How to hear the birds sing.
- clearstreamzendo
- May 26
- 2 min read
This week’s topic for reflection is how to hear the birds sing. A clinical psychologist questioned Suzuki Roshi about consciousness. “I don’t know anything about consciousness,” Suzuki said. "I just teach my students how to hear the birds sing.” Suzuki Roshi beginning with the response “I don’t know anything about consciousness” is significant in itself. If anyone knows about the nature of consciousness it’s Suzuki Roshi. He is not evading the question but in fact answering it directly. Not knowing is the nature of consciousness. In western Zen Suzuki made the phrase “beginners mind” famous. This is another way to express the nature of consciousness. In other words spontaneous, open, curious and selfless. This is how to hear the birds sing; in the moment, unfiltered, without words or explanation, without self consciousness or subject object duality.
Also try this. When you are not in a rush, take the time to eat a simple meal mindfully. You could try this with a typical breakfast. Look carefully at your food and notice how it sparkles and its various colors and textures. Take a bite and then put your spoon or fork down. Chew it carefully and taste it. How does it taste and feel? Do this for each bite. Be grateful for this food and what it will do for your body. Throughout your day when you remember, pause and notice. Notice what you see, what you hear, what you feel. For a moment be still and notice. And notice and relax into your breath.
It’s springtime and the world is alive with new growth and energy. Everything seems to be proclaiming YES! I like relaxing into the woods around my house and return to not knowing and open into the beauty of the moment all around. At the pond I saw two round jelly masses of new dragon flys in their little marble sized homes. I cut down dead brush and black berries until I got too tired, hot and thirsty. What do you like to do to celebrate being alive?
Hear the birds sing.
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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