Maintaining a right mindset in an unmindful world

[PClark1]

Greetings,

As a new member, and being new, again, to the practice of zazen and Zen, I find that I have a very hard time maintaining a right mindset in the hustle of daily life in the Chicago area.

Every day is a reminder of the lack of compassion and concern we, as humans, have for our fellow human beings.

Does anyone have any tips for preserving a good mindset and mindfulness in a busy, self-centered community?

Gassho,

Paul

Sat today

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[Jundo]

Hi Paul,

I would be interested in what everyone has to say, but let me give a short and sweet response: It is really our central focus with most of what we do around here.

We sit Shikantaza, the we get up from the cushion and bring such into the hustle and bustle of life, stillness into the whole catastrophe.

We study the Precepts and seek to live as gently as we can in a world that is not always gentle.

Gassho, J

SatToday

[PClark1]

So, we bring peace into the chaos by bringing our peace into the chaos?

For some reason that makes perfect sense.

Gassho
Paul

Sat today

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[PClark1]

I imagine maintaining that peace would then just be a matter of practice.

Gassho,

Paul

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[Mp]

So, we bring peace into the chaos by bringing our peace into the chaos?

For some reason that makes perfect sense.

Gassho
Paul

Sat today

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Hey Paul,

Yes! If we are unhappy, lacking in compassion, angry, bitter, or whatever it maybe we bring that into the world. When we sit, we sit with whatever this world offers us, what our own minds offer us. A lot of the time the only thing we can really change is our reaction to things and not the situations itself.

There are terrible things going on in this world right now and no matter what we would like to do, we cannot. What we can do is open our hearts, open our minds, go with what we know and not with what we don't (i.e. we know we have and are trying to do our best for positive change).

As Jundo has pointed out already, sitting is the key and our core practice, but we can also use the precepts to guide and support us as well. But also don't forget about your own heart, your own knowledge in doing what is right for the benefit of others and your community. Just asking the question, "what can I do to make a positive difference" is one of the most important steps. =)

Gassho
Shingen

s@t this morning with tears down my face for the people of Syria

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[PClark1]

Thank you both for your input. It has given me much to consider.

Gassho,
Paul

Sat today

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[Rich]

Paul, don't underestimate your power. If you bring calmness, joy and love to the market place, you will be honored and welcomed.

SAT today

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[Jundo]

Also, Paul, this other ongoing thread might have some relevance.

In Shikantaza Practice, one does not necessarily find true peace by always wishing life to be peaceful, or by always needing to feel peaceful.

True Peace may come from allowing all things in that moment to be as they are including our not feeling peaceful which allowing (counter-intuitive as it sounds) of things as they are may ACTUALLY MAKE US MORE PROFOUNDLY PEACEFUL!

As Bankei says in the quote posted there, the best "battle" to bring peace is won by NOT fighting!

Read some more here ...

http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?15225-Wasting-precious-time&p=197134&viewfull=1#post197134

Gassho, Jundo

SatToday

[Enjaku]

Paul, don't underestimate your power. If you bring calmness, joy and love to the market place, you will be honored and welcomed.

I've found this to be so true. Since I began honouring the precepts and practicing zazen, my behaviour around others is changing. I'm more patient, more humble, more compassionate, more grateful. Just these changes in my behaviour has caused "ripples" in my workplace, my family, my friends, maybe even broader... I'm convinced the most valuable thing I can do for others right now is zazen.

One more thing I've noticed is when we speak of "causing harm", we often think of big things, like violence or stealing. We can do all kinds of harm to ourselves and others, even where we don't intend to. Jundo sometimes talks about "living gently". Again, I think if we can observe in ourselves the harmful effects of words, thoughts and actions, we can work on cultivating compassion and equanimity. Conclusion - more zazen!

Gassho,
Enjaku
Sat

[Michael Joseph]

Hi Paul,

I'm new, too, and I live in the country (though I once lived in Dallas), so read my thoughts with that in mind. I try to smile a lot--something small and subtle, something I'm just aware of, something like the Buddha's. I find it helps. It may be a "mask," but at this stage of practice, it's a mask I need. It points to what I'm seeking: inclusion of the "others"--especially the difficult ones--in "my" life. I'll do this until I have the understanding eye that sees "my" life as "our" life.

Gassho,

Michael

SatToday

[Kyotai]

Hi Paul,

In my experience, over time practice and life slowly become one. The wisdom from the cushion slowly takes shape off of it. Then the hustle and bustle, or the weekend trip to the friends cottage..they both are practice.

My advice is to simply keep sitting, each day. For me, that has been more then enough.

Be the example you want to see in the world

Gassho, Kyotai
ST

[Jundo]

Hi Paul,

I'm new, too, and I live in the country (though I once lived in Dallas), so read my thoughts with that in mind. I try to smile a lot--something small and subtle, something I'm just aware of, something like the Buddha's. I find it helps. It may be a "mask," but at this stage of practice, it's a mask I need. It points to what I'm seeking: inclusion of the "others"--especially the difficult ones--in "my" life.

This seems like a very good Practice. Lovely.

I am reminded of the Metta (Loving Kindness) Verse Practice --- even for the difficult ones --- that we offer here with the same heart:

1. May he(she) be free of suffering; may he(she) feel safe and still.

2. May he(she) be free of enmity; may he(she) be loving, grateful and kind.

3. May he(she) be healthy and at ease in all his(her) ills.

4. May he(she) be at peace, embracing all conditions of life

More on Metta here:

http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?6020-RECOMMENDED-DAILY-Metta-PRACTICE

Gassho, J

SatToday

[Kyonin]

Hi Paul!

Every day is a reminder of the lack of compassion and concern we, as humans, have for our fellow human beings.

Everyday is a reminder of how wonderful this existence is, how much gratitude we owe to a living world that nurtures us and takes care of us no matter what. Everyday is a new chance to sit in zazen and watch life unfold. Everyday is the perfect opportunity to lower our ego and see how we can help sentient beings and stop suffering.

We preserve a good mindset by practicing compassion towards ourselves and onto others. Trust me, compassion and kindness spread and propagate

Gassho,

Kyonin
SatToday

[PClark1]

Hi Paul!



Everyday is a reminder of how wonderful this existence is, how much gratitude we owe to a living world that nurtures us and takes care of us no matter what. Everyday is a new chance to sit in zazen and watch life unfold. Everyday is the perfect opportunity to lower our ego and see how we can help sentient beings and stop suffering.

We preserve a good mindset by practicing compassion towards ourselves and onto others. Trust me, compassion and kindness spread and propagate

Gassho,

Kyonin
SatToday

Thank you for this today.

I have been trying to put everyone's suggestions into practice today, and luckily it is slow at work today, so I've been able to get in some extra sitting time. I feel much better about everything today and much more at peace.

I am truly in awe at how welcoming everyone has been to me. You all have made me feel so at home. I can't even begin to express my gratitude.

Gassho,

Paul

Sat today

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[BillH]

Hi Paul,

It's nice to have you. Your thoughtful question and expression of gratitude is a welcome contribution to the community. It sends out good ripples. This influence, is an example of how I try to see things. Wherever you go, you become a part of where you are. You can bring good or bad with you. Bring good, you increase the good where you are. Bring bad and things only get worse. Keep up the good work!

Gassho,

Bill

Sat today