The whole zen thing
People refer to jackzen as a zen blog. Some people say it with a sense of respect and mystery, liking the aesthetic here without really knowing what the whole zen thing is about.
Zen is the practice of living in the present. It’s that ordinary and radical at the same time.
When we live in the present, whatever it is, whether we object to it or delight in it, we live with a sense of purpose and poise. We take things as they come and let things go as they go. This gives us a freedom to be who we are - without apologies, regrets, exaggeration, or denial. What a radical concept! That’s the whole zen thing.
December 4th, 2005 04:03
It is a radical thing for so many people. Lately I’ve found myself making the case in the face of deaths in the family. And it’s been tough. Loved ones want the comfort of a life beyond to help them through this painful moment.
December 4th, 2005 09:56
Death is tough in the realm of resisting and accepting the present.
In most cases for me, good continues from the person’s life, not necessarily from their passing, but from the gift of their life. Even when it is the life of a child who lived only one day and gave us or taught us something.
From another angle, there is a story of when the Buddha died at age 75, his youngest students cried. Those more advanced who understood impermanence didn’t cry. And for those who had the deepest understanding of things as they are, they cried.
December 8th, 2005 02:59
Jack,
Thanks for the reminder. Some times we forget. i hope you are well and you are finding life well.
Namaste,
don