As soon as you recognize thoughts arising simply become aware that has happened. Let go of the thought. Practice this throughout the day. Your mind will become peaceful and quiet by practicing in this manner. A floating, wandering mind is pervasive. In order to establish stability we must “give our mind a job.” Just following the breath and when possible counting the exhalations is all that is needed. Whether things are quiet or quite busy, remain focused and undivided. In one of the previous writings I mentioned Hui Neng receiving a final instruction from the fifth ancestor. “Do not be in a hurry to teach, just cultivate that place of not being moved by anything.” Thoughts appear, thoughts disappear. Unconcern is the mark of stability. Reacting to everything that crosses the screen of our mind leads to anxiety, stress, and instability. Work at simplifying your daily life. Curb cravings and you will quiet the mad monkey mind swinging from thought to thought.
With a basic unification of mind and body, your enthusiasm may lead you to talk too much. Be aware of this as it has a tendency to dissipate vital chi energy. To this end, Change Tzu said, “One whose capacity is tranquil and stabilized, radiates a natural light.”
Centuries ago samurai warriors were noted for having a still mind in the face of battle and a poised countenance. This equanimity is often depicted by actors in samurai movies. Those made by Japanese film director Kurosawa come to mind.
By stilling the body and quieting the mind, the realization of the body as simply the abode of the spirit is manifest as the foundation of our consciousness.
Yongjia said, “When the notion of self is rigidly fixed, then greed, anger, and false views arbitrarily give rise to attachments. When you know this body as illusory, you realize it has no independent nature.”
I quoted the Heart Sutra a couple weeks ago saying that “form is emptiness, emptiness is form.” If the Buddha is correct, I then ask you, “Who and what is this “self” that you profusely labor so hard to protect an image of?”
Ji Haeng Zen Master – Desert Dragon