I've been smoking a pipe for years, it's what got me away from cigarettes which I have absolutely no craving for anymore whatsoever. I only smoke at home, alone, and I know of the meditative effect it has. I feel there is not so much a "proper" way to smoke one, but rather everyone has their own style that is developed over many years. To me though it's sort of like the ring of power from Lord of the Rings. I try to stay away from it yet am continually drawn to it.
There is nothing more Zen then smoking a pipe packed with a certain illegal herb while sitting in the forest next to a stream. The sound of the water and wind rustling the leafs, sounds of various animals and your mind expanding to take it all in.
the zen of pipe routine is very spiritrual i believe,the preparation like the skill of rolling your own and making perfection,;and the concept of the "pipe itself",;the ghost of the golden dimension and ratio that permeates all pipes whether strait or bent,long or short,big or small, no matter what the material it is made of..the crafts man who creat in their own native materials to immitate that ghost to make a union of peace and to bring the best out of a creative native tobacco blend is art
rum and coke (or just coke) is my favorite accompanyment for a good aromatic or sweeter virginia blend. i also like smoking outside to enjoy a nice evening.
I actually have a video about this very aspect. Not necessarily the zen of it but the whole pipe smoking experience and what myself and other people do to make the experience their own. It is definitely a very personal process as no two pipe smokers do things the same, even if it just means I tamp my ash at a different interval than someone else does. Pipe smoking is most definitely about making the experience all your own.
I would say pipe smoking is zen in a way in that pipe smoking is very much so a work at mindfulness which is a key component to zen. You have to be mindful of how you pack your tobacco, how you light your pipe, the tamping, keeping the pipe lit yet not over heating it and so on. Most pipe smokers from what I've encountered usually get more thoughtful and reflective when they smoke their pipes which like you said gets to be meditative in nature.
@SmokeRingsPipeDreams I've studied buddhism in general for a little over five years now, but I've focused more so on Chan which is the Chinese version of Zen for about three years now.
@gunner525 I've been interested in Buddhism for many years, but settled on Zen (japanese) years and years ago, but the last few years I realized that my heart really belongs to philosophical Taoism.
@SmokeRingsPipeDreams I haven't studied Taoism too much. I have read Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching though. It was kind of funny, because I was reading it at work one day and a co-worker saw it and asked "Why are you reading that communist garbage?". I was like "I didn't know communism has existed for over 2,300 years.". Taoism is very interesting and worth reading at the least the Tao Te Ching.
You've nailed all the aspects of The Art that attract and daunt me. Taking up the pipe is not to be entered into lightly. And consider yourself a mentor, Kel.
Thanks Man, but I'm not really a mentor, just a guy, like a lot of guys who are a work in progress when it comes to pipes. (and everything else for that matter)
For sure there is a meditative quality to pipe smoking, meditation is basically 'watching the mind'. As with sitting practice sometimes your more in the zone than other times...but...it's all good.
"Boring and tedious" you just described the majority of history books published by historians. okay, the history student in me is taking over here...
You are 100% correct about the contemplative native of pipe smoking. Once you lighted that pipe and started puffing, somehow you will start thinking about all sorts of things, or asking a lot of questions, and they could go on and on until you need to relight~
I definitley get inva relaxation/zen mood when I have my pipe, smoking it or not. That's the main reason I smoke a pipe, when things get rough I sit down with my pipe and for a while, I experiance pure joy. Some of the happiest moments of my life I was smoking a pipe.
I could make an argument for CIgars sharing a similar Zen quality. Less so perhaps on the intricate nature of the act of smoking a pipe but in the maintenance aspect of a humidor and how both vigilance and patience with self control are all virtues of maturing cigars, like aging a wine brewing beer or making sake. And the meditation aspect of smoking a cigar is, for me at least, even more meaningful and powerful and experience than what a short pipe smoke provides. LOVE the question!
Well Kel, there has to be *something* special about the pipe that makes me go out and shoot an IPSD-video in -20C. :-) I'll try to explore the Zen part as it gets warmer outside though.
Cigars don't take discipline? Does it cold high up in your ivory tower?
Just kidding my friend, I have to agree with you...pipe smoking is very zen, cleaning, packing, lighting, and even smoking. I find the whole process very relaxing, not just the smoking. I think you may be onto something...
I actually do find cigars kind of relaxing as well, but there is just something about a pipe. It has something, I just can't put my finger on it sometimes.
Taking a page from Contemplative Pipe on this video?? Not sure about the Zen aspect, but for me its certainly more likely than just trying to get a nicotine hit.
I definitely enjoy smoking while reading and writing and tend to 'zone-out' as you say and think about the some of the things that we take for granted or do-without-understanding. Certainly an interesting concept, one of which Heidegger would have without a doubt attributed to the nature of Dasein :) Cheers! - Ferrick
Interesting topic. I turned you off at about 1:10....just joking man! The pipe helps me think that's for sure. However I think about outward things and not so much inward. Because of my religious convictions realize my need for God and He is distinct from me, He is not inward, but outward. So I agree and disagree with you, but I still love you man! See Ya.
Turning my videos off at 1:10 is probably the best thing in most cases. :) And though we would disagree about religion and philosophy, I would indeed fight for your right to do so! And I love ya too man!
I've been smoking a pipe for years, it's what got me away from cigarettes which I have absolutely no craving for anymore whatsoever. I only smoke at home, alone, and I know of the meditative effect it has. I feel there is not so much a "proper" way to smoke one, but rather everyone has their own style that is developed over many years. To me though it's sort of like the ring of power from Lord of the Rings. I try to stay away from it yet am continually drawn to it.
skahtavo 1 day ago
There is nothing more Zen then smoking a pipe packed with a certain illegal herb while sitting in the forest next to a stream. The sound of the water and wind rustling the leafs, sounds of various animals and your mind expanding to take it all in.
SalmonSoldier 4 months ago
the zen of pipe routine is very spiritrual i believe,the preparation like the skill of rolling your own and making perfection,;and the concept of the "pipe itself",;the ghost of the golden dimension and ratio that permeates all pipes whether strait or bent,long or short,big or small, no matter what the material it is made of..the crafts man who creat in their own native materials to immitate that ghost to make a union of peace and to bring the best out of a creative native tobacco blend is art
pleutman 10 months ago
@pleutman Very well said!
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 10 months ago
pipe smoking is very zen for me as well. have a video on it as well. what i mean by the buddha pipe. thanks for your videos
1569nick 1 year ago
@1569nick You're welcome, thank you for watching!
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 10 months ago
rum and coke (or just coke) is my favorite accompanyment for a good aromatic or sweeter virginia blend. i also like smoking outside to enjoy a nice evening.
6sixpounder6 1 year ago
I actually have a video about this very aspect. Not necessarily the zen of it but the whole pipe smoking experience and what myself and other people do to make the experience their own. It is definitely a very personal process as no two pipe smokers do things the same, even if it just means I tamp my ash at a different interval than someone else does. Pipe smoking is most definitely about making the experience all your own.
dmansley1986 1 year ago
I would say pipe smoking is zen in a way in that pipe smoking is very much so a work at mindfulness which is a key component to zen. You have to be mindful of how you pack your tobacco, how you light your pipe, the tamping, keeping the pipe lit yet not over heating it and so on. Most pipe smokers from what I've encountered usually get more thoughtful and reflective when they smoke their pipes which like you said gets to be meditative in nature.
gunner525 1 year ago
@gunner525 That's exactly what I had in mind when I thought about making this vid. How long have you studied zen?
Cheers,
Kel
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 1 year ago
@SmokeRingsPipeDreams I've studied buddhism in general for a little over five years now, but I've focused more so on Chan which is the Chinese version of Zen for about three years now.
gunner525 1 year ago
@gunner525 I've been interested in Buddhism for many years, but settled on Zen (japanese) years and years ago, but the last few years I realized that my heart really belongs to philosophical Taoism.
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 1 year ago
@SmokeRingsPipeDreams I haven't studied Taoism too much. I have read Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching though. It was kind of funny, because I was reading it at work one day and a co-worker saw it and asked "Why are you reading that communist garbage?". I was like "I didn't know communism has existed for over 2,300 years.". Taoism is very interesting and worth reading at the least the Tao Te Ching.
gunner525 1 year ago
You've nailed all the aspects of The Art that attract and daunt me. Taking up the pipe is not to be entered into lightly. And consider yourself a mentor, Kel.
TheGentlemanScholar 2 years ago
Thanks Man, but I'm not really a mentor, just a guy, like a lot of guys who are a work in progress when it comes to pipes. (and everything else for that matter)
Cheers,
Kel
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 2 years ago
For sure there is a meditative quality to pipe smoking, meditation is basically 'watching the mind'. As with sitting practice sometimes your more in the zone than other times...but...it's all good.
dubinthedam 2 years ago
Love the video and the thoughts. I think the same way ...
Cheers, Paulo
PRPIPES 2 years ago
There is a zen experiance to pipes, And about the motorcyle Maint. thats can be zen as well and even better with a pipe.
Tony.
tjlsanow 2 years ago
"Boring and tedious" you just described the majority of history books published by historians. okay, the history student in me is taking over here...
You are 100% correct about the contemplative native of pipe smoking. Once you lighted that pipe and started puffing, somehow you will start thinking about all sorts of things, or asking a lot of questions, and they could go on and on until you need to relight~
Akibatai00 2 years ago
I definitley get inva relaxation/zen mood when I have my pipe, smoking it or not. That's the main reason I smoke a pipe, when things get rough I sit down with my pipe and for a while, I experiance pure joy. Some of the happiest moments of my life I was smoking a pipe.
Mason
stengun1990 2 years ago
I could make an argument for CIgars sharing a similar Zen quality. Less so perhaps on the intricate nature of the act of smoking a pipe but in the maintenance aspect of a humidor and how both vigilance and patience with self control are all virtues of maturing cigars, like aging a wine brewing beer or making sake. And the meditation aspect of smoking a cigar is, for me at least, even more meaningful and powerful and experience than what a short pipe smoke provides. LOVE the question!
Mathew
TheDancingPipe 2 years ago
Indeed zen and pipe are one!!
superpelic 2 years ago
YES!
~Slainte
Rob
SOVIETTACO 2 years ago
Well Kel, there has to be *something* special about the pipe that makes me go out and shoot an IPSD-video in -20C. :-) I'll try to explore the Zen part as it gets warmer outside though.
Cheers
Mike
Flieger671 2 years ago
Zen is better in warm water, without a doubt!
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 2 years ago
When it is I and my pipe it is silent lucidity.
Salam ;-)
OneManSmoke 2 years ago
That's great terminology.
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 2 years ago
Not judging by the blaring musical soundtracks on all your videos! .... :) hee, hee..:)
Nelstrodomous 2 years ago
Well, ok you might just have a point there. lol You got me on that one buddy. Sweet smoke and happy puffing.
Salam
OneManSmoke 2 years ago
the way i see it, cigarettes are for nicotine hits, pipes are for relaxation and self realization
DarkDream3r89 2 years ago
I agree, cigarettes are a whole nother world.
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 2 years ago
Cigars don't take discipline? Does it cold high up in your ivory tower?
Just kidding my friend, I have to agree with you...pipe smoking is very zen, cleaning, packing, lighting, and even smoking. I find the whole process very relaxing, not just the smoking. I think you may be onto something...
Keep on smokin'
-Josh
joshskorton 2 years ago
I actually do find cigars kind of relaxing as well, but there is just something about a pipe. It has something, I just can't put my finger on it sometimes.
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 2 years ago
Great vid....I agree with u ....enough said...cheers!
mibgd 2 years ago
There is something about a pipe isn't there. Something good.
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 2 years ago
Taking a page from Contemplative Pipe on this video?? Not sure about the Zen aspect, but for me its certainly more likely than just trying to get a nicotine hit.
Teewinot2 2 years ago
I definitely enjoy smoking while reading and writing and tend to 'zone-out' as you say and think about the some of the things that we take for granted or do-without-understanding. Certainly an interesting concept, one of which Heidegger would have without a doubt attributed to the nature of Dasein :) Cheers! - Ferrick
ContemplativePipe 2 years ago
I had to look the word "Dasein" up, (along with Heidegger) but yeah, I think so. :)
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 2 years ago
' Quite a three pipe problem' need i say more.. interesting vid mate.. Cheers, Tim
Milverton68 2 years ago
Thanks Tim!
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 2 years ago
Interesting topic. I turned you off at about 1:10....just joking man! The pipe helps me think that's for sure. However I think about outward things and not so much inward. Because of my religious convictions realize my need for God and He is distinct from me, He is not inward, but outward. So I agree and disagree with you, but I still love you man! See Ya.
tobaccoburner 2 years ago
Turning my videos off at 1:10 is probably the best thing in most cases. :) And though we would disagree about religion and philosophy, I would indeed fight for your right to do so! And I love ya too man!
Cheers,
Kel
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 2 years ago
Hi Kel,
Zen or the art of Pipe smoking ;-)))
The fine art of meditation.
Cheers from germany,
HaJo
MrPiperest 2 years ago
A great topic.
I consider pipe smoking an art that I practice daily with my duo of Tao pipes.
Cheers
Brian
TheSacredSmoke 2 years ago
Is one of your pipes white, and the other black?
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 2 years ago
LOL - not black & white - just a dublin & a billard.
TheSacredSmoke 2 years ago
Well that works too! :)
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 2 years ago
Cool video
MrSmokeGuy 2 years ago