Ising of Being Zen

In the "The Three Pillars of Zen," Hakuun Yasutani Roshi said, "The mind of the Buddha is like water that is calm, deep, and crystal clear, and upon which 'the moon of truth' reflects fully and perfectly. The mind of the ordinary man, on the other hand, is like murky water, constantly being churned by the gales of delusive thought and no longer able to reflect the moon of truth. The moon nonetheless shines steadily upon the waves, but as the waters are roiled, we are unable to see its reflection. Thus we lead lives that are frustrating and meaningless...

So long as the winds of thought continue to disturb the water of our self nature, we cannot distinguish truth from untruth. It's imperative, therefore, that these winds be stilled. Once they abate, the waves subside, the muddiness clears, and we perceive directly that the moon of truth has never ceased shining. The moment of such realization is kensho, enlightenment, the apprehension of the true substance of our self-nature. Unlike moral or philosophical concepts, which are variable, true Insight is imperishable."

All my life, I've been practicing Zen, whether I was aware of It or not. My life has been one of making the effort to unify my sense of purpose, experiences and feelings, so that I can experience seamless of Being. No inside. No outside. Just... This. So-called This isn't some special state or being disconnected from "Everyday," life. Actually It's quite the reverse. This is just being fully engaged... merged... harmonized... honest... with This moment. It's in those moments that I have a feeling or sense that This moment cannot be improved upon. It's just A-okay.

I noticed This "A-okay," today when I was filling out the papers for my daughters High School. As I wrote in answers, my daughter was asking me why I made certain responses and we merged. No pretending. Just honest. Before she left to get on the bus, she gave the expression, "I'm glad You see me as me." No divided mind, just Being, "A-okay."

Buddha Dharma as Yasutani Roshi said is not for sometime later in our lives or after we transition from This life. Buddha Dharma is for Now and forever, "the Time Being." We can rest our mind in This truth. When we are fully harmonized there's no restrictions in our life whatsoever, just the "Ising of Being Zen." Practice Well.

With a Warm Mind,

Jaye Seiho Morris, Curator
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