This week’s topic for reflection is the first of Dogen’s Eight Awakenings of Great Beings. The eight awakenings are:
Having little desire.
Knowing satisfaction.
Enjoying serenity.
Diligent effort.
Not losing mindfulness.
Practicing samadhi.
Practicing wisdom.
Not engaging in idle discussion.
Having little desire is appreciating the life we have and who we are already. The problem occurs when we fail to appreciate who we are and what we have because of greed for other things. It's thinking and believing, if only I had more or better or different, then I would be happy. Dogen is asking us do we live in the future or the past or can we be present and appreciate what is. This moment is actually quite rich if we notice and take it in.
This week please notice “What Is.” Do this as it’s happening. There’s no need to change anything or do anything different or be different. Just notice and appreciate as you’re experiencing and doing. Do this while you’re eating or resting or doing the dishing or walking outside or talking with someone. Notice the challenges and see if you can be grateful for them.
Notice when you desire more or better or different. Would acquiring this really help you be happier or more satisfied? It seems being less greedy is actually easier. And smiling and being happy is contagious.
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 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
Gassho,
Futai
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