Dear Clear Stream Sangha,
This week’s topic for reflection is equal. Are you equal? Maybe sometimes you feel better than and sometimes less than. Is this valid or true? This is a point of view that can create a lot of trouble. Trouble for individuals and trouble for society. Do you sometimes play favorites? I notice myself often rooting for the underdog in sporting events. I identify with them somehow. This seems to be a losing strategy.
How does equality foster inclusivity? It seems much easier to be separate when we feel better than or even less than. Being able to identify with others creates an opening for empathy and caring. Sometimes even helpful actions.
How good are you at listening? Seeing others? Caring? How good are you at sharing? What gets in the way of being equal and open? Perhaps fear?
Enlightenment is being an equal sign. Even to the point of not being separate. Like it says in the Bible, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” It seems “your neighbor” is everyone you are aware of. Perhaps even those you’re not aware of. How is that possible? What kind of love is this? Certainly a selfless love. Do you love yourself? Surely an equal sign is in the middle of this equation or sentence. The primordial state of equal is not knowing or Prajna Wisdom. No inside, no outside, no boundary. True self. How would you treat things if you recognized them as equal?
Ram Dass said, “We’re all just walking each other home.” Where is this home? What is it like? I met a Navaho elder who told me he has a hogan. He said everyone who enters must leave their title outside the door. A sacred place where everyone is equal and everyone is home.
Please join us on Zoom for morning zazen from 7:00 to 7:30 Tuesday and Thursday, in person Zen meditation in Eugene 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 Pacific Time. Here’s the Zoom link:
Meeting ID: 811 6100 3357
Passcode: 278259
Gassho,
Futai
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