Sitting Zazen Just Like Riding a Bicycle (14) “Zazen,” says Robert Aitken, “Is just like learning how to ride a bicycle. You have to steer, pump, keep your balance, watch out for pedestrians and other vehicles—all at once. You are riding a pile of parts with your pile of parts. After you learn to ride, however, what then? You are free of those parts, surely. You are one with the bicycle, and the bicycle keeps its own balance. It steers and pumps itself, and you can enjoy your ride and go anywhere, to the store, to school, to the office, the beach. You have forgotten sprockets and handle bars. You have forgotten that you have forgotten.”
Pathways (for Nancy) Wayfinding they call it now, the moving along a trail without directions. And no longer guide but interpreter who fills you in at the end. So wayfinders we become, with a nod from Lao Tzu. All life a Zen koan for us to interpret.
The Meeting of Jesus and Buddha And so they arrive at this strange yet familiar place a desert before a forest. Each with a small entourage, which they caution back. Robed in cream and tan, palms pressed together before their heart, they step across the gap. Bowing to each other they smile and embrace. Sitting together on the earth, they face each other, as a warm light holds the world in profound silence.
Comments
Post a Comment
Please share...