There is an oft quoted passage in the Tao Te Ching that says:
“In the pursuit of learning, one must daily expand one’s sphere of activity, but in
the pursuit of the Tao, one must daily reduce it again and again until one attains a
state of non-activity. This non activity is vibrant with energy and achieving this,
there is nothing which is not accomplished.”
There are numerous translations of this teaching which can be found as number
48 in all texts.
Allowing things to take their course without constant meddling and positioning
towards a preferred outcome is the basis for Lao Tsu’s teaching.
This same perspective is true in Zen practice. The only “goal” to access is the
cultivation of the hara (Japanese) or tanden as it is referred to in China. This is the
area approximately three fingers below the navel. We breathe into this area and
exhale out of this area.
Suspending the incessant mental activity is acquired through correct posture and
the above referenced respiration which has a profound influence on the autonomic
nervous system. Becoming one with the psycho / physical entirety of your body
and in turn your life energy is available by becoming intimate with your abdomen
instead of your brain.
The breath allows us to rediscover our Buddha nature. When Shakyamuni sat
under the Body tree on that mystical evening wherein he attained enlightenment
upon viewing the morning star, he himself attested later on that he was practicing
breath awareness.
But what is this enlightenment? It has been stated over and over that practicing
meditation to accomplish some end is forbidden. However, it can also be said that
all of us come to this practice motivated by a desire for better health, calmness
and composure in stressful social situations etc.
All of this is okay and is to be expected. Cause and effect for our efforts
regardless of our initial reason is found in discipline. Allow your daily Zazen
schedule become your teacher.
Continually ask yourself throughout the day, “What should I be doing right now?”
At work it is work, during family time it is family – give 100% of your time and
attention when engaged in any and all activities. This must also be reinforced with
formal meditation. Throw away words, concepts, and attachments. You will be
pleasantly surprised. Doing so will manifest as spontaneous energy – moment to
moment mind. The spirit of the Zen Masters of old will become your domain. You
will see with the same clarity and wisdom as these time honored ancients.