The Zen Master's Dance - 9 - Fukan Zazengi (middle of p. 38 to bottom of p. 41)

[Tomás ESP]

Worrying about the grade I got in an exam I took 2 weeks ago. I won't know the final result until 1-2 months. Any thought that comes up in my mind about the possible consequences in relationship to the grade I got are fantasy. My mind is just trying to prepare me for the worst outcome. But most of the time it's just useless chatter and obsession. When I adopt the attitude of zazen, I just let it be and the thoughts simply drift away.

Gassho, Tomás
Sat&LaH

[Chikyou]

I didn't sleep well last night. This happens occasionally, I lie awake pondering ghosts from my past (hungry ghosts?) instead of sleeping, like I should be.

Before I started Zazen practice, I would have been thinking today "this is terrible, I didn't get enough sleep last night, I'm going to feel awful today, I'm going to be thinking about it all day etc etc."

Today, however, it's not an issue. I didn't sleep well last night. It is what it is, perfect imperfect reality - and today is a new day and tonight is a new night.

Gassho,
SatLah
Kelly