In Case You Missed It
Zen Optimisms for the Week from June 14-20
Saturday, June 14th: Unpacking The Buddha's First Discourse
Episode 1: The Middle Way, Vision, and the First of Many Riddles
Sunday, June 15th: Expedient Means and the Benefit of Doubt
The pure mind, the impure mind, and Buddha-nature.
Monday, June 16th: The Dance of a Deeper Explanation
Body, Mind, and Spirit
Tuesday, June 17th: The Pervasiveness of Attachment
Where's the crime?
Wednesday, June 18th: Producing Vision, Producing Knowledge
Picturing stillness
Thursday, June 19th: The Dance of a Deeper Explanation
Zen and the Quiet Mind
Friday, June 20th:
George P’s Take: Unpacking “Spirit”
“In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.” -The Buddha
The June 16th post, The Dance of a Deeper Explanation--Body, Mind, and Spirit had this week’s hook in its title: while both Mind and Body need minimal review, it was Spirit that clearly needed more clarity for those of us with Beginner’s Mind.
The Body in Zen is completely different from the mind; it is a part of a unified mind-body experience, a vessel for meditation practice, and a source of wisdom. Zen rejects the dualistic view that separates them. The body is seen as a manifestation of the mind, and the mind is influenced by the body. All other “mind-body” philosophies — including Yoga and Tai Chi from the East and Pilates from the West — emphasize the interconnectedness of the mind and body, cultivating a harmonious relationship between mind and body for overall well-being and spiritual development. Also:
By paying attention to our bodily sensations, emotions, and experiences, we can gain insight into ourselves and the world around us.
Zen practice often involves paying close attention to the body, especially while meditating, regarding posture, breath, and physical sensations without judgment or attachment.
Zen explores the concept of a "subtle body" or "energy body," which is believed to exist beyond the physical form and is a source of energy and vitality that can be accessed through other practices.
The Mind: “The Three Minds of Zen” are a joyful mind, an elder’s mind, and a great mind.
Joyful Heart (“Heart–mind”): We manifest joy from our deepest core when the joyful heart–mind is free to find ways to cultivate the conditions of joy for all beings.
Elder’s Heart (”Heart-mind”): We learn that when we are open to what the moment asks of us, instead of just what we feel like doing, our whole orientation shifts to a state of being characterized by wisdom, compassion, and understanding life's impermanence.
Great Heart (“Heart-mind”): This refers to a mature and seasoned attitude and a drawing on the wisdom gained from all of one's experiences -- both successes and failures -- and engaging mentally with the present moment wholeheartedly.
Spirit" is a state of peace, simplicity, and acceptance of the present moment in which behavior is guided by intuition and awareness rather than a conscious effort. Spirit in Zen has the following components:
The essence, function, or effect of Zen practices like meditation and mindfulness.
The attitude that unifies the mind and enlightenment that involves removing unnecessary things from the heart to return to one's true nature.
AKA, "the spirit of mindfulness," emphasizing the combination of focused attention during meditation and clear insight (Vipassana meditation).
AKA, “The Bodhisattva Spirit” is characterized by selfless service, deep compassion, and unwavering pursuit of wisdom for the well-being and enlightenment of all beings.
Consciously choosing to act in ways that promote the welfare of others, prioritizing their needs, and guiding them towards wisdom and compassion.
AKA, “The Spirit of Vitality” is feeling full of energy in one’s practice, ready to face the world. It is a state of mind, an attitude, or the transformative effect of its practices rather than a separate, independent entity that often incorporates the body and the mind.
The Take: May our bodies, hearts, and minds work together for the benefit of all; may we take care of each other, and bring each other joy, and may our love know no obstacles.