The sooner one realizes that life is just one moment of the present after another, a calmness
and peace begin to manifest. A spaciousness and openness presents itself. Still body, still,
breath, still mind manifest when we are not “fixed” anywhere. In other words, a mind that does
not stop and linger but remains unmoved by the constant change taking place, is the true
meaning of an “unmoving mind.” It may sound rather paradoxical but please digest this
important truth on behalf of all sentient beings. Our life on this planet is brief. An ancient
Chinese zen axiom teaches, “Long life, short life, littles difference, both are but moments in
time.”
However interesting and inviting some thoughts are, even if they are pristine and self nurturing,
your job is not to evaluate.
Certain linear thought concepts may indeed hold value, but remember we are doing this
practice in order to realize the mind that connects all beings. What is it that mind that connects
all beings? Ancestral teachers described it in a variety of ways.
Zen Master Seung Sahn referred to it as “before thinking mind.”
Dogen Zenji encouraged disciples using the phrase “to think of non thinking.”
Bodhidharma described it as “craving nothing.”
Shodo Harada Roshi reminds us to “cut and let go.”
All of our personal involvements when entertained like a mental movie both on and off the
cushion, give rise to a limited, separate identity, or at least that is how we conclude and interpret
it. You must use your mental “samurai sword ” to cut through illusions, attachments, and
distractions, becoming a samurai warrior of the mind. By letting go of extraneous thoughts we
then enter that space indigenous and common to all human beings, mushin, or “no mind” this
before thinking space and presence. This is returning to the source from which true
consciousness and wisdom flourishes.
Spending too much time in our heads, we become top heavy and imbalanced. Zen Master
Sheng Yen taught his students to monitor tension in their bodies. All of his sesshin’s (retreats)
were punctuated by instructions on how to cultivate balance in the body as a transformative
vehicle. Tai-Chi and Chi-Gung are useful techniques for this purpose as well. Regarding
thoughts as what constitutes our original nature is in fact just stubbornly refusing to let thoughts
go. Clinging in this way produces suffering.
Taking into context all of the above, please be gentle with yourself. Little by little, your
awareness of the present moment will increase. As Ram Das says in effect, “right here, right
now.” Remaining present gives life to all things. Glossing over “now” denies opportunities for
spiritual growth. Courageously staying present to each moment, you will be very surprised at the
life lessons contained therein. Each moment has it’s own precision and intelligence. You make
excitement, you make boredom, you make anger, you make desire. Keep your “mind sword” at
the ready and begin cutting.