95. When Doubts Arise, Simply Say Not Two

The Third Ancestor Hsin Hsin Ming’s now famous Trust In Mind is quoted in it’s entirety
elsewhere on this website. Towards the end, the ancestor states:
“To come directly into harmony with reality.
Just simply say when doubts arise, not two.”
In this “not two” nothing is separate, nothing excluded.
No matter when or where, enlightenment means entering this truth.”

The Taoist sage Lao Tzu similarly said, “The sage is true to his or her nature, neither
compulsively following nor rebelling against the rules of conduct.”

Just like the Third Ancestor, Lao Tzu is saying that self acceptance begins with allowing
ourselves permission to feel the essence of whatever is appearing. Doing so thereby lessens
the friction of a like/dislike mindset.

In Chinese medical books, the word “joy” while not necessarily interpreted as a negative, implies
someone prone to excitability, talkativeness, and generally prone to excess in their lifestyle.
Modern medical science notes that indulgence in this emotion as a lifestyle quest can create an
uneven pulse, and may even be a precursor over time to cardiac problems.

The Taoist sage conversely is someone who maintains inner composure and calm even in the
most dire of circumstances.

The ancient Zen Master Chi -i taught his monk students that the heart organ very much likes
peace and quiet thereby maintaining a steady relationship with other bodily organs. This is a
central tenet to Naikon meditation techniques that I have talked about in these blogs frequently.
Hakuin Zenji , who was very ill at the time, learned from the Kyoto mountain hermit Hakuyu how
to control his non stop preoccupation with intellectual mental machinations through a very
precise breath practice.

In two weeks, (March 27th) my body will mark it’s 76th year. Fortunately to date, I remain free
of pharmaceutical medicine intervention. Some may attribute this to lifestyle, genetics or plain
good luck. My Dad died at age 57 and an older brother at age 55 due to health reasons. Ji Jang
Bosal.

Similar to Hakuin’s teaching legacy, I attribute Naikon meditation techniques to my general well
being. Previous blogs in this space more than adequately outline this simple yet effective
meditation practice. Important: Do not just conceptualize the methods I provide. You must
engage this 24/7.

To conclude this week’s blog, I ask everyone to please practice hard with the singular intent of
ending ending the unnecessary suffering in Ukraine. Each day my tears flow for the many
thousands of innocents affected by this needless, maniacal ego construct by Vladimir Putin.