This week’s topic for reflection is the second of the eight awakenings, knowing satisfaction. This closely follows the first awakening, having little desire. If you appreciate what you have and who you are it is much easier to know satisfaction.
Satisfaction is not saying, “Well I guess that’s good enough.” It’s the feeling when drinking clear, clean water when you’re very thirsty. Take the time experience things fully. As I reflect it seems compassion also has a role here when things get tough. Being on vacation in the beautiful Canadian Rockies, I’ll notice the tightness of anxiety. I feel a bit lost and out of control which brings up the desire to assert control with physical and mental tightness. Being satisfied is allowing this anxiety while experiencing the beauty of this amazing place and the people who live here.
Sometimes we need to grow in order to be satisfied. Again, being satisfied doesn’t mean giving up. Satisfaction comes from making your best effort, knowing you don’t control the outcome. It really helps to not compare and judge oneself to others.
Satisfaction is seeing the big picture in small things.
Satisfaction also means knowing how and when to say, “Enough.” Both enough, I don’t need any more and also enough as in stop right there. Satisfaction is active, open participation.
Please join us for morning zazen from 7:00 to 7:30 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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