What seems to ring true for me is the mind is what moves. And, the mind is therefore only ever temporarily still. The enlightened mind sees emptiness even as the mind has thoughts, or bodily activity. Dogen believed that there is no difference between the mind in stillness and enlightenment itself, only that the meditator may not realize this. A good teacher can actually point out this enlightened mind so that the student can learn to practice in it.

There are those who seek emptiness or the realization of the “no-self”. The mistake is thinking it is separate or something to achieve. The belief that the death of the self is needed to attain freedom from suffering. One can not polish a roof tile into a mirror. You can not make yourself into something you are not already. So, Zen believes one is already enlightened. Only one has to realized this thru experience. Much like walking around thinking one has no head. That the head was lost. Then suddenly realized the head has been there all along.

A person can learn many things and become a auto mechanic or plumber or electrician or whatever. But, one can not learn to become enlightened. Understanding takes us so far. Words are the vehicle that takes one to the edge. Then the jump must be made to cross beyond the mind’s ability to understand.

Sorry for the rant.

Dear James,

I just used the mirror to show you what you have done. Accused me of being a liar. And, I showed you what that is. Then, I tried to lighten the mood. If one looks at Jesus then you can see that he knew his destiny or his fate. All the pain and suffering. Yet, he went thru it. God’s will if one believes in God.

Dear Anita,

Not fatalistic. One can still believe in free will and making choices. That was never denied. However, destiny and fate have a way to coming about. I grew up being taught Christian values or religious instructions. But, as a child I grew to distance myself from such things. My brother believes in God whole heartedly. I do not. So, I do not argue with him. I only hold a mirror of what he says. Then ask him questions to bring his ideas to the front. It has been a roller coaster.

Dear Alessa,

Thank you for your view. Much appreciated. Yes, it is important to find a good teacher. I am glad to see your understanding is better than mine. I do enjoy humor. Like how does a computer or AI find out one is human. By clicking on all the fire hydrants in a set of random pictures. Being reduced to a bunch of choices one makes. LOL. Are humans more than a set of choices?

Real spirituality comes when one finds one’s spirit. Can you show me your spirit?

One does not choose one’s fate. What is destined will come to pass.
What you see as a door is a device of your own making. No one is making an empty mind.
That is not enlightenment. The awakened mind does not dwell upon the body. So when the body dies and decays,
the awakened mind does not die and decay.

When the wind blows and the flag moves, what is it that moves?
Is it the flag that moves?
Is it the wind that moves?
Or, is it the mind that moves?

Living out of control is the fastest way to die.

If God calls then what makes you believe that you have a choice of whether to go to him or not? I think Alessa is right in her thinking. If the true God calls then what makes one believe that there is a choice? If the maker of reality chooses you then how does one deny the will of God? One can not. When one returns to the source then one becomes the source.

And after physical death there is no desire so there is no good or evil. There is no freedom. All that you are is this mind in this body. All that you are, .. are these thoughts that have travelled thru this mind. This is what happens when one identifies with the thoughts. Freedom comes from dropping this mind. When one is in meditation and the mind is absolutely quiet, this is the enlightened mind. Emptiness is the liberation. Not emptiness as in nothing. But the emptiness as the whole. Much like in quantum mechanics. Everything is possible in the nothingness. Don’t let death find you before you experience this.

Hello Sushmita,

Some say the first cut is the deepest. Meaning the first love is very ingrained in the heart and mind. Yes, makes it very difficult to let go of the past. But, in life, one doesn’t stop eating after the first meal is done. When one finishes the first loaf of bread, there is another loaf. And so, for one to move forward, there has to be someone else. That way, the space that was taken by the first love can be displaced by the present time and space.

Memories and wishful thinking will cause you to suffer more than if you were able to let it go. And so that is the exercise, that when thoughts of the first love comes up to let it go. Do not follow or chase after it. Concentrate on your exams. Anytime those thoughts of him come, let it go. Do not think of him. Focus on your book learning. The more you make yourself work on the books and exam then the less hold those thoughts and memories will have their hold on you. You need the time away from those thoughts.

Having a new person in your life is not easy at first. Especially when you haven’t met him yet. So, bide your time and be open to conversations. When it is right, you will know. But, for now, you need to get your mind on your studies. Good luck to you.

Anita,

The reality of water contamination comes to mind. Better not drink contaminated water and get sick. I did, almost died of dysentery as a baby. I survived only for my mind to be contaminated by a different kind of water..

I am sorry that I can not explain this better. But, it really isn’t something words can convey. Rather the experience would better answer your question. Kensho, Satori, Enlightenment or whatever you wish to call it. Realizing the Buddha nature.

In that way, you would understand. Unfortunately, it isn’t something everyone will experience. The experience can be alluded to but never fully understood thru words. I mention something and your mind brings something else up. Would just leave it to be better understood at a later date.