98. Zen Lessons from the Mississippi River

It is said that the origin of the great Mississippi River is actually a tiny spring.
Growing from that source it eventually becomes a huge mass of water sometimes
resembling a lake at it’s widest points along the way.

Of course we all know that the mighty Mississippi’s ultimate destination is the
ocean. Once entering there atmospheric conditions produce evaporation causing
the water to rise and circulate into cloud formations.

Many of us begin our zen search similarly. We begin meditating in hopes of finding
the “source.” What is this life? Why was I born? Eventually, just like the
Mississippi, we find that everything is impermanent and constantly changing. The
true source of our practice is found in being present to moment mind – the ever
changing phenomena of our life.

Ta Hui, in one of his letters wrote, “ Being settled and imperturbable when in
contact with situations and circumstances, not clinging to anything but remaining
clear in all places without hindrance or obstruction, viewing body and mind like
dreams or illusions. This is the truth.”

What Ta Hui is saying is that emptying the mind is the root. Do not be concerned
about the branches. Responding to people and adapting to circumstances
whether favorable or adverse are all trivial matters – the branches.

Be present to each moment and the precision and intelligence contained therein.
This makes us like the great Mississippi. We flow along gracefully, the journey
being the destination to a place where there is neither lack or excess.