they turn into foxfire and glow in the summer moonlight. So we know that purity emerges from impurity, and light is born from darkness.
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Conceit and arrogance are acquired states of mind. Conquer acquired states of mind, and basic sanity can unfold. Passion and willfulness are part of false consciousness; erase false consciousness, and true consciousness will appear.
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Think about food on a full stomach and you find you don’t care about taste. Think of lust after making love, and you find you don’t care about sex. Therefore, if people always reflect on the regret they will feel afterward to forestall folly at the moment, they will be stable and will not err in action.
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Those who have come to an impasse should examine their original intentions; those who have succeeded should note where they are heading.
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When the rich and well-established, who should be generous, are instead spiteful and cruel, they make their behavior wretched and base in spite of their wealth and position. When the intellectually brilliant, who should be reserved, instead show off, they are ignorant and foolish in their weakness in spite of their brilliance.
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After one has been in a lowly position, one knows how dangerous it is to climb to a high place, Once one has been in the dark, one knows how revealing it is to go into the light. Having maintained quietude, one knows how tiring compulsive activity is. Having nurtured silence, one knows how disturbing much talk is.
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To conquer demons, first conquer your mind. When the mind is subdued, demons withdraw obediently. To control knaves, first control your own mood. When your mood is balanced, scoundrels cannot get at you.
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In matters of desire, don’t get hastily involved because of easy availability; once you get involved, you will sink in deeply. In matters of principle, don’t back off for fear of difficulty; once you back down, you will lose your ground entirely.
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When people are determined, they can overcome fate; when the will is unified, it can mobilize energy. Enlightened people do not even let nature put them in a set mold.
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When the liver is diseased, the eyesight fails; when the kidneys are diseased, the hearing is adversely affected. The disease is not visible, but its effects are. Therefore, enlightened people, wishing to be free from obvious faults, first get rid of hidden faults.
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There is no greater fortune than having few concerns, no greater misfortune than having many worries. Only those who have suffered over their concerns know the blessing of having few concerns. Only those who have calmed their minds know the misfortune of having many worries.
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In dealing with good people one should be magnanimous; in dealing with bad people one should be strict. In dealing with average people one should combine magnanimity and strictness.
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Do not think about whatever service you may have done for others; think about what you may have done to offend them. Don’t forget what others have done for you; forget what others have done to offend you.
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When those who give charity do so without any sense of self-satisfaction and without any thought of reward, even a small gift is great. When those who aid others calculate their own sacrifice and demand gratitude and recompense, even a great gift is small.
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Your own feelings may be reasonable or unreasonable; how can you expect others to always be reasonable? It is useful to see things in this light and thereby correct the contradictions in your expectations for yourself and others.
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Those in public office who do not love the people are thieves stealing salaries. Those who teach but do not themselves practice what they teach are mere talkers. Those who try to do successful work without considering development of character will find it insubstantial.
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In the mind engaged in struggling with hardship, one always finds something delightful. The sorrow of disappointment arises in the complacency of satisfaction.
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The learned should be vigorous and diligent, but they should also be free-spirited. If they are too rigorous and austere, they have the death-dealing quality of autumn but lack the life-giving quality of spring. How can they develop people then?
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If the mind is illumined, there is clear blue sky in a dark room. If the thoughts are muddled, there are malevolent ghosts in broad daylight.
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People know that fame and position are pleasant, but they do not know that the pleasure of anonymity is most real. People know that hunger and cold are distressing, but they do not know that the distress of not experiencing cold or hunger is greater.
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If you fear that people will know if you do something bad, then there is something good in bad. If you are eager for people to know when you do something good, then there is something bad in good.
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The workings of heaven are unfathomable—sometimes encouraging, sometimes suppressing. All this makes sport of heroes and tumbles the great. Enlightened people take adversity in stride and are prepared for trouble even when at ease; therefore, they are not at the mercy of fate.
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One should not seek happiness, just nurture the spirit of joy as the basis of summoning happiness. One should not try to escape misfortune, just get rid of viciousness as a means of avoiding misfortune.
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The road of truth is broad; set the mind on it, and you feel expansive openness and broad clarity. The road of human desires is narrow; set foot on it, and you see brambles and mire before you.
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Soil with a lot of manure in it produces abundant crops; water that is too clear has no fish. Therefore, enlightened people should maintain the capacity to accept impurities and should not be solitary perfectionists.
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Even a wild horse can be tamed; even metal that is difficult to work eventually goes into a mold. If you take it easy and do not stir yourself, you will never make any progress. It has been said, “It is no disgrace to have many afflictions: I would worry if there never were any afflictions.”
Related articles
Lord Buddha, One Who Serves and Ashira – When The Beam Of Energy Hits You, You Are In The NOW – 8-5-15
Carl Jung on Buddha, Karma, Pali-Canon.
The Diamond Sutra; Volumes 16 – 32 (By Michael Todd)
It is hard to find an artist with a broader reach of influence than Robert Allen Zimmerman, aka Bob Dylan. He has been singing and performing since well before I was born and influencing people much older and much younger than myself. His music has been relevant in the turbulent 1960’s all the way to today. His music has been part of the soundtrack of many movies and has punctuated memories in the lives of millions of people.
answers. There is a flood of nostalgic memories and thoughts that come from hearing the thoughtful words of Bob Dylan.
place where it’s always safe and warm. Come in, she said, “I’ll give ya shelter from the storm.”
the best version of yourself. May your hands always be busy. May your feet always be swift. May you have a strong foundation. When the winds of changes shift.
I like listening to Nirvana. At the time their music became mainstream listening to them made me feel angry and invincible-now it kind of makes me a little scared.
Nirvana was formed by singer and guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic in 1987. Dave Grohl, who later became the front man for the Foo Fighters, joined the band as their drummer in 1990.
For about a second, Nirvana was the hottest band in the world, but Cobain’s personal demons and battles with drugs lead to a quick and violent end to the band from Aberdeen, Washington.
Please. Party-on folks, and if you have any questions, drop us a line and please partake in #OctoberNostalgicMusicMonth and while you are at it take a trip to Greenville, Maine-I understand the foliage is majestic this time of year!
Lord Buddha, One Who Serves and Ashira – When The Beam Of Energy Hits You, You Are In The NOW – 8-5-15
Carl Jung on Buddha, Karma, Pali-Canon.
The Diamond Sutra; Volumes 16 – 32 (By Michael Todd)