|
When we sit down on a cushion in silence with ourselves we sit in the ebb and flow
of self and world and watch our experience unfold from moment to moment. We learn to be wholeheartedly with whatever
the kaliedescope of reality presents: the sound of a bird, the squad car's siren; feelings of shame and pride;
chaotic mind, peaceful mind. Though some of these things may be harder for us to acknowledge and stay with than
others, actually each is just what it is arising and falling away moment to moment, breath by breath. We do not
attempt to get rid of any of these experiences or to create special states of mind. Just to be with what is, is
our practice.
Through the process of letting it all in, of accepting the things we judge as good
or bad, the simple and profound practice of zazen becomes the heart of our practice, the heart of how we open in compassion
to our experience and to others.
|
