Zen Buddhism

Zen story ...

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Two men were arguing about a flag flapping in the wind.

"It's the wind that is really moving," stated the first one.

"No, it is the flag that is moving," contended the second.

A Zen master, who happened to be walking by, overheard the debate and interrupted them.

"Neither the flag nor the wind is moving," he said, "It is MIND that moves."

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The idea there is that there is a reality that is untouched by thought, and the projections of thought. Until thought is seen for what it is, however, we remain unaware of any orders of reality outside of our own thoughts, projections, beliefs, memories, etc.

So meditation is all about observing, impartially, the movements of the mind. Not trying to forcibly control the mind (which is simply repression), but cultivating the discipline to watch it objectively.

Cultivating the "observer", the ability to watch the mind, is something similar to the waking state equivalent of lucid dreaming. A "lucid dream" is where we are asleep and dreaming and know that we are dreaming. To be heavily caught up in the mind is to be identified with one's thoughts to the point that one is unaware of any reality outside of them. This is something like regular dreaming at night when the dream seems "real" precisely because we are unaware that we are dreaming.

Zengetsu, a Chinese Zen master of the T'ang dynasty, once wrote the following advice for his students:

Living in the world yet not forming attachments to the dust of the world is the way of a true Zen student.

When witnessing the good action of another encourage yourself to follow his example. Hearing of the mistaken action of another, advise yourself not to emulate it.

Even though alone in a dark room, be as if you were facing a noble guest. Express your feelings, but become no more expressive than your true nature.

Poverty is your treasure. Never exchange it for an easy life.

A person may appear a fool and yet not be one. He may only be guarding his wisdom carefully.

Virtues are the fruit of self-discipline and do not drop from heaven of themselves as does rain or snow.

Modesty is the foundation of all virtues. Let your neighbors discover you before you make yourself known to them.

A noble heart never forces itself forward. Its words are as rare gems, seldom displayed and of great value.

To a sincere student, every day is a fortunate day. Time passes but he never lags behind. Neither glory nor shame can move him.

Censure yourself, never another. Do not discuss right and wrong.

Some things, though right, were considered wrong for generations. Since the value of righteousness may be recognized after centuries, there is no need to crave immediate appreciation.

Live with cause and leave results to the great law of the universe. Pass each day in peaceful contemplation.