“The self is made of non-self elements.” This is how Thich Nhat Hanh expresses the interdependence teaching of Buddhism. “The self is made of non-self elements.” This applies not only to the “small self”, but to the larger all-inclusive self experienced in the flow of all our activities.
What elements are hitched in any one self moment? Devoting attention to whatever we are doing is how we practice Zen. What is attained? Only the moment in its completeness.
Each element we engage in activity, each choice that we make, and each move that we make can be skillful or unskillful; can bring about a beneficial outcome, or can miss the mark. For instance, when cooking, we are guided by what flavors, colors, ingredients best meld for a satisfying dish. When writing, we choose whatever word and punctuation is most suited to express our meaning. When driving, we pay attention to whatever speed or manner of braking will allow for safe passage, given traffic conditions. In the garden, paying attention to the soil quality, moisture, sun or shade for each plant is how we help support the health of the garden inhabitants.
In zazen, a well-grounded, balanced body position, natural breath and present-moment mind fully realize and express this seated moment, exactly as it is. Zen awareness accords with true, actual conditions and makes up a life of practice. Not only zazen, but also every activity makes up our Zen life. The flow of it all. What a blessing to be able to sit still and breathe, to be able to appreciate, realize and manifest our true body, this moment, interdependently arising and passing away in all our stillness and activities.
What elements are hitched in any one self moment? Devoting attention to whatever we are doing is how we practice Zen. What is attained? Only the moment in its completeness.
Each element we engage in activity, each choice that we make, and each move that we make can be skillful or unskillful; can bring about a beneficial outcome, or can miss the mark. For instance, when cooking, we are guided by what flavors, colors, ingredients best meld for a satisfying dish. When writing, we choose whatever word and punctuation is most suited to express our meaning. When driving, we pay attention to whatever speed or manner of braking will allow for safe passage, given traffic conditions. In the garden, paying attention to the soil quality, moisture, sun or shade for each plant is how we help support the health of the garden inhabitants.
In zazen, a well-grounded, balanced body position, natural breath and present-moment mind fully realize and express this seated moment, exactly as it is. Zen awareness accords with true, actual conditions and makes up a life of practice. Not only zazen, but also every activity makes up our Zen life. The flow of it all. What a blessing to be able to sit still and breathe, to be able to appreciate, realize and manifest our true body, this moment, interdependently arising and passing away in all our stillness and activities.
Mushin