This week’s topic for reflection is courage. The angry cry of a new born’s first exhalation shows we are born with courage. Suddenly, violently pushed out of the safety of the womb exclaiming, “I don’t want this!!!!!” It takes courage to show up to the difficulty of life. Maezumi Roshi said being in the human realm is better than heaven because here we are challenged and can grow.
What are some the challenges you face? They might be challenges you are too intimidated or afraid to face. Look closely at your hesitation or dread. Be kind to yourself if you didn’t create the situation you dread or don’t want to face. How does it show up in your body? How do you worry about it in your thoughts? Is there anger or fear? What are some of the challenges you are stepping up to and dealing with? How does this feel as you approach the challenge and then engage it? Reflect on this process. Is it sometimes helpful to pause when facing a challenge.
I’ve been speaking of courage in terms of a challenging situation. Is there other ways of seeing courage? I participated in an event once and afterwards people approached me and told me I was very brave. Even though I was speaking truth to power I didn’t see myself as being brave because I didn’t have anything to loose. My intention was only to be helpful. In your experience, what changes a challenging situation into one that’s straight forward and natural to step into?
What role does determination, openness, curiosity, patience, honesty, seeing clearly and love play in courage? How do you show up as Jizo, the Bodhisattva of courage?
Please join us on Zoom for morning zazen from 7:00 to 7:30 Tuesday and Thursday, in person zazen Saturday morning at the McNail-Riley house from 8:30 to 11:00 and Sunday morning Zoom zazen and discussion from 8:00 to 9:00 PST. Here’s the Zoom link:
Meeting ID: 811 6100 3357
Passcode: 278259
Thank you so much,
Futai
コメント