This weeks’ topic for reflection is reflection. What is it to reflect? There is the activity of reflection on something, for example a topic. Also something can reflect, for example a mirror.
let’s look at the activity of reflection first. I don’t think there is a correct or incorrect way to do this. I suppose we all have our individual way of doing it. There are some fundamental aspects however. One is bring your attention to it and stay with it. Bear in mind it’s not figuring out or deciding, so having an open approach toward learning is needed. It’s discovering how it is and being open to possibly learn something new. Reflection often involves looking at oneself. This reflection asks how am I and why am I like this? Reflection often asks what is really happening here?
I once spent a Zen retreat reflecting on whether Mother Nature cares or not. She can certainly be very destructive, for example during wild fires or hurricanes. She can also be life giving, gentle and what seems to be forgiving. For the retreat I went into the forest and sat up against a large tree with open curiosity silently asking, “Who are you?” “How are you?” “Do you care?” After a few days of open, curious reflection I had a better understanding of mother nature, my relationship with mother nature and her relationship with me. I also got a better understanding of who I am and how and what I am. I’m glad I spent the time and made the effort to do this. Please take the time and make the effort to reflect on what is important to you.
Senkei and I spent last week at Great Vow Monastery with sixty of us, sitting silently together. Sitting still and patient, distractions and a busy mind relaxes to reveal what is present and true. To see who you truly are is to see everything is your reflection.
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
Gassho,
Futai
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