It’s been about a year since the last post. I’m OK – still mesmerized by phenomenon. And, yes, we live in dark political times. The subject of this post breaches the topic of people on a spiritual path — why the path — based mostly on observations/interactions within my Zen sangha (community) and also reflections on some relationships with old (and not so old) friends. Most of my spare writing time over the last year has been spent working on kind of a personal memoir using an online service called StoryWorth. It was actually a gift from one of my daughters as encouragement to write some stories about life experiences. A little “nudge” from the kids, as well — better ask questions now, rather than wonder about “Pops” when his physical presence is just ashes. Also, my wife and I have also been traveling (she is not a mystic but a pragmatic down-to-earth person that is not particularly attached to the common “glitz” of the world.) We have seen some amazing animals and scenery in Costa Rica and most recently in the Galapagos and Peru. And you know, those creatures, be they sea lions, marine iguanas, giant ancient tortoises or the elusive Quetzal bird—they are like you and me, wanting to bask in the sun and feel the breeze.
Yup, this mystic is aging, now 74 with some sever arthritis and slowing senses. But like the wounded black knight in a Monty Python skit I and my suffering will keep moving along the spiritual path (which is not really linear nor is it winding) — absurd as it may seem at times.
The Buddhist practice continues. After some years of Zen practice, two things are becoming increasingly clear. First, there is something personally positive and reinforcing about continued meditation and mindfulness along with efforts to follow ethical and moral guidelines and study dharma (the teachings) through literature and interaction with teachers and others. Secondly, it is hard to gage other beings. They are a mystery. People that practice a spiritual tradition, and for that matter those, that on the surface do not, are each unique and in a “different space” as to mental and physical character, spiritual state, abilities, desired goals and life/work/family/relationship/socioeconomic/political status, etc. We are all products of causes and conditions. Using the term karma, it is the past actions of an individual and the effects of the collective interactions of that individual with others (who further share karma with still others –ad infinitum) that determine the individuals present state and “steer” one in a certain direction in future existences. For those at my Zen center, including this mystic, as we are all unique, we don’t “start” at the same place, do we? Matter of fact spiritual paths are not linear. But why practice, e.g., Zen and what is the goal? What is the payoff?
Toward the end of his life Buddha reportedly said that all he taught was “suffering and the and of suffering.” There is a certain, mostly unspoken, tension and confusion regarding a spiritual practice that leads to the end of suffering and whether that is the same as “enlightenment” and whether that should be the goal. Recognizing the diversity of practitioners, probably the main intention, and not necessarily a “goal” of those who practice is to relieve suffering, whether it be for themselves alone or including others.
This mystic will argue that practice will lead to being less disturbed by suffering and the practice involves work with one’s Mind. The Oxherding Pictures describe the Zen path of finding the Way and eventually taming the Ox, who in part represents our undisciplined and delusional mind. Even when one has tamed the Ox, and is no longer pulled around by craving, one is only half way along the path. The Oxherding Pictures include the path that leads to no path and non-duality. So, there is a lot to practice, but clearly the practice leads toward less suffering by taking us away from being affected or disturbed by our suffering and leading us toward a radical acceptance of our condition. Hint: if we are working with our minds and the process is one of “taming,” perhaps literally getting out of hour head, where do “we” go. Suggestion: a place known as the heart.
My teacher tells me that “Zen is not an improvement project.” However, Meditation and mindfulness practice, study of teachings and the precepts leads, to what might be called personal improvement and less suffering. It is an intermediate and ongoing stage of practice, kind of where we sometimes calm the ox down. There is some payoff in this alone, but as the Oxherding pictures imply the ultimate utility of Zen is more complex and includes a journey away from the small self and eventually a journey back to the everyday. This mystic finds it sobering that even the wisest monks and senior lay members of my Zen center profess that they are likely “lifetimes” away from complete awakening or enlightenment. However, no matter the starting point, a momentary glimpse, a momentary shift from the head to the heart, a momentary shift to crystal clear reality or “suchness” can happen at any time and is an important, “mini-payoff” for keeping up the effort in practice.
To end. There was an individual at our Zen center, whom this mystic really respected. He excelled in chanting, was a dedicated meditator, taught and helped others. In the end he took his own life due to substance abuse issues and declining health. Our karma is strong. It is vicious and it can be cruel. There are no guarantees. From Shantideva’s The Way of the Bodhisattva, he says “When you look at others think that it will be through them that you will come to Buddha hood. So look at them with frank and loving hearts.” Not all beings whom we meet, whether they be people, snakes or trees will always be kind or even appear very lovable. They will invoke feelings. But the way does lie in acceptance of not being disturbed by ones suffering. It is the way of the heart, with suffering lessened when your mind is not trying to tame a wild bull that after all is just a concept.
Little Known Mystic 