This weeks’ topic for reflection is the fifth of Dogen’s Eight Awakenings of Great Beings, not neglecting mindfulness. “Not neglecting” seems to indicate if you take away distraction you are left with mindfulness. Mindfulness is the mind at this moment or mind-heart at this moment and it’s fullness.
There is also the practice of mindfulness. For example when you eat pay attention to how the food tastes. How does it feel in your mouth and does it make a crunching sound when you chew? It's important not to rush. Or when you have an emotion where in your body do you feel it and is there any particular thought the goes with it? Also pause and notice your breathing. Just breathe. Pay attention to what is happening right now. This is the practice of mindfulness.
Mindfulness is being like you are whatever your situation is. Whatever this moment offers is your life so don’t try to run from it or turn away but face it. This sometimes takes courage so be forgiving and do the best you can. Appreciate the beauty in your life.
We return to this moment with mindfulness to find mindfulness. Mindfulness is not grasping but open and flowing without inside or outside. Mindfulness is the Dharma Gate of the Awakening of Great Beings or Buddhas. This moment is the source, the place where we all stand and live.
Please join us for morning Zoom 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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