In retrospect, as we look back on the siege of our Capital by an angry mob of insurrectionists it invites what should be a sincere perspective to examine closely held beliefs, philosophy, religious dogma, “authoritative sources” and a host of other dogmatic influences. It is important to ask “where is the validity? What is truly our own experience in this all too brief space/time grid punctuated by false and misleading statements?” Looking “elsewhere” – to the past, to our education, to our self made fictitious body of knowledge is coupling blind stupidity with arrogance. Sorry… Buddha said “Don’t believe me. You must test everything through your own life experience.” Humanity for thousands of years has committed atrocities disguised in the name of social and political ideals. We haven’t learned a damn thing!
Standing on our own without anything to guide us is a gift! In Zen there is a saying, “You must have the courage to take a single step off the 100’ flagpole. Confronting our dependence on “sheeple” behavior is a must. There are now almost eight billion people on this planet intent with carving out some dream niche of an “I, my, me.” Some readers will naturally objectify these comments saying, “but aren’t you doing the exact same thing with these blogs.”
In response I offer the following:
The Buddhist adage of “Are my actions only for me or for all beings” introduces our Zen family tradition. It emanates clear back to the 5th century when Bodhidharma said that our family tradition can be summed up in the following simple statement: “How may I help you?” The misguided allegiance shown to fringe groups by “normal citizens” in this country and the physical threats aimed at our elected leaders is deplorable. When we peel back the thin layers of cause and effect in peoples lives, we can literally trace the thought patterns back to dysfunctional situations in the lives of those making the threats. The quality of your consciousness at this moment is what shapes the future. True personal peace and indeed the very survival of this planet is dependent on our ability to once and for all discard tribal notions and group consensus in every manifestation. Wake Up! Your children and Grandchildren are depending on you.
Homework:
Time and again, Zen Teachers quote the following from the Diamond Sutra. “Past mind is ungraspable. Why? It is simply residue. Future mind is ungraspable. Why? It is only mental projection. Both these statements point to the following: All we ever really own is this moment.” Time is convenient but nonetheless a man made invention. Ask your dog “What time is it?” Ask the bird outside in the tree, “What time is it?” Both answers metaphorically are the same…Right now! The primary essence of Zen is to be ever present to this moment as it unfolds. What is your correct function and relationship to each situation? So, take the Diamond Sutra boldly and at face value. During the course of your day, make it your practice to consistently withdraw from your mental movies of past and future. 90% of the time, that is where you reside. Past and future are excess and unnecessary baggage. Great ancestor Lin Chi, known to be an ardent task master would raise his zen stick as if in preparation to strike a student and very slowly ask, “What, at this moment is lacking?”