This week’s topic for reflection is the second Great Bodhisattva Vow, Delusions are held tight, may we see through them. The first vow, beings are everywhere may we be free expresses the truth that numberless animate and inanimate beings are naturally functioning freely together. The second vow deals with the fact that we don’t always see this and what to do about it.
If our view and activities were in accordance with how things are and function there would be a lot less suffering. This vow states the cause of this suffering is delusions are held tight. A delusion is anything you experience or think that is not true. The problem is not with the delusion, the experience or thought. The problem is we believe it or hold the delusion tight and it’s not true. The activity of holding or clinging itself is the problem because in truth everything is ungraspable. This is a big problem because we do it a lot. For example I have held the belief since I was a three year old boy that I needed to be better than I was. It was not okay for me to be like I was. I have to admit if I look carefully, in some ways I still hold tight to that belief. This fundamental dissatisfaction with how I am has caused unnecessary difficult and anxiety. The idea I’m not good enough is harmless. What makes all the difference is been believing it and consequently acting it out.
The first step in getting over holding delusion tight is to see we are doing it. I need to see that I feel and think I’m inadequate, not good enough. I also need to recognize that I’m holding on to this tight or believe it. No one is doing this to me. The situation is not doing this to me. I’m doing it. I need to stop holding it tight, believing it.
It’s easy to say when we cling or hold tight, “Just let it go.” This might work sometimes so it never comes up again. Sometimes it’s not so easy and the belief doesn’t want to let go. It keeps reoccurring. When this happens don’t try to get it to go away but let it be. Let it be and get to know it better. Patiently sit with it with open curiosity. Is it protecting something? Is there fear or anger that goes with it? Is it in opposition to something? What triggers it? How was it developed? As you get to know it see if it is valid or true. Seeing through the belief means looking clearly at it and seeing its not real. It’s unsubstantial. Seeing through an unreal belief, it will naturally loose it’s power and dissolve on it’s own. Reality and truth will win every time. Close, caring, honest friends can help us do this work.
Holding tight to delusion is the only thing preventing us from seeing truth. Seeing truth, everything is alive and free. True compassion is natural and effortless. Become more and more open to truth.
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 8:30 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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