Readings

Paradox of Noise
by Gunilla Norris

It is a paradox that we encounter so much internal noise
when we first try to sit in silence.

It is a paradox that experiencing pain releases pain.

It is a paradox that keeping still can lead us
so fully into life and being.

Our minds do not like paradoxes. We want things
To be clear, so we can maintain our illusions of safety.
Certainty breeds tremendous smugness.

We each possess a deeper level of being, however,
which loves paradox. It knows that summer is already
Growing like a seed in the depth of winter. It knows
that the moment we are born, we begin to die. It knows
that all of life shimmers, in shades of becoming--
that shadow and light are always together,
the visible mingled with the invisible.

When we sit in stillness we are profoundly active.
Keeping silent, we hear the roar of existence.
Through our willingness to be the one we are,
We become one with everything.

Buddhist ancestors, out of their kindness, have opened the wide gate of compassion in order to let all sentient beings enter realization.
–Eihei Dogen Zenji "On the Endeavor of the Way" in Beyond Thinking

"All beings are connected: We are all bodhisattvas, not in the sense of being saviors running around taking care of everybody's problems, but through the truth of interconnectedness. There is no separation. We all belong to each other."
–Sharon Salzberg "Becoming the Ally of all Beings"

Harmony of Difference and Equality -- Sandokai
(Chant with no breaks between sentences)

The mind of the great sage of India is intimately transmitted
from west to east. While human faculties are sharp or dull,
the way has no northern or southern ancestors.

The spiritual source shines clear in the light; the branching streams flow on in the dark. Grasping at things is surely delusion;
according with sameness is still not enlightenment.

All the objects of the senses interact and yet do not.

Interacting brings involvement. Otherwise, each keeps its place.
Sights vary in quality and form, sounds differ as pleasing or harsh.
Refined and common speech come together in the dark,
clear and murky phrases are distinguished in the light.

The four elements return to their natures, just as a child turns to its mother;

Fire heats, wind moves, water wets, earth is solid.
Eye and sights, ear and sounds, nose and smells, tongue and tastes; thus, with each and every thing, depending on these roots, the leaves spread forth. Trunk and branches share the essence; revered and common, each has its speech.

In the light there is darkness, but don’t take it as darkness;
in the dark there is light, but don’t see it as light.
Light and dark oppose one another like the front and back foot in walking.

Each of the myriad things has its merit,
expressed according to function and place.
Phenomena exist; box and lid fit. Principle responds; arrow points meet.

Hearing the words, understand the meaning; don’t set up standards of your own. If you don’t understand the way right before you,
how will you know the path as you walk?

Progress is not a matter of far or near, but if you are confused, mountains and rivers block your way. I respectfully urge you who study the mystery, do not pass your days and nights in vain.

The Difference Between Judging and Assessing by David Richo

In Buddhism we are committed to “right speech.” Being judgmental about other people’s behavior or attitudes does not seem skillful or appropriate for those on the journey to enlightenment.

Yet, what we call “judgmental” may actually be useful feedback. In the chart below, we attempt to distinguish being judgmental from healthy assessing and the giving of feedback.

click to see larger

We might also find ourselves sometimes between the two columns!

We can speak up and say “Ouch!” when people are truly judgmental toward us. We also remain compassionate as we realize that being judgmental is itself a form of pain: “the hurt hurt.”
In any instance, we can combine self-care with openness to what others have to say.
In the world of Dharma every event and interaction with others is Buddha gracing us with opportunities for the practice of mindfulness and loving-kindness.

Here is a story meant to be an example of the differences between the two styles outlined in the chart above:
Four friends were, coincidentally, all born in the early 70’s to parents who loved Simon and Garfunkel. Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme enjoyed going on hikes together and were on the same pickle ball team.
Parsley decided to give a dinner party and invite Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme. Sage arrived first with a “Thanks for inviting me” and a bottle of wine. Rosemary came with thanks and some fine brie with crackers. Thyme arrived empty-handed with a “Hi!” but no “Thanks.”
Parsley felt insulted and angry at Thyme and decided never to invite him again. Her resentment may also lead her to be openly or passively aggressive toward Thyme from time to time.
Sage immediately thought: “Thyme must have been brought up in a barn! How tacky not to bring anything and not even to have the decency to says thanks. He’s uncouth, a real jerk!”
Rosemary, on the other hand, thought: “Oh dear, looks like Thyme was not taught good manners. I will ask him tomorrow if I can offer feedback based on my concerns for him. Maybe I can help him learn appropriate social skills, if he is open to it.”
Parsley is retaliating.
Sage is being judgmental.
Rosemary is making an intelligent assessment and wants to be of help.
Thyme may learn from Rosemary unless his ego does not permit feedback, no matter how well-meant or useful.

The ancient masters
Were always so glad
To hear of their mistakes.

–Zen Master Wuzu

Our Higher Power is as close as our breath.
Conscious awareness of its presence, strengthens us moment by moment.
The past is gone, today is full of possibilities.
With each breath I will be aware of the strength at hand