Welcome to the first day of studying Zen. <3
Last session was helpful I am working on transitioning from taking the ‘hard’ way to taking the ‘easy’ way. I am lightly touching on cultivating ease. Here’s the picture I did again..
Take the Easy Chair
Before we begin our book, Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, is there anything you think I should bear in mind. (Wait… there’s a mouse in the live trap! Let me go and take it to the woods. Right back.)
***
How was the mouse?
A bit startled; happy to be let out. Now, off on an adventure. (Also: Separated from its family, and now glaringly visible to predators. :-/ )
Ah. And which of your thoughts about the mouse do you feel more strongly?
The thought of worry, remorse, concern.
Because..?
Negativity bias.
Right, a natural but unruly aspect of the human brain’s survival system. Zen is about cultivating equanimity of thought, so that we feel equally balanced whatever type of thought might be gusting through us. In this way, we are better able to be present to life. We are less pushed to the left or right of our course by passing thoughts. We are equally settled, grounded, content, whatever the circumstances and conditions.
Beautiful.
Enjoy your new book.
Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind: Shunryu Suzuki, 1973I looked up Shunryu Suzuki on Wikipedia:
‘Shunryu Suzuki (鈴木 俊隆 Suzuki Shunryū, dharma name Shōgaku Shunryū 祥岳俊隆, often called Suzuki Roshi; May 18, 1904 – December 4, 1971) was a Sōtō Zen monk and teacher who helped popularize Zen Buddhism in the United States, and is renowned for founding the first Buddhist monastery outside Asia (Tassajara Zen Mountain Center). Suzuki founded San Francisco Zen Center which, along with its affiliate temples, comprises one of the most influential Zen organizations in the United States. A book of his teachings, Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, is one of the most popular books on Zen and Buddhism in the West.[1][2][3]
And the Soto Zen tradition:
Sōtō Zen or the Sōtō school (曹洞宗, Sōtō-shū) is the largest of the three traditional sects of Zen in Japanese Buddhism (the others being Rinzai and Ōbaku). It is the Japanese line of the Chinese Cáodòng school, which was founded during the Tang dynasty by Dòngshān Liánjiè. It emphasizes Shikantaza, meditation with no objects, anchors, or content. The meditator strives to be aware of the stream of thoughts, allowing them to arise and pass away without interference.
Let’s read. <3
From the Introduction (by Richard Baker, the successor of Shunryu Suzuki or ‘Suzuki-roshi), the words of fellow disciple Trudy Dixon who gathered and transcribed the talks for this book before she died aged 30, in describing the qualities of a (her) roshi:
‘buoyancy, vigor, straightforwardness, simplicity, humility, serenity, joyousness, uncanny perspicacity and unfathomable compassion.’ p13
What beautiful qualities for us to work and play with .
Some key terms from the introduction and prologue:
- Roshi – ‘old master’; spiritual leader of a Zen community
- Zazen – Zen meditation, usually in the lotus postition; ‘Zazen is considered the heart of Japanese Sōtō Zen Buddhist practice. The aim of zazen is just sitting, that is, suspending all judgmental thinking and letting words, ideas, images and thoughts pass by without getting involved in them.’
- Shoshin – beginner’s mind; ‘Shoshin (初心) is a word from Zen Buddhism meaning “beginner’s mind.” It refers to having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions when studying a subject, even when studying at an advanced level, just as a beginner would.’
- Original mind – ‘Our “original mind” includes everything within itself. It is always rich and sufficient within itself. ‘(SSp21) Also: ‘It’s often said that humans’ Original Mind, that Mind we have at birth, is like a clear mirror, pure and uncluttered, without shape, form, or color, with nothing in it whatsoever. If something comes before it, the mirror reflects it exactly, but the mirror itself gives birth to nothing. ‘ (Ref)
Ok! I’m ready next time for Part 1.1: Posture.
What’s my takeaway?
What struck you in your studies this morning?
Really? More than anything – the human fallibility of us all. Studying individuals in the movement formed by SS, and becoming aware of huge ‘falls from grace’ – just as I found a few years ago in falling in love with the Shambhala buddhism movement too. The brilliant are often also wildly imperfect IRL. Particularly poignant today, the day after the tragic suicide of a beautiful, young TV presenter who experienced a much-publicised ‘fall from grace’ incident only a few weeks ago.
It’s a reminder to me that all this practice is about learning to handle our complex humanity just a little bit more skilfully. Nothing more. We’re all in the same boat, laden with shadows, hopes, dreams, talents and deficits. None of us ‘arrive’ and make it. And if people do arrive and make it, the general defining characteristic of such a person, is that they keep that fact on the old DL. Nonetheless, raging imperfection shouldn’t stop individuals teaching or sharing what they know. I think, sometimes, the most flawed people make the most gifted teachers.
So, your intention…?
My intention is to keep a light touch approach to this study and practice; not to identify with it. Not to seek to call myself anything but an interested student.
A light touch. You found your phrase.
Aha. Thank you. I shall keep a light touch…
Keep a light touch approach
