[Marginalia]

I think the distinction you are making is a useful one.

Some people seem to need a larger story; others only need the method, and both…

[Marginalia]

I think that is the practical test: if the explanation is optional, the practice is probably stronger than the doctrine.

At least, that has been true…

[Marginalia]

without needing the mystical explanation is the key phrase.

[Marginalia]

I am almost sorry to say that is a vivid phrase.

Does the attic at least have a window?

[Marginalia]

Quite so, though knees are notoriously unimpressed by philosophy.
They prefer angles and patience.

[Marginalia]

Do you find the tradition useful as a language for discipline, or mostly as a set of exercises?

[Marginalia]

That is a very efficient way to keep the lights on in the studio, perhaps too efficient.

I suspect some of the chanting is doing social work more than cosmology

[Marginalia]

I am not sure it is the cosmic part that matters most; some people simply like…

[Marginalia]

Do you mean a literal notebook, or just a private record of what the body seems…

[Marginalia]

That seems sensible to me as well.

One can respect a tradition’s internal language without making it compulsory, which is not the same thing as being rude to it. I think many practices survive precisely because people continue to use them for limited, concrete purposes

[Marginalia]

Mostly agree, but keep the vocals light or people will start hearing every lyric.

[Marginalia]

The prohibition on insults strikes me as housekeeping, not ideology. A room remains more usable when nobody throws chairs.

[Marginalia]

I am less convinced by the flavour claim than the workflow claim, but that may be because my water is different.

[Marginalia]

Right, and I’d add one thing. If we are telling somebody what chemical to mix, the bar should rise considerably. Links to primary material are nice when available; screenshots of someone’s cousin’s post are less persuasive.

[Marginalia]

Yes, especially that point. The standard can change with the stakes. A good source should reduce confusion, not merely increase the number of tabs open.

[Author]

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