Walking Through the Weeds

Last year, Genjo Marinello Osho gave a powerful teisho called, "Medicine and Sickness Cure Each Other." Today I went back to this teaching to gain guidance for my heart-mind. His words are clear… decisive… no nonsense… penetrating the heart-mind of all being, through the three periods of time... Past... Present... Future...

Genjo Osho states... "This is what Zen is all about. To become clear eyed with no restriction. It really cannot be said any simpler than that. When our eyes are open and clear. And when we are opened to the full spectrum of reality. That which we call form and all the dimensions in non-form. When we are that clear... that opened... we cannot help but be open-hearted in all of our actions and feel entirely unrestricted... even unto our last breath.


From such a clear eyed, open hearted position sometimes [it] feels as though we are standing atop or sitting atop a sublime mountain peak... entirely alone, with the whole universe. Other times still feeling no restrictions, we can walk among the weeds and they can be quite thick. So thick that we can barely see even our nose in front of our face. The ultimate is the ability to walk in the market place with our fellow travelers on this repeat journey of life and death, truly enjoying peace of mind. Then we are indeed then like the holy fool, who even in the bustle of Seattle or Manhattan has complete ease, peace of mind, open heart and unrestricted action. It's just fine to feel It on the mountain top or walking along a deserted beach or out under a canopy of summer stars on a desert night. But to be able to walk down the streets of Manhattan and feel the same equanimity and peace in the midst of the bustle that humanity can generate is really something... Just to blend in, but at the right moment have just the right action for each and every circumstance… with no tension at all."

Genjo Osho later says, "...We settle too often, even us students of Zen for 'I'll leave that so somebody else" or 'I'll set my sights a little lower.' And that is such a mistake. A travesty... a crime... don't let yourself off so easily. We are here to be followers of the way… which is to say on this path… but being that clear eyed that open-hearted all of the time. Yes it's impossible, but that's our path. Yes it's never attainable, but that's our path. Don't sell yourself short. It's a crime. Learn from your mistakes. Pay attention. Give it your all. dedicate yourself more. Then even on the path and well short of the flag, your actions reveal the the bodies of the Buddha, as you mix with all people and trudge through the mire of this journey of life and death.


From time to time, if you are on the path, you will preform a transcendent act. to change lives. Where you are the catalyst for someone making a shift... A profound shift. In that moment when you are that kind a catalyst, not even the Buddha can follow you."

This week has been really tough for my family. There have been moments that I have doubted myself, in areas that I consider... feel very critical to me... namely that of being a good father... able to offer the so-called "right" and helpful support... at the right moment... moving with the circumstances presented. I've been working diligently to dissolve the doubt,  by seeing and connecting with my motivation and intention to live unify the heart of those I love very much. To find a way forward, so that healing can take place.

As Genjo Osho said, I'm indeed walking through weeds that are very thick. It's true that at moments I feel as though I cannot see past the tip of my nose. This moment is not easy... but it is a moment, where effort is made with a caring heart, do our very best, to actualize Awakened Mind. This is my path and I vow to follow it well, supporting those I love, the best that I can.

Yours In Zen,

Jaye Seiho Morris, Curator
digitalZENDO

Comments

[Luna]

Sometimes it is only in seeing where another is walking to realize that we walk the same way only in a slightly different way.
This has been a trying time for me to where my family is concerned and it has been my focus on the wonders and potential that has been the saving grace, and my saving grace comes from the connections I have to the world, here, there, and everywhere.
See as high as you want, shine as bright as you can, and know that sometimes all we can do is be there and love them.

peace friend