Choice.

This week’s topic for reflection is choice. There are a number of things that help in making good choices. I think the most important one is seeing the situation clearly and honestly. What is the actual situation, not seen through habitual projections of what has happened in the past or anticipation of what might occur in the future.  Another is where you’re coming from, where your heart is or your intention. It makes a huge difference if you are self centered and greedy or concerned for all involved. Transforming greed, anger and ignorance into generosity, determination and wisdom takes time but it’s what we need and the world needs in order to make good choices.

Sometimes there are no good choices only bad ones that could do harm. If you find yourself in this situation act from love and be courageous. Life is sometimes tragic and there might be no way to avoid it.

This present moment gives us the opportunity and freedom to make choices. We are positioned in the exact center of the universe and we are free to be influenced by everything everywhere and can and do influence everything everywhere. Right now, what do you want to do? It’s totally up to you. You are not bound by the past or the future. It’s your choice! Cause and effect is a truth and so is free will.  Being truly free to choose and respond is being in the moment and not self-conscious or self-absorbed. This kind of action seems effortless and natural; a participatory flow. I once heard a football coach say before a game, "I love these kids and I'm excited to see what they will do."

Please join us for morning Zoom zazen from 7:00 to 7:30 Tuesday and Thursday, and Sunday morning Zoom zazen and discussion of the topic for reflection blog from 8:00 to 9:00 Pacific Time. Here’s the Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81161003357?pwd=M0gwRjBENHZDbndUcFRrK004NlQ5Zz09

Meeting ID: 811 6100 3357

Passcode: 278259

Gassho,

Futai