The Secret of Buddhism

Lately there have been a few people who have asked me about or wanted to dialog on what they had heard was the so-called "Secret teachings of Buddhism." My responses have been consistent. I reflected on what my teacher, Genjo Marinello, Osho and even his teacher Eido Shimano Roshi taught me. There is no secret or hidden meaning. It's all out and upfront. No mystery.

Despite my response, some have still pressed me, so as I've experienced it, I'll give in an tell you what I know of the secret of Zen. "When I fall down, I promise to get back up."

Over the past few months I've been dealt some pretty stiff cards. The situations have tended to baffle me. For the most part they haven't been of my own making and relate to specific actions and choices that others have made, independent of my thoughts and feelings. The situations have had to do with interpersonal relationships, and given that I feel that I'm good at getting along with people, I've been taken aback as some events went south.

What blind sided me was ignoring the agendas held by others. The net-result caused me to get taken for a ride, dumped out and knocked to the ground, left somewhere in territory that was not familiar or comfortable with. When I factored in that this happened with people who were supposed to be "friends," the feeling of being knocked down psychologically and emotionally grew exponentially. There have been more than a few moments that I've feel like I've had an iron cannonball in my chest, as I try to struggle to my spiritual, psychological and emotional feet.

As I sat down for Zazen this morning, things had finally simplified. The complication in my intellect and emotion for the moment seems to have run out of gas. The practice on the cushion became that when I took an inhalation I would say, "Falling down." When I exhaled my breath, I said, "Getting up." Initially, that's all there was. I lowered my gaze and just repeated what was in front of me. Inhale, falling down. Exhale, getting up.

It was the so-called secret answer that I had been struggling for, as I've made the effort to try to figure out "what to do," with my unfavorable circumstances. When we are down, find a way to get up. That's the Dharma. It's the answer that is most near.

By the end of my zazen this morning, something else happened. Eventually and naturally, my breathing realigned. When I inhaled I said, "Getting up." When I exhaled I said "Getting up." The yes and no, fair and unfair, right and wrong, the falling down, for the moment moved on. And for a moment, I felt okay. The process of Zen provides the opportunity to return, return, return to an "a-okay," feeling.

After we fall down. Please get back up. That's the secret that is no secret. That is why we sit. To come home to our True self.

Love All, Serve All, Every Single day,

Jaye Seiho Morris, Curator
digitalZENDO

Comments

[Anonymous]

Jaye,
I have followed your blog for just over a year. Your daily thoughts, honesty, practice and insights have helped to keep me centered. I have never commented on your posts before (I know how daunting and overwhelming a pile of emails in one's email inbox can be).
I wanted to thank you for all of your openness. Your truth which has come from discipline and moment to moment decisions to cultivate reality in your life. This has also been my life's aim.

Today's post resonated with me HUGE. I am in a place where my job, social network, computer, family, health and very identity has collapsed over 7 years with the worst of it over the past 3 years. I just continue to "get up"... cultivate joy. Focus on the Now. Being true to me, jude, and my intention for making a positive difference in the world.

I have lived a fairly nomadic lifestyle over the past 3 years: 2 major moves for downsizing and financial reasons and many micro moves for abatement and PTSD issues. I"m still healing from some traumatic events (stalker, sexual assault, workplace bullying, financial hemmoraging, getting robbed, loss of friends in the mess of it all, judgemental family members... 5 Christmas mornings alone (2 in hotels) and equal birthdays (Dec 26) and New Years eve's on my own. I have done alright with it... chosen my own company and blessed those whom I wished to be with but was not.

Thank you. Thank you. I will do your falling down, getting up meditation today.

Heaps of blessings your way. Light. Strength. Joy and abundant companionship--even if it from yourself.

jude fleming
london ontario
libilav@hotmail.com
(aka. fresh air)

[jayeZERO]

Jude,

Well after a year of reading, I am very happy that you commented. That we can help and assist each other is a genuine gift. Your heart-felt honesty is a deep expression of caring. That is essential. It is my greatest hope that you practice well and take refuge in Your practice. It will guide you Home.

Please don't wait too long to write again. Your voice matters. Your practice matter. Your life matters.

Yours In Dharma,

~Seiho

[Marguerite Manteau-Rao]

Jude, and Jaye,

Thanks to you both, for sharing your falls, and your courage in facing adversity. What a gift! I shall treasure it, and remember it when I, too experience such hardship.

May you be happy, and (emotionally) healthy, and well, and free of suffering, and at peace, and at ease! (my gift to you)

Deep bow,

marguerite

[Bob Allison]

Jaye,

Perfect. We all strive to be perfect, yet at times, we do fall on our face. We humbly get back up and remember our vows. That is all we can do at times. Just Sit.

I have been reading your blogs for at least 4 years. Some day, you seem to be writng just to me; well, at least you hit the nail on the head of what had been happening in my life.

A deep bow to you, my friend.

Bob Allison
Coventry, CT
Dharma Name; Chang Zhow, which in Chan means, always practice!
May we always remember Chan Master Sheng Yen, my teacher.