Freedom.
- clearstreamzendo
- Jun 2
- 3 min read
This week’s topic for reflection is freedom. Some people think freedom is controlling the situation so they can do and be what they want. This is often accomplished through domination. I saw this at the height of the covid pandemic with people not wearing masks in airport terminals and even on the airplane. Their comment was, “If you don’t like it you don’t have to fly in this airplane.” They saw this as exercising their own personal freedom. The problem with this approach is it’s not seeing the big picture; the picture right in front that’s staring back. There is ignorance or not seeing and delusion or untrue projection involved. It’s possible to score short lived victories but over time it’s a loosing method that breeds dissatisfaction and loss. This does not look like freedom to me.
Fortunately there is another option. I suggest not going the route of ignorance but choosing wisdom. In Zen this is called Pragna wisdom. Prajna involves seeing things as they are which is the opposite of delusion. This is not a special wisdom as truth is always staring back at us. There is actually no escape from truth no matter how hard we try, no matter how much wealth, power or fame we think we have accumulated. Isn’t it a better strategy to work with reality and Prajna than against it?
Reality is constantly changing and therefore impermanent. It’s showing us freedom by it’s flowing, un-stuck-ness. Clinging and denial are not ways of being free. It’s a windy day here and the trees show their strength by swaying back and forth. We might think there is something in us, a self, that is fixed, permanent and unchanging. It’s important to look closely and see this is not true. In truth we are like the wind; clear, transparent, flowing, moving and moved by the trees and the birds. We are naturally and continuously flowing and expressing freedom.
Another thing that manifests freedom is differences. Fir trees are different from dogwood trees, a turkey that limps around, the blue sky and from me. This makes it possible for everything to move and change, spontaneously and in new ways. Isn’t it amazing?
Sometimes there is the feeling or sense of being bound, restricted or even victimized. When this happens try returning to this moment. Notice what is actually here right now. Also notice that you have the ability to make this choice to be here in this moment. You always have a choice in this moment. You can respond however you want. Be aware of not being separate in anyway so the ability to influence and be influenced is total. In other words you have the freedom to influence and simultaneously be influenced. Our choices and actions can be helpful or do harm so please be aware. How does fear restrict your ability to be large and open; free. Do you have ignorance or delusions that get in the way of your freedom. If so you can discover it, see through it and then choose another way to be.
Finally freedom is best not done alone. Notice the freedom all around you. Notice those around you and share yourself with them. Embrace life, be yourself, be free.
Please join us for morning Zoom zazen from 7:00 to 7:30 Tuesday and Thursday, in person zazen at the McNail Riley House Saturday morning from 9:00 to 11:00 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:
Meeting ID: 811 6100 3357
Passcode: 278259
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