The Obstructions

Daily, it can be pretty easy to be aware or notice "obstructions." It's the obstructions that can cause use to feel limited, out of sync and in some instances even a little scared or nervous.

The notion of obstructions are best exemplified in the famous story of Hui Neng, the Sixth Zen Patriarch of China. At one point Hung-jen, The Fifth Zen Patriarch challenged his students, to present their understanding of Awakened Mind, in the form of a poem. The only one to write one initially was the head monk. His poem read:

"The body is the Bondhi tree,
The mind is like a clear mirror.
At all times we must strive to polish it.
And must not let the dust collect."

All were impressed by these words except one. Hui Neng, the illiterate kitchen attendant. Hui Neng, hearing this poem asked someone to write a poem from him. It read:

"Originally there is no tree of enlightnment,
Nor is there a stand with a clear mirror.
From the beginning not one thing exists;
Where, then, is a grain of dust to cling?."

In other words what Hui Neng was essentially saying was, "No obstructions! no barriers!" And yet despite this expansive truth, there are indeed wall, barriers and every manner of obstruction that You can think of in this world. Yesterday I read a New York Times article saying that there are over 14.5 million people who are unemployed and only 2.4 million jobs available. It would definitely seem like there are obstructions. And behind each obstruction is suffering not just for those individuals but us too. We're all interconnected.

Where are the obstructions coming from? How could Hui Neng possibly have been correct in his expression of Zen? It seems very much a contradiction, given that at this time in our history, so many are struggling simply to survive.

It's our day-to-day practice of unifying the mind that will help us to see past the smoke and mirrors of obstruction and notice what is really real. In fact we have the capacity to help each other see and know the truth. At this very moment there is Autumn Sesshin at Dai Bai Zan, Cho Bo Zen Ji, in Seattle. They are sitting not just for themselves, but for All sentient being. I know this to be a fact. There are many other places that sit Zazen, not only for themselves, but everyone too. Why? That seems a little grandiose and impossible. There's too much going wrong in the world. And I would respond, How can we not? So many, including myself need help in dissolving the fog of obstruction.

Zen is very easy. It's the mind weighed down that's difficult. If you are drowning in deep water, because you are being dragged down by concrete blocks tied to your waist, Zen says, "Here's a knife, cut free of what is obstructing and limiting You. Go free!" That's what's really happening on and off the Zafu, as we apply our practice. Releasing and letting go of the obstructions.

Today is Monday. Make of it what we will. We are influencing and creating our moments. Better that we take responsibility for that.

Yours In Zen,

Jaye Seiho Morris, Curator
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