Zen You and Me
Do one thing at a time
Do it slowly and deliberately
Do it completely
Do less
Put space between things
Develop rituals
Designate time for certain things
Devote time to sitting
Smile and serve others
Think about what is necessary
Live simply
Finding Zen:
Zen means to come back to a moment of clarity and awareness. Clarity means responding to the truth of whatever situation presents itself to us.
Balance by keeping
your thoughts positive
Your circle small
your life private
your intentions pure
your focus in the now
your soul at peace
The Crystal Cup
Zen master was given a beautifully crafted crystal cup. It was a gift from a former student.
He was very grateful. Every day, he enjoyed drinking out of his glass. He would show it to visitors and tell them about the kindness of his student.
But every morning, he held the cup in his hand for a few seconds and reminded himself: “This glass is already broken.”
One day, a clumsy visitor toppled the glass on its shelf. The cup fell down. When it hit the floor, it was smashed into thousands of tiny pieces.
The other visitors gasped in shock, but the Zen master remained calm. Looking at the mess in front of his feet, he said: “Ah. Yes. Let’s begin.”
He picked up a broom and started sweeping.
Perseverance
It Will Pass
A student went to his meditation teacher and said, "My meditation is horrible! I feel so distracted, or my legs ache, or I'm constantly falling asleep. It's just horrible!"
"It will pass," the teacher said matter-of-factly.
A week later, the student came back to his teacher. "My meditation is wonderful! I feel so aware, so peaceful, so alive! It's just wonderful!'
"It will pass," the teacher replied matter-of-factly.
Art of Learning
A young but earnest Zen student approached his teacher, and asked the Zen Master: “If I work very hard and diligent how long will it take for me to find Zen?” The Master thought about this, then replied,
“Ten years.”
The student then said, “But what if I work very, very hard and really apply myself to learn fast. How long then?”Well, twenty years,” replied the master. “But, if I really, really work at it. How long then?” asked the student.
“Thirty years,” replied the master.
“But, I do not understand,” said the disappointed student. “At each time that I say I will work harder, you say it will take me longer. Why do you say that?” The master replied, “When you have one eye on the goal, you only have one eye on the path.”
Seven Madly Zens to follow:
Rise early
Exercise
Declutter
Take a Breather
Meditate
Treat yourself
Sleep well