The way must flow freely. When the mind does not get caught on words, concepts, situations,
conditions, judgements, etc. in another words not abiding in delusion, how then could it
stagnate?
Abiding in the aforementioned mind states is simply tethering yourself. Entertaining concepts of
stillness, equanimity and the like is just a flip side of the same coin. Practice is what is most
important. It will free you eventually from your dream existence.
When the Sixth Ancestor Hui Neng was giving instructions on seated meditation, he cautioned
against fixating on stillness. One should be aware that the mind at it’s base is undefiled and
continuously flowing, so there is really nowhere to “hang your hat” so to speak. Our true nature
is fundamentally pure, but because of non stop thinking and habitual anticipation of either the
next event or ruminating on some past event, this purity remains concealed. Remember the
Diamond Sutra: Past mind is ungraspable, it is residue. Future mind is ungraspable, it is only
projection. Right here and right now – this very moment is where the truth resides.
Our true nature is just experiencing what appears for us moment by moment. Those of you who
have been reading these weekly blogs may have already questioned me by saying “If that is
true, then why does Ji Hang for weeks and weeks on end talk about techniques?” Please not
the distinction: Techniques are time honored and are very useful means to focus our wandering
non stop thought processes so that this original mind (read: presence) can reveal itself. The
spaces between thoughts are akin to the vastness of space. The vastness of space is also akin
to our body composition, a very large percentage of which is emptiness. The Heart Sutra
reminds us: “Form is emptiness, emptiness is form.”
It is important to always use a technique. Another way of saying this is “we need to give our
mind a job.” There are times when this stillness will occur quite naturally. However, we in turn
become captivated by the samadhi experience to the extent that we abandon our “mind job.
We enjoy the relaxation as it unfolds, but then endeavor to cling assiduously to that elusive
place of quiet and stillness. Even seasoned practitioners will from time to time get caught up
trying to hold on to that stillness. Of course we cannot. Everything in this world is impermanent
and subject to change. Thoughts will inevitably reappear. This clinging mind is sometimes
referred to as “zen sickness.” Our intellect commands us to chase down that previous but now
elusive state of ”stillness.” In some ways it is like a drug. Even sincere efforts inevitably only set
up a chasm between our present experience and the memory addiction to some previous
experience. Over and over you try to recapture it only to get frustrated by your inability to do so.
Shodo Hard Roshi, the great contemporary Zen Master continually emphasizes, “Cut and let go.
Throw it all away.” Taking his sage advice brings us back to the experience of right now. Again,
this is where the truth resides. The automobile traffic outside, the springtime melodic bird songs,
new buds on the trees, wildflowers, and yes, the every few moments sneeze and stuffiness due
to allergies. Ha-ha.
It’s all good and really quite simple. Don’t allow yourself to become fascinated by the ego’s
conceptual definition of enlightenment after a “stillness” experience you found to be so
captivating. Just remain completely open to each moment as it unfolds. The iconic Japanese
Zen Master Dogen said, “To wander towards things is illusion. When things come to us as we
are, that is enlightenment.”