Sunday January 16
Dear Sangha,
The topic for this weeks Sangha is a phrase Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay) used which blew me away when I heard it. Taking care of the present moment. I had never heard this phrase in more than 50 years of deep interest in Zen Buddhism and lots of other spiritual and psychological literature. It’s so simple and yet infinitely profound.
TAKING CARE OF THE PRESENT MOMENT
I discovered today the blessing of walking on earth without thinking, and of enjoying every step as Marge and I climbed a mountain on a steep, rock strewn path. My body knew how to take every step and took every step confidently and easily, effortlessly, spontaneously. My organism knew exactly where to place every foot among the rocks and I was never off balance. I enjoyed the spontaneity with which I did this and the ease I created by not thinking and simply walking and enjoying every step and the beautiful world I was walking in. It was so simple. I was remembering how a neuroscientist was measuring the mental activity of monastics in our tradition and thought her equipment was broken because there was no activity at all when none was required. They actually stopped thinking and simply breathed mindfully when thinking was not needed. This is what Thay had trained them to do and they naturally did it.
Our practice is designed to enable us to enjoy the present moment and to not generate suffering through regretting the past or worrying about the future. Thay says he doesn’t worry about the future. He knows that if he takes care of the present moment the future will be made of the moments he took care of when it arrives.
I look forward to being with you this Sunday when we can explore how we can maximize our quality of life in the present moment and thereby maximize the benefit our life will have on our world.
Be well,
Keith
💗🙏
