In this clarification, he seems to be saying there is no one thing; that there is no "pure" thing in the sense of there being an essential essence of any one thing, even those things that seem, in the moment, to be one thing. "...and so on." indicates an infinite extension of things that are not one thing, though they may appear so.
He may be talking about potential, and about the opposites contained in all things. He is definitely talking about Time and what is real and what is not real for all time, which is a different way of seeing and very wise.
Therefore,
"Do not seek pleasure for its own sake."
Two Ways of Seeing this, for me.
There is no such thing as the essence being sought when one is seeking to duplicate a remembered moment of pleasure. A myriad of unrepeatable events created the pleasurable memory sought, created the pleasurable moment remembered.
In seeking that moment, you will lose this one.
More importantly, simply be present to what is, be present fully and solely to savoring Now. Nothing ever holds still, and cannot be duplicated. If you are remembering a past pleasure and comparing it to this moment or if you are anticipating a future pleasure and savoring it in place of this moment you will never be truly present to any moment. Your life will be one of anticipation or regret, but never presence.
That would explain the nature of the clarification.
Now I will read the other postings.
Thank you Nerfherder.
Thinking in these ways is changing my thinking parameters. I love that.
:O)
Cedar
