When you find yourself talking too much, whether it is with your mouth or in your head, become aware of this tendency and then simply let it go. Releasing the constant whirlwind of thoughts that manifest nonstop throughout the day, we in turn become less attached to outward appearances. The reward places us smack dab in the middle of this current moment, the only thing we truly own. Influenced by outward appearances the primal source is concealed. Remember, all thoughts are illusory. They depend on mental associations, objects, people, symbols, and forms. The Heart Sutra instructs that “form is emptiness, emptiness is form.” By refusing to hold onto or cling to any of our ever changing mind constructs, peace and equanimity are then possible.
Someone questioned me recently about one of these blogs, stressing that the breath techniques I recommend in essence are also nothing more than thoughts, and therefore illusion. There is a simple difference. When we are able to maintain a single-mindedness in our meditation effort such as counting breaths without interruption, this then is diametrically opposed to a mind full of “wandering” thoughts. Samadhi is possible with sincere, applied effort. Taking this a step further, the question then arises, “Practicing in that way, is that mind real?” The answer is simple and unequivocal – no. The scattered mind and the focused mind are both unreal.
As an illustration, let us turn to the classic fifth century encounter between the first zen ancestor Bodhidharma and his eventual successor, Huike.
As the story goes, Huike stood outside Bodhidharma’s cave in the midst of a blinding snowstorm. He remained undaunted by the weather and circumstance. Certainly he wasn’t a newbie. A single question emanated from the very depth of his being. Huike said, “My mind can find no relief Master. Please help me to liberate it from my non stop thinking.”
Bodhidharma turned and looking at him said, “Bring me that mind and I will liberate it for you.” Huike said, “ That’s just it. It’s impossible. I can’t find it or pin it down down in any way.” Bodhidharma said, “Well then, see? It’s very simple. I have just pacified it for you.” In a word, it is not there. It is just not there.
In understanding this account, we find peace, that place where there is nothing to seek and nothing to hold onto. Wherever you find yourself physically is then the land of lotuses, and your body the body of the Buddha.
Ji Haeng Zen Master – The Desert Dragon