I’m just seeing this now, but I’m really glad I am. Reading this today, when everything is quieter and slower than usual because of the snow, made it land differently.
It reminded me that not every day needs to be productive or justified, sometimes just paying attention to where you are is enough. I needed that reminder today. Thank you.
I haven't seen that text from the third patriarch for 40 years. Great text. Of course, since I follow Kant who rightly argues that the nature of the human mind is to "pick and choose" that means the way is difficult for all of us humans. I always thought that the thing about Zen/Ch'an teaching was that it was intellectually easy enough to understand but incredibly difficult to put into practice. Lauryn, a blessing on your day.
Yes, Jared. Our natural inclination is to make the distinction, but it is the root of our suffering. And, as you say, Ch’an teachings make sense, but that doesn’t mean that they’re easy to do. But that is why it remains the practice, even if it’s rarely a perfect.
I f'ckin love that: "Have today". Really wonderful observations as usual, and a few hits very close to home considering not only that I was with my dad recently as his health declined and he ultimately passed as I held his hand (I'm beyond grateful for that), but I also just got out of the hospital myself after a virtually non-stop run of hospitalizations including for covid (the latest designer bioweapon version, Nimbus), salmonella poisoning, gall bladder removal surgery and subsequent complications. All of this was over the past few weeks. In that time I've had to grapple with re-centering and re-orienting myself toward a positive mindset and alignment with divinity - not always easy when you're in great pain or discomfort and contending with an often incompetent and uncaring medical system. There will always be plenty to complain about, and "evil" seems to be par for the course here on earth. But I try to remind myself that God is always with me, and that is all I really seem to need to be happy. May both you and (especially) your dad find comfort during this difficult time.
I’m just seeing this now, but I’m really glad I am. Reading this today, when everything is quieter and slower than usual because of the snow, made it land differently.
It reminded me that not every day needs to be productive or justified, sometimes just paying attention to where you are is enough. I needed that reminder today. Thank you.
Thank you Lauryn 🙏 I'm lighting a candle for your Dad and sending love to you, your father and your family 💜💜
Thank you, Lea. 🙏💕
Yes to French toast and real maple syrup!
Smile :) Thanks
I haven't seen that text from the third patriarch for 40 years. Great text. Of course, since I follow Kant who rightly argues that the nature of the human mind is to "pick and choose" that means the way is difficult for all of us humans. I always thought that the thing about Zen/Ch'an teaching was that it was intellectually easy enough to understand but incredibly difficult to put into practice. Lauryn, a blessing on your day.
Yes, Jared. Our natural inclination is to make the distinction, but it is the root of our suffering. And, as you say, Ch’an teachings make sense, but that doesn’t mean that they’re easy to do. But that is why it remains the practice, even if it’s rarely a perfect.
Thanks, I will have today🩷
You’re so welcome, Casey. I’m glad that today was a “snow day” for you. ;-)
I f'ckin love that: "Have today". Really wonderful observations as usual, and a few hits very close to home considering not only that I was with my dad recently as his health declined and he ultimately passed as I held his hand (I'm beyond grateful for that), but I also just got out of the hospital myself after a virtually non-stop run of hospitalizations including for covid (the latest designer bioweapon version, Nimbus), salmonella poisoning, gall bladder removal surgery and subsequent complications. All of this was over the past few weeks. In that time I've had to grapple with re-centering and re-orienting myself toward a positive mindset and alignment with divinity - not always easy when you're in great pain or discomfort and contending with an often incompetent and uncaring medical system. There will always be plenty to complain about, and "evil" seems to be par for the course here on earth. But I try to remind myself that God is always with me, and that is all I really seem to need to be happy. May both you and (especially) your dad find comfort during this difficult time.
Your dad is more fortunate than he understands!!