As we enter this new year my wish for all beings globally is for science to ultimately get control of Covid #19 and curb the human death toll and suffering the pandemic has exacted. Concomitant with this is the necessity for everyone to initiate a strong vow and commitment to practice diligently in 2021. The sixth ancestor, Hui Neng often spoke of “one practice samadhi.”
So, how to practice diligently? Let’s examine this. A “vow to practice” should never be considered solely as time spent on the meditation cushion. This is not what Hui Neng implied by the use of his phrase “one practice samadhi.”
Believing that as long as one remains focused and peaceful during formal meditation practice is sufficient, we must truly then ask ourselves is this enough? Many people upon emerging from meditation lapse right back into dualistic like/dislike judgmental mind. Doing so, we completely miss Hui Neng’s one practice point altogether.
True zen practice has to continue while seeing, listening, smelling, tasting, feeling and thinking….yes even thinking. The Vimalakirti Sutra points to this as “direct mind,” a mind that is never stagnant but always flowing like pure water. Human beings incessantly attach to external objects and events.
As a species, we enjoy being captured by the outside world. Being used in this way means losing sight of our inner presence and the accompanying precision and intelligence contained in each moment, moment after moment. Zen Master Linji taught us similarly with the following:
“Don’t continue with thoughts that have already arisen and don’t let those that haven’t yet arisen be aroused. This alone is worth far more than a ten year pilgrimage.” So Hui Neng in saying “one practice samadhi” was pointing to our being present at all times. If our vow and commitment are strong in this new year, rest assured the time and effort will help this suffering world.