Hello friends,
Long time no see. There has been sickness and death in my family, change and sadness. I've not been around Treeleaf as much as in years past (obviously). But I wanted to offer a few of my own words of encouragement (in addition to Jundo's video last night).
Change is coming. But we see through the eyes of the great Bodhisattva, so this should not surprise us. Nothing stays the same.
We also do not really know what is coming. Maybe it is worse than our imaginings. Maybe it is not as bad. This is a lesson for us: we've never really known what is coming next. Believing we can read the future is always a makyo - pulling the wool over our own eyes. "Maybe so" mind is our friend. "Not knowing" is most intimate.
All that happens is due to causes and conditions. Now is our time to try to create as many beneficial conditions as we can. We have all taken the Bodhisattva vows. *No matter what realm we find ourselves in, a Bodhisattva knows what to do!*
And each of us has learned in body and mind through the practice of the Buddhas and ancestors how to honor and care for all that arises, without clinging to specific outcomes. *No matter what realm we find ourselves in, a Bodhisattva knows how to carry herself!*
Let us live moment by moment with strong backs and soft fronts (as Roshi Joan likes to say). Hands ready to honor and help without grasping. Let us keep our vows close and pay attention, looking for opportunities to free beings AND care for beings.
We know what to do. We know how to do it. It may be difficult. Some of us may not see a brighter day in this lifetime (but even that is "maybe so").
We know what to do. We know how to do it. May we all find the strength, wisdom, and compassion to act in a beneficial way, doing good wherever these hands can reach.
With hugs and deep bows,
Sekishi
Long time no see. There has been sickness and death in my family, change and sadness. I've not been around Treeleaf as much as in years past (obviously). But I wanted to offer a few of my own words of encouragement (in addition to Jundo's video last night).
Change is coming. But we see through the eyes of the great Bodhisattva, so this should not surprise us. Nothing stays the same.
We also do not really know what is coming. Maybe it is worse than our imaginings. Maybe it is not as bad. This is a lesson for us: we've never really known what is coming next. Believing we can read the future is always a makyo - pulling the wool over our own eyes. "Maybe so" mind is our friend. "Not knowing" is most intimate.
All that happens is due to causes and conditions. Now is our time to try to create as many beneficial conditions as we can. We have all taken the Bodhisattva vows. *No matter what realm we find ourselves in, a Bodhisattva knows what to do!*
And each of us has learned in body and mind through the practice of the Buddhas and ancestors how to honor and care for all that arises, without clinging to specific outcomes. *No matter what realm we find ourselves in, a Bodhisattva knows how to carry herself!*
Let us live moment by moment with strong backs and soft fronts (as Roshi Joan likes to say). Hands ready to honor and help without grasping. Let us keep our vows close and pay attention, looking for opportunities to free beings AND care for beings.
We know what to do. We know how to do it. It may be difficult. Some of us may not see a brighter day in this lifetime (but even that is "maybe so").
We know what to do. We know how to do it. May we all find the strength, wisdom, and compassion to act in a beneficial way, doing good wherever these hands can reach.
With hugs and deep bows,
Sekishi
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