So far in these teaching essays, we have emphasized breath techniques as an entry point, a grounding mechanism designed to slow down our habitual and oftentimes runaway thought process.
Stilling the mind from it’s preoccupation with chasing thoughts is the foundation to developing insight into our true nature sometimes referred to as “before thinking mind,” or “mushin” -no mind.
The Buddha’s final teaching just prior to his death was titled, The Last Admonition Sutra. In it, he reiterated one last time that words and speech, even his own sutras, were not important. Sutras were designed to inspire us, to point us in a direction we must ultimately find ourselves.
The dharma manifests through experience. Becoming one with each moment, moment after moment as events unfold in our everyday life, keeps us anchored in the present and not drifting off somewhere in our mental movie.
Cultivating this still pond ultimately becomes the focal point from which we operate. Whether standing, sitting, lying down, or moving, it’s all the same. Samadhi energy characterized by peace and equanimity in all situations and circumstances.
There is much suffering in this world. Covid 19 is claiming far too many lives. Starvation and torture in many parts of the world via the egomaniacal underpinnings of despotic leaders is very sad. Please understand, Zen is not some sort of panacea or escape.
The fact is, you can remain calm and poised even facing death. This practice doesn’t require anything and doesn’t need constant stimulation. You can remain content whether alone or whether in a crowd. For the first time you are not tethered by concepts and truly realize that as human beings we are process, not entity.
When our practice manifests continuously throughout the day and not just on the meditation cushion, this still point remains steadfast, unmoved by conditions and situations. To not be caught on anything, to become more and more quiet in our consciousness, strengthens our vital life energy (chi).
Oxygenating our blood through the prescribed breath techniques as taught in the Anapansati Sutra, often results in a marked improvement to our general health and a stronger immune system.
To be clear and empty and not clinging to thoughts is freedom.
Ji Haeng Zen Master – Desert Dragon