Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, suggests you look at your life as a story. Is there anything you would change? Though this life is not perfect, you’re probably reasonably comfortable living on this shore. Change is scary. While many of us are part of a practice group, we really each travel alone on this path. The truth is inside of us. We can’t find it together outside somewhere. For your travel on this path you have provisions. In Buddhism, they are called the Paramitas, or perfections. Giving. This is not necessarily material giving. Sharing of oneself. Observing the precepts - discipline as to your ethical conduct. Patience Diligence Meditation Wisdom Patience and diligence on the path might seem like opposites. You can’t just sit there in your meditation and wait for Grace to come to you. Some effort is required. But then Grace does come. Don’t waste energy. Don’t squander it on reckless and distracting activities. Contrary to popular belief, a silent mind is God’s workshop—not the devil’s. Sufi mystic, al-Shibili, was asked who guided him on the path. A dog, he said, who would look at his reflection in the water and be frightened. We are frightened of the illusion we think is ourself. The tale of the monk who is afraid to walk home in the dark. His teacher hands him a candle. Then, on his way out the door the teacher blows out the candle. “My light can’t go with you. You must be a light unto yourself.” July 8, 1984
