Live In Mindfulness

“Do not pursue the past.

Do not lose yourself in the future.

The past no longer is.

The future has not yet come.

Looking deeply at life as it is

in the very here and now,

the practitioner dwells

in stability and freedom.

We must be diligent today.

To wait till tomorrow is too late.

Death comes unexpectedly.

How can we bargain with it?

The sage calls a person who

dwells in mindfulness

night and day ‘the one who knows

the better way to live alone."  The Buddha

Hit the Reset Button on Your Mind

It is in mindfulness training that we come to an understanding that the mind is neither your enemy nor your friend. It thinks, creates, makes decisions, warns us, chastises us, and calculates doing all manner of things both to our advantage and to our detriment.

So often, however, we become enmeshed in our mind that it begins to rule our life creating so much emotional pain. It is when we get pulled into its ‘story’ that we begin to get caught in a vicious cycle of despair. We become like someone caught in quicksand struggling to get out. The more we struggle the deeper in we go.

According to the World Health Organization depression is fast becoming the most predominant illness in Western society above heart disease and cancer. Depression is in its basic form none other than an extreme unhappiness. Yet we live in societies overweight with material possessions and the discarded paraphernalia of our happiness pursuits. Never before has humanity searched happiness with such intensity and desperation. The advertising media has taken advantage of this despair leading us to believe that our life will be better if we just buy this or that product. As most of us are only to painfully aware this only creates momentary relief. We have become addicted to momentary relief over long term satisfaction.

Mindfulness is a process that trains us to be aware of both the happiness illusion and the short term relief addiction. Mindfulness training teaches us to recognize our thoughts and feelings for what they really are. Thoughts are none other than words strung together. Words in turn are but shapes and strokes, curls and dashes. Thoughts as feelings and memories are none other than pictures no more than the colours pixels on the flat screen on the living room TV. None of these things can harm us. Yet we spend an inordinate amount of time avoiding or trying to get rid of unpleasant thoughts and feelings. We do this in many ways: watch TV, surf the net, drink alcohol, have sex, take pills all in an attempt to squash or avoid unpleasant thoughts and feeling. While some of these coping mechanisms in themselves are not harmful, in the long term they can be or in the least just preventing us from living the valued life we want to live.

In mindfulness training we understand that we cannot remove thoughts from our mind. They will always return. What we can do, however, is hit the reset button and observe the thoughts and feelings from a distance – a bit like watching a boxing match on TV rather than being in the fight itself. Inner happiness is attained by accepting the dissatisfaction and living a valued life in spite of painful or depressive thoughts and feelings, not trying to avoid them. Therein lays the secret of mindfulness and inner happiness.

It only takes a few seconds to hit the reset button on the mind. Here’s how:

1. Stop
2. Observe the thoughts or feelings. Say to yourself: “I notice that I am having the thought that (then whatever the thought or feeling is).
3. Breathe into the painful feelings giving them space and softening them while not trying to get rid of them.
4. Become connected to the present moment.

Hitting the reset button helps us to get out of our minds and back into life. Mindfulness is a starting point and entry level to inner happiness. There is even more to come.

Mindfulness and Anxiety - Stop Running from the Wind

Once upon a time in old China a Buddhist Master caught sight of a man running down the road with all his might. He looked exhausted and frantic. “What are you running from?” inquired the Master. “I am running from the wind”, exclaimed the man. “Oh, there is nothing to fear then. Just sit still and it will pass you by”, returned the master. This is a simple enough parable but speaks deeply of Mindfulness and anxiety.

We often spend a huge amount of time and energy running from things. In fact it is a huge problem for society and is in endemic proportion. In our attempts to out run our fear, painful thoughts and feelings, loneliness and unhappiness our methods only end up creating far more suffering. Addictions provide an obvious example. In the attempt to avoid boredom, pain, loneliness, anger and sadness the addict only gets himself into more despair in the long term. As a result of his behaviour he creates guilt, isolation which creates even more loneliness, financial loss which creates even more despair. It is a vicious cycle. We don’t need to be the stereotypic addict to be in this cycle.

Anxiety disorder is another example. It is not the anxiety which creates anxiety disorder. After all, anxiety is a normal emotion which we all experience. At the core of anxiety is avoidance – a life of trying to avoid or get rid of anxiety which in turn creates even more anxiety. This is at the core of a panic attack.

In Mindfulness Training we learn to accept and even give space to unpleasant or painful emotions or thoughts. Mindfulness Training teaches us to accept them for what they are – just thoughts. This is not the same as avoiding or even tolerating unpleasant thoughts. Even tolerating can create a struggle. Many therapies aim at symptom reduction or eradication. The problem here is that we will always be “checking” to see is the symptom is going or gone thus creating what we are trying to get rid of – the anxiety!

At the heart of Mindfulness Training is giving space for the anxiety to be. We are able to stand back out of the struggle as if we are the spectators of a boxing match. We watch the fight but we are not part of it being punched up by the thoughts and feelings. Mindfulness is about breathing into the anxiety and giving it space, naming it, watching it like some creature from out of space but never giving in to it.

If we try to run form our anxiety we will exhaust ourselves like the man running from the wind. The old Master was right. Sit still, breathe, observe and it will pass you by.

Creating Seeds of Good Karma

When we genuinely wish another person wellness and happiness we are creating the seeds of good Karma and the seeds of Peace and Happiness. Just think! – and I know this may seem a little far fetched but worth contemplating – if every person in the world took just ten minutes to wish another person Happiness and Wellness then for ten minutes this world would be crime and violence free for those ten minutes!

The Kindness Cards and Wish Cards are ways by which we can sow seeds of peace and create seeds of Good Karma in our lives. I just love watching the face of somebody light up like just-switched-on-Christmas-tree lights when I give them a Wish Card or Kindness Card with a beautiful Peace Butterfly on it.

The gift of Happiness is one of the most precious gifts we are able to give another and even more when another contemplates what has just happened to them and then wants to pass on the gift to yet other people. This is at the heart of the Mindfulness Meditation of Tonglen. In Tonglen we become Mindful of the suffering, pain, disappointment and despair of others and cause this dissolve our self-cherishing/ego nature – a bit like an effervescent soluble aspirin dissolving in a glass of water. Then we imagine ourselves to be a Wishing Jewel wishing the causes and conditions of happiness for others. For a split moment when we take on the suffering of another and become the wishing jewel we dissolve another piece of the self-cherishing part of ourselves which locks us into our own cocoon of despair and unhappiness. The Peace Butterfly in this Mindfulness process becomes an apt symbol.

The T’ai Shen Centre will send you packs of Peace Butterflies on Kindness and Wishing Cards. Your own kindness in offering us a gift in return continues to turn the wheel of universal Peace and Happiness for all and at the same time enable us to reach out to poorer rural Chinese children in need of education. Sow some seeds of Peace and Good Karma today.

I wish you deep Happiness.

Peace Butterfly Kindness Cards and Wish Cards can be obtained from:
http://www.taishendo.com/Peace-Butterfly-Project.html

Naikan

Imagine yourself enclosed by a small space within traditional Japanese screens. In complete silence and isolation you examine in minute detail your entire life, especially important relationships like mother, father and siblings within the boundaries of the three strategic Naikan questions. Gradually over seven days of silence and deep introspection interrupted only by the Naikan therapist entering your space, bowing giving you food and drink and asking the three questions to the portion of your life you have been examining, piece by steady piece the meditator dismantles the ego that have hovered like dark clouds blocking the blue sky. Like awakening from a dream the meditator opens his/her eyes to the light of day. This is Naikan.

Naikan( From the Japanese Nai = Inner Kan= looking) is a therapy developed in Japan by Yoshimoto Ishin (1916 -1988). It was adapted from a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist practice of a meditation of deep introspection and self examination. Although the basic structure remains the same it has been further developed to be used in modern therapeutic settings.

There is emerging a palpable curiosity towards the Eastern and Buddhist psychology. With the emergence of the now evidenced based “Mindfulness” therapies (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapies etc) Naikan stands to be re-examined with energetic curiosity.

I must add a note of caution here. It is easy to confine the Mindfulness based therapies, of which Naikan belongs, to the therapist’s clinic. This would be a huge mistake. Naikan is essentially a way of life for everyone who wishes to live a more fulfilling and happy life.

Naikan is essentially a method of deep introspection. It is a way of examining one’s life from a different angle by asking strategic questions and arriving at a deep appreciation of life the way it is. The big mistake most people make with Mindfulness based processes is to expect the process to eliminate life’s problems. This is not the aim. After all, none of us are immune from life’s struggles or to put it in plain language: “shit happens”. What Naikan does is to help us look at life’s sufferings from a different angle – one of deep gratitude. It does this by radically placing us in front of our self-centeredness. When we do this a new energy begins to flow and we become better equipped to face life’s issues.

Naikan does this by asking three strategic questions:

 What have I received from person (or event) x?
 What have I given to person (or event) x?
 What troubles and difficulties have I caused to person (or event) x?

In Naikan we examine our entire life in minute detail from the time we were born to the present moment. We focus primarily or relationships rather than events as we are formed by our early childhood relationships and relationships in general. It is a Naikan principle that our mental health is based almost entirely upon how we relate with one another and our environment.

In Classical Naikan the client spends an intense seven day period in meditation on one’s entire life guided at regular intervals by the Naikan therapist. There are shorter versions of this process to suit the client’s schedule. It is often said that one of the “down sides” of Naikan is its intense seven day meditation. However, we must ask ourselves, what is seven days in what often has been a lifetime of struggle with certain issues?
Ideally Naikan is done with a “Naikan Guide” or therapist. However it can also be performed by oneself on a regular basis.

Gratitude in Naikan

The concept of “gratitude” plays a crucial part in Naikan. In Chinese the word for gratitude is “gan ji gan en”. The English word “gratitude” does not do justice to the Chinese words which convey a different concept. In our daily speech we can say we are “thankful” for something but still inwardly hold resentment or grudges. I can say “thank you” to someone for something even if that someone has annoyed me greatly. I do it out of politeness. The Gratitude in Naikan goes far beyond the concept of thankfulness. It is a realization of the “gift” of life and a sense of deep contentment with the way things “are”. . . an acceptance of the “is-ness” in all things. When we have this sense of deep gratitude we are free. Many say after Naikan they experience a feeling like a ton of bricks lifted off their shoulders. This is a happiness which goes beyond what “happens” to us.
Personal Responsibility
Naikan is a therapy and process that places responsibility squarely upon the individual challenged with their issues. Throughout the Naikan process the therapist will not give “advice” but guide the client to take responsibility for their own healing. In this process there is tremendous empowerment.

Much more

There is much more to Naikan than these few words can give justice to. Like all Mindfulness studies – they need to be experienced rather than didactically analyzed. We invite you to join us at the Introductory Naikan Workshops and Naikan Therapist Training in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne and China and come with curiosity for a deeper way of living and a compassionate way of helping others. www.taishendo.com

Want to see a miracle?

I was some time ago talking to my Master in the grounds of the Temple. It was a sunny Spring day. The Camphor Laurel trees exuded a beautiful perfume and the leaves rustled like soft whispers of a mantra. Our conversation turned to miracles. I mentioned that many people would like to see miracles occur in their life (trying hard to hide the fact I was also referring to myself!!). "There is one happening right in front of you at this very moment if you look carefully" he stated. Thinking that he was making some reference to our dialogue I nodded that I understood. Then he laughed. Oops!!! Had I misunderstood due to my inferior Chinese? He pointed "这里!Zheli! zheli!. . .here! here!" He pointed to the ground near my feet. In his sharp vision and wit he had seen something and transformed it to a lesson for me. There I spotted a single ant carrying the carcass of a large grasshopper. "Could you do that? Could you carry something by yourself nearly eight times larger than you?" came the Venerable. "We just need to open our eyes." . . .and perhaps the eyes of our mind, I thought.

On the Other Side

One day a young monk on his journey home came to the banks of a wide river. Staring hopelessly at the great obstacle in front of him, he pondered for hours on just how to cross such a wide barrier. Just as he was about to give up his pursuit to continue his journey he saw a great teacher on the other side of the river. The young monk yells over to the teacher, "Master, can you tell me how to get to the other side of this river"?

The Master ponders for a moment looks up and down the river and yells back, "My son, you are on the other side!".

Often in our life journey we long to get over to the "other side", whatever that may mean to us individually. "The other side" may mean that other city where life could be better or those "if onlys": If only I could have enough money for this or that; If only I could meet that magical person in my life. The problem is that the "here" will always be "there" and the "there" "here".

Where we are at this moment is the only place and time of our journey. In Pureland Buddhism we focus on our mind and the Buddha Mind becoming one through the practice of "nianfo" or Buddha Name Remembrance - the constant repeating of the name of Amitabha Buddha. The Chinese character for "nian" 念 means placing the mind (heart) in the present moment. The Buddha moment is now.

At a recent workshop in Mindfulness a participant presented his problem as trying to live the spiritual life while having to live in a worldly world. He went on to describe his struggles. While this is a very common struggle with those truly seeking to live the spiritual life the very struggle is where we need to be. It provides the necessary food for the journey. The small seed struggles against the very thing in which it is rooted - the soil - as it pushes against the clay to reach the light of day as a small green shoot. The butterfly pushes its wings against its cocoon in its attempt to free itself from its confines and in the process its wings are primed and strengthened. I am sure the seed and the butterfly yearn for the "other side"!

When we focus our mind in the now moment breathing in and out the name of Amitabha Buddha the name becomes like a vessel rescuing us as we bob about in the worldly ocean.

Searching for "the other side" is an necessary struggle. Our journey is most often on the side where we are at now.

Wise Up to Down Time

Mention the notion of Buddhist meditation and one most often conjures up the image of someone sitting in the lotus position, back straight, eyes closed and in peaceful contemplation - a perfectly normal and acceptable image. However, as most of us know who try to jam in twenty minutes or so of meaningful meditation in the morning before topping up the caffeine levels, racing out the door to pack into the bus or train or join the line of the other thousands of cars on the peak morning not-so-freeway bustle, finding the quality time to stay in tune with our Buddha consciousness can be quite a daunting task.

On the other hand Pureland Buddhism puts us in contact with the reality of each moment of the day, even during those stressful or irritating times hanging on the end of the phone line in the office while waiting for the automated voice telling you what number to press for half a dozen services you don’t want or feeling your blood pressure rocket past “normal” while waiting for the traffic to move past the tenth change of traffic signals. In fact, Pureland Buddhism is perhaps the most suitable method of practice for the modern era.

In my early days of practice of Pureland Buddhism I found I often bemoaned the seeming lack of time I had to practice meditation and Buddha Name recitation or “nien fo” as it is termed – that is until one day I discovered the wonderful Law of Downtime. It was before the time of the Navcom and I was racing out of the office to see a client in a southern Brisbane suburb. I failed to do my pre-drive check of the street directory instead navigating the car in a southerly direction. I soon realised I had no idea of where the destination address was so had to consult the street directory while at the same time steering the car. I am not sure if any of the readers of this blog have tried this (and I don’t suggest you do) but it is quite dangerous and difficult. Suddenly I found myself at a set of annoying traffic lights at an intersection I was acquainted with and I knew it normally takes what seems a millennium for the lights to change. So, I took this golden opportunity to consult the street directory. Well, you know what happened? Yes, you are right. The lights changed almost immediately just as I had fond page 230 in the street directory. At each set of lights the same thing happened leaving me no time to locate the destination address and plot a course. I could have sworn the Transport Department had changed the timing sequence on the lights! Alas! No! What had happened was that I had discovered the Law of Down Time: Traffic lights will always change quickly when to are pre-occupied with something else.

The central focus of Pureland Buddhism is to develop the Bodhi and Pure Mind through Buddha Name Recitation. “Once having developed deep Faith and earnest Vows you should hold on to the words “Amitabha Buddha” (Namo Amitofuo). Regardless of the occasion, weather walking or standing, sitting or reclining, speaking or remaining silent, moving about, meditating, dressing, eating, even when in the privy, you should keep the words “Amitabha Buddha” firmly in mind. You should exert yourself until the recitations are constantly before you, the whole Buddha is Mind, Mind and Buddha are one - reciting to the ultimate point where all mundane feelings are forgotten. At that time, the mind being empty, the Buddha appears. During this life you can attain the Buddha Name Remembrance Samadhi and at the time of death achieve rebirth in the upper lotus grades” - Master Yin Kuang, Pure-Land Zen, Zen Pure-Land, Letters from Patriarch Yin Kuang. The 13th Patriarch of Pureland Buddhism, Venerable Yin Kuang, makes it clear the necessity to hold the Buddha Name in all situations. If you become aware of Down Time you will find many such opportunities during the day: Standing in the line in the bank, waiting for traffic lights to change (they change a lot faster!!), waiting your turn at the check-out at the supermarket, waiting on the end of the phone, going through the security check at the airport, and so on it goes. Down-Time becomes the perfect opportunity for Buddhist Mindfulness practice.

Maximize your Down-Time moments for de-stressing instead of getting all wound up. Follow your breathing. Breathe in a gentle breath while in your mind saying “Amitofuo” (Amitabha Buddha). Allow the lungs to empty naturally while again holding the thought “Amitofuo”. Each breath: “Amitofuo”. If the mind pulls you into one of its stories simply acknowledge it by saying: “Thank you Mind” then continue the breathing and Buddha Name recitation. Observe how you feel at the end of each Down Time Session and make the Down-Time as an offering with deep thanks to the Buddha.

I invite you to make a written list of Down-Time opportunities in your day. No, don’t put it off until you have a moment. Do it now! – a short simple list is good to start with. You can add to it later when you discover more moments.

If you are not Buddhist you can still use this method adapted to your own faith tradition or simply to de-stress by doing some gentle awareness breathing. Notice what a difference to your day and your attitude it makes. Bring your meditation with you throughout the day and make a real difference to the world around you.

The line in the post office snaked its way out into the shopping centre mall. I closed my eyes and drifted deeply into my breath with the Buddha of Infinite Light and Life as my focus. Time stood still. All was gentle and peace. Suddenly I was aware of a soft tap on my shoulder: “Excuse me, Sir. It’s your turn.”

POSITION VACANT

I need a dedicated, reliable and motivated person to assist me in presenting Mindfulness Training and other courses in China. This an excellent opportunity for the right person to make a meaningful contribution in people's lives.

You must be fluent in both (Chinese)Mandarin and English. A knowledge of Chinese Buddhism and a passion for Chinese culture is highly desirable. If you are living near Hangzhou or Shanghai or know of anyone in this area this position would ideally suit you (them).

As much of the training work happens in the Tianmushan/ Lin'an region the ability to have fun working in a rural and remote environment is essential as is being warm, welcoming and encouraging to participants.

I am not interested in what degrees you have or don't have as much as I am interested in your passion for humanity and ability to "travel the journey" with another as they take the challenge to make changes in their life. If you can learn new skills quickly that is great!

If you are interested please contact me and I can forward more complete information.

Frightening, isn't it?

It was an ink black night. I was lined up at the end of the run way awaiting take-off clearance from the control tower. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as a mixture of excitement and trepidation came over me. This was my first night flying training and I knew that as we were taking off into fairly uninhabited area there would be very little visual reference and I would need to concentrate upon the instrument panel. My instructor, a former Navy pilot and humorless man fixed his gaze straight ahead. “Romeo Victor Charlie, clear for take off”, came the control tower. I smoothly pushed the throttle into full position as the aircraft lunged forward gathering speed. At rotation speed the aircraft released its hold on the runway. Suddenly there were no runway lights. Excitement rapidly turned to fear and in an instant I caught myself saying to the flight instructor “I feel a bit scared.” As immediately as his icy glance came my way I wished I had not made any comment. He came back at me with a forceful and steely question that seemed to pierce my soul. “Then what are you doing about it?!!” I immediately gained composure and did what a pilot needed to do to navigate in darkness.

I have often looked back at that moment in my life with great thanks to my instructor. There have been many times I have had to navigate in darkness. . . and here I am referring to my daily life, not flying an aircraft.

Not so long ago my teacher had visited our Retreat Centre in our village of Shi Ta Wan, China. The local driver from Zaoxi had driven up the mountain to take us back down to the town below. We jumped into his little van. My teacher wanted to take the back seat, so I sat next to the driver. The driver took off as if there was no tomorrow. The very narrow road winds its way through hair-pin bends and past small villages. We were pushed from side to side as the diver picked up speed. I envisaged us going over the edge and being killed any instant. Suddenly as we sped through a village a dog leapt out in front of the van causing the driver to skid sideways. He made some remark in local Chinese about the dog and continued at break neck speed. Gripped with a sudden feeling of fear I look around to my teacher, a dignified Buddhist monk advanced in age. I pretended that I was simply looking at the scenery not wanting to show any sign of my inner fear lest I should be embarrassed by not attaining a level of meditative calmness. My teacher looked straight ahead expressionless. I marveled at his ability to remain calm, cool and collected and secretly hoped he would say something to the driver to slow down in local dialect.

We finally arrived in Zaoxi. My face and knuckles must have been snow white drained of all blood supply with my legs behaving like noodles as I climbed out of the van. I turned to my teacher as he brushed his robes and remarked without any tell-tale expression: “Tian na! Xia ren!!” which translates as: “Heavens above! That was frightening, wasn’t it!!” I roared with laughter. We laughed together as we thanked the driver. (Thanking him we arrived safely without incident!) Suddenly a memory flash came back to my night flying lesson. In an instant in time the two moments connected. My teacher was human. He felt the fear too! Only, he did not allow it to control him.

Mindfulness teaches us just that. There are many things in life that shatter us or can turn us to jelly. There are the memories that can still haunt us and cause us to panic at every turn in the journey of life. Fear puts tremendous stress upon the adrenal system and heart. Prolonged fear can have quite injurious effects to our physical and mental well-being. Most often we allow the fear to overtake us then the struggle sets in creating a vicious cycle. We can often find ourselves struggling against the fear: “Oh! I shouldn’t be afraid” or "I should get my act together". Somehow it doesn’t make the fear go away. We try other methods – a stiff drink, some pills, diversion – but the fear very often returns.

Mindfulness does not deny the fear but openly accepts it. Like my flying instructor it asks us: “what are we doing about it?” Positive and growthful action is necessary. Mindfulness is not violent to the fear. It says: “I know you are there. I can accept you and give you space to be.” We must learn that the thought of fear and ensuing emotions cannot harm us. What can harm is inappropriate action.

Accepting what “is” defuses the “struggle”. Mindfulness teaches us to breathe into the fear gently and slowly being aware of the body and its tensions. Often as a consequence the fear gradually subsides on its own accord.

Finally Mindfulness teaches us to be guided by what truly matters to us in life. As Buddhists we know that all things are impermanent. All things change. All ceases. Yes, even our fear. Allow yourself to be guided by your deepest inner values rather than fleeting impermanent feelings. As we concentrate on meditation and whole heartedly on the name of Amitabha Buddha all else begins to fade into insignificance. Naturally, we need to work at it. Just imagine your fear fading into insignificance. Frightening, isn’t it?

The Happiest Lady in the World

It was our second day of Mindfulness Training. The autumn had rapidly given way to winter in the bamboo forest mountains. We donned gloves, scarfs and hats as we mounted the three wheeled tractor that was to take us up to the summit of the mountain. As we wound around the mountain road the temperature seemed to drop with each meter we climbed. Suddenly the motorcycle tractor came to an abrupt holt. The bitumen had come to an end and the dirt track was mud and slush from heavy icy rains the day before. We all got out to push the tractor through the mud. My attention was diverted to a small stone house with its occupants now curiously looking at us guys and girls seemingly in position for a rugby “scrum”. Lijuan, our team guide, had gone up the path to chat to them. “They are inviting us in for hot tea!”, called Lijuan. This seemed a far more sensible thing to do so we made our way up to the humble hut. It was a small hut typical of this mountain area of China. I must have past it many times before but had not really noticed it as it was set off the road a little.

Inside the hut was an inviting charcoal fire in the centre. We gathered around warm our numbed hands. I looked up to notice an old lady inviting me to sit down. He face was a smile for ear to ear. As she prepared and poured hot local tea she beamed an infectious laugh. We couldn’t help ourselves laughing with her. Her invitations were interpreted by Lijuan to Jin Jin as she spoke a local dialect which Lijuan translated into Mandarin then Jin translating into English for us. The old happy lady offered us nuts and dried sweet potato. Soon we were joined by her husband and other local villagers. Communication seems to happen rapidly in these remote parts as our presence was announced!



I could not help wanting to ask her the reason for her high pitched laughter and beaming smiles. After the dual interpreting came a response: “Oh! I am happy here. We came here five years ago from the town. In the town we had no work so we came here to grow vegetables.” “But what makes you happy?” I inquired further? “I have never thought about it” came the lady with a giggle. “Are there times when you struggle or are sad?” I asked digging for the deeper meaning. “Oh! (a very big raucous laugh!) I have never thought about it. I never think very much. I just watch my vegetables grow, work the soil, and drink some tea. Maybe you think too much! Now have some more tea.” We all laughed. I felt a tad embarrassed and at the same time extremely humbled.

Earlier that morning in our Training we talked about the Mind pulling us into our thinking self. That same morning we had met the happiest lady on earth. Her recipe? Don’t think too much. Just observe, work and enjoy tea and don’t let the mind get in the way. Too simple? Maybe. However, the lesson was powerful – from the happiest lady in the world.

And time stood still - a first lesson in Mindfulness

The bus ride was long this time. It was raining heavily and we encountered two multi-car accidents trying to get out of Shanghai city area. The group was tired and all sleeping having woken early hours to arrive at Shanghai South bus station for the bus to Lin’an.

I was awake in the bus like a shepherd watching over his sheep. I am always a little nervous with a new group coming to do the three-day Mindfulness Training at Zaoxi. Will the group be able to make the cultural transition? Will they cope with the remote conditions? I reminded myself that we had carefully screened the group so things should be OK. I practised mindfulness skills to bring myself back into the present moment and out of the “things-could-go-wrong” story my mind wanted to play with.

I looked out in front. We had passed the Hangzhou exit and mountains became visible with peaks shrouded in rain clouds. Soon we would be in Lin’an.

Arriving in Lin’an bus station we were greeted by Lijuan who always insists we need to eat before taking the last part of the journey into the mountains. Autumn was advancing so warm tea and rice made a welcomed respite. Then it was cramming into the small bus to climb the steep Tianmu mountains.

The group again fell silent as we wound along narrow mountain roads deep into the bamboo forests. The mist became fog as we climbed in altitude reaching into the very “eyes of heaven” as Tianmu means. I remembered my first trip up the mountain. I was silent too, wondering what to expect. Much of my own silence was wonderment at the sheer beauty. . . but that was spring time and there were no foreboding mists warning us of snow to come. Hervé who had come all the way from France put on his ski gloves. The temperature was falling with each kilometre. Finally we entered the village of Shi Ta Wan. I love to try to read the faces of the group as they look about. . .the mix of emotions from fear to wonderment. Soon they would be learning valuable and enriching lessons of the trickery of the mind and how to overcome their fear and inner-talk.

We made our way to the retreat house. Warm greetings from “mama” and “baba” our hosts and as usual the village elder was there to say “hello” the only English word in his vocabulary. Hot local tea was quickly served and we sipped on its smoky and woody flavour.

“Baba” came up to Lisa and wanted to inspect her watch. She graciously took it off for him. He inspected it like a mechanic trying to figure out the fault in a seized motor holding it at nose distance due to his ailing eyesight. He motioned to the clock on the wall. It is an old clock. It is covered with some spider webs and dust. It has obviously not been touched for many years. In fact it had been given to the family by their daughter who had once made a trip to the large town. No one thought that it actually needed batteries! It didn’t matter. Baba could not tell the time, anyway. Lisa asked JJ to translate into local dialect how Baba knows what time to rise in the morning and go to work. “Oh”, he stumbled, as if embarrassed by the answer he was about to give. “I wake up when my wife stokes the fire for breakfast.” “But how does she know what time to get up?” replied Lisa from Australia. “She just knows. It’s her tradition.” I watched the faces of the group. There was a short silence again. I noticed a small tear in the corner of Lisa’s eye. In that moment of time, time had stood still for us. The deep silence punctuated the moment. Lisa did not put her watch back on. I noticed she slipped it in her coat pocket. It was no longer of value to her. She had received her first lesson in Mindfulness, the world of no-time.

It was soon time for the group to get unpacked. Did I say “time.”? How did I know it was “time”. It just was.

Next Mindfulness Training in April 2010, see www.taishendo.com for details.

Eliminate or Adapt?

Though we may not realise it most of us are faced with this question on a daily basis, or perhaps several times a day. Things happen or are said that give us unpleasant feelings. Sometimes it is about things that have not happened yet - fear, confusion or struggle about the future. Do we try to get rid of those painful thoughts and feelings or do we accept them? No one wants unhappy thoughts or negative feelings. So, we most often do what comes natural to each of us – we either try to fight off the thinking (“I must think positive thoughts!” “I have to stop thinking about this!” “God, damn it! It’s his fault I’m like this!”) or we run in the opposite direction, called avoidance – have a few glasses of wine, have another cigarette, get into another relationship, go on a holiday. While some of these things are not so “bad” in themselves, in the long term are they helpful?

Most of us have tried all types of things to deal with painful thoughts and feelings only to find that eventually they keep coming back. Many years ago I found myself reading over my daily journaling. I had kept a journal for several years since someone told me that writing down your thoughts – getting them out on paper – was the way to deal with painful or negative emotions. Well, when I do something I usually do it to the max! I had kept a trunk full of old journal books. I chanced to gaze on the 5th of April 1997. The theme of the entry was my usual struggle with relationships. I looked back one year. 5th April 1996. I was shocked. It was the same stuff. I looked back on the 5th of April 1994. Still the same stuff! Nothing had changed. I immediately felt defeated. Struggle with my thinking was a daily routine. Sounds familiar? Many of us spend a huge amount of energy, time and money in the struggle trying to eradicate or eliminate the pain.

It was not until several years later I chanced to be in Shanghai, China and was introduced to a man who changed my life by changing my thinking. He has been the subject of a previous blog, the Venerable Xinming, an elderly monk from Hangzhou. He related to me how during the Cultural Revolution many monks left China for Taiwan or Hong Kong. Some stayed to resist the cultural change and paid a heavy price. Xinming told his story:

“I left the monastery, discarded my robes and went to Shanghai. Resistance is violence. The Precept tells us that we must not kill or be the cause of killing. If I resisted then I would have caused the guards to kill me and thus place them in a terrible hell. Robes do not make a monk. Temples and books do not make a monk. My life is not dependant on things but my state of mind. I was still a monk at heart. . .in my heart. I did not cease to recite the sutras silently or to “nienfo” (Buddha Name Recitation). I simply adapted. I had a purpose. This unfolded the way for me. My purpose was to live my vows no matter what and be true to myself. I was like a Chameleon. This lizard does not change being a lizard in his new environment. He simply adapts and changes his external appearance. This is the way. We must adapt.” Xinming concluded with a full heart laugh.

It took me some time to fully integrate the venerable monk’s words into my life but eventually they took root.

What does this mean to those of us who struggle with our thoughts and feelings?

Firstly acknowledge the feelings and thoughts. Realize that they are normal. They are part of what the human mind produces.

Secondly realize that you can observe them rather than getting caught up in them like watching cars pass by while standing on the side of the road instead of standing in the middle of the traffic.

Thirdly give them space. Breathe into them. Expand. Here our aim is flexibility – psychological flexibility. Breathing is very important and being present to the feelings the thoughts produce in your body. Allow them to simply be while all the time breathing into them.

Fourthly find what gives you purpose in life. What are you here for? What gives you vitality? Are you being true to your deep inner self? Continue to move in this direction as this will provide the energy.

Remember; do not get caught in the trap of trying to eradicate them. They will drag you down. The man caught in the quicksand can either struggle and sink or stop kicking about and float on the top, adapting, and perhaps having a far better chance of surviving.

This is the way of Mindfulness.

Buddhist Meditation - Relaxation or Mindfulness?

Many people come seeking Buddhism as a way of coping with stress and the undercurrent of quiet discontent that infects many of us in the West. Many more are drawn to Buddhist meditation as a means of finding relaxation.

There are many forms of Buddhist meditation. The seeker needs to find one style that suits their life-style and personality.

I write in this article about Pure Land (Jing Tu) Buddhist meditation. In Pure Land practise the reciting of the name of Amida Buddha is central. Amida Buddha is the Buddha of Infinite Light and Life. Through the constant recitation of his name we gradually become one with his quality of light and life. There is nothing extraordinary about this. It is common psychology. Repeat a concept or thought often enough and one becomes cognitively fused with that thought especially if there are strong emotions attached.

The practise of reciting the name of Amida Buddha is called "nien-fo" in Chinese. The Chinese character "nien" conveys the meaning of bringing our heart/mind into the present moment and of being "mindful" of this present moment. In Chinese Buddhism we chant : "Namo Amitofuo" meaning "homage to Amida Buddha" or simply "amitofuo".

For new comers to Pure Land Buddhism this is a rather curious practice as it seems at first to be quite boring and repetitive. Do not be deceived. This is a precious gem. Firstly it is a big mistake that many make that meditation is about relaxation. This is not the point of Buddhist meditation and it is not the goal of Pure Land meditation. A sense of relaxation is very often a by-product of meditating but we must not make it our aim as we can be very disappointed. There will be many times when our meditations are quite irritating as we struggle with the mind. The aim of Pure Land meditation or "nien-fo" is to attain single pointedness and purity of mind.

Nien-fo is done either aloud, silently, whispering or within one's mind (often called Diamond Meditation). In nien-fo we accept our transient thoughts like cars passing by our window without becoming attached to them while all the time holding on or reverting our attention to the name "amitofuo". In terms of psychology this is the essence of mindfulness practice.

In Buddhism we understand the mind to be the source of much suffering as we become fused with our thinking. A simple example is anxiety. If while meditating we have an anxious thought the tendency is often to struggle with that thought and thus become anxious about being anxious! In Pure Land nien-fo, we accept the thought of anxiety even perhaps naming it: "My mind is having an anxious thought". Then we move on ever repeating "amitofuo". The thirteenth Patriarch of Pure Land the Venerable Yin Kuang tells us that it does not matter if we have all types of thoughts. "Amitofuo goes before them and Amitofuo goes after them. That is all that matters."

With much practise the "monkey thoughts" become less and less. As I have said, meditation is not about relaxing. It is about mindfulness. Of course we will have many times when we will feel relaxed and peaceful after a meditation but this is NOT to be the goal.

Over many life times we have built up an accumulation of evil karma (and good karma as well). The evil karma is like a giant glass of muddy water. We could try to tip the water out and refill the glass with fresh, clean water but the glass is so huge we are unable to lift it or move it. The only way is through the law of displacement. Each time we recite the name of Amida Buddha it is like a small droplet of pure water released from a dropper into the muddy water. Eventually the water will overflow from the glass and gradually the muddy water will be replaced by fresh crystal clear water. Let the glass of water on your altar be a reminder of that as you single mindedly hold the thought "amitofuo". With regular practice a sense of deep contentment will gradually replace the discontent.

Amitofuo

Mind the traffic in Shanghai

It was mid afternoon and I was running late for an appointment. I was stuck right in the middle of four lanes of Shanghai traffic trying to cross the road. I still had another two lanes to negotiate. If only the traffic stayed in their lanes in orderly fashion. However, this was Shanghai where buses did war with motor 'scooterists', bicycles did war with barrow pushers, cars did war with cyclists and the whole lot did war with the pedestrian! I was starting to panic a little as I was nearly side wiped by a bus towering beside me. At last I made it to the other side, took a deep breath as the adrenalin took its last rush along the highways of my veins then picked up the pace darting amongst the mass of bodies as I rushed to the appointment.




Later in the evening I was to meet a friend in Xujiahui who was inviting me to meet his "master". I had never met a "master" before and wondered what to expect. Yan had told me that his master was a Buddhist monk who was in Shanghai for a few days from the tranquil Buddhist island of Mt Putuo off the coast of China.





Earlier in the day over breakfast Yan eagerly shared with me his story of how he came to discover Buddhism. Living the life in the fast lane as a Manager of a large hotel chain Yan described how his life had sunk to flirting with wine and women and how during a 'morning-after' walk full of remorse and 'never-agains' he chanced to walk into the grounds of a temple in Hangzhou. There he met his "master". "Your mind looks like a traffic jam" were the first words of his "master" almost clairvoyantly uttered. Yan told me his words could not have been more accurate. Yan went on to tell me how after about two hours' conversation with this elderly monk he felt he could start life all over again. Yan's face was a smiling shining disc. I was intrigued.





He looked right out of place. So much so I felt a little embarrassed. As we walked inside the ritzy Shanghai restaurant there in front of us with a gentle, almost cheeky grin, was Yan's "master" dressed in yellow Buddhist robes. Two worlds had collided. The world of the rich and opulent and the world of the humble and spiritual. Perhaps I could say: "Three worlds collided." The third world was mine, trying to make sense of all of this. Yan introduced me: "This is Master Xin Ming". I bowed and awkward bow and stumbled with my Chinese. We were ushered to a table by a seeming equally embarrassed waitress.





There ensued some conversation about Putuo Shan, or Mt Putuo as it is referred to in English, then Yan said: "Malcolm wishes to speak with you." I could have aimed a gentle kick under the table at Yan. At this point in my journey my life had been in turmoil dramatically breaking up a relationship with a lady I had been going out with after learning she was in fact married to a government official who if he had found out cold have easily made me disappear into the remotest part of Siberia never to be seen again. Thoughts were spinning around in my head. No, more than that, the thoughts and feelings dominated my head! I really did not want to speak to this holy man as I had nothing to say except to wallow in my own suffering. I was keen to know how old he was using an old avoidance tactic, so hoping to get an answer an indirect way I asked: "When did you first become a monk?" "I am eighty-four. I have been a monk since I was eighteen." I was shocked. Could this gentle man have known my intended question? Xin Ming immediately put me at ease by telling me about his life as a monk especially during the Cultural Revolution. I sat transfixed at his story. Then he stopped suddenly and changed his tone while looking almost as if straight though me. "You need to get out of the middle of the traffic or you will get run over. You can't stop the traffic in Shanghai and you can't stop it in Malcolm. Get to the other side. There on the other side of the road you are safe. From there you can watch the traffic." I was stunned. My mind swept back to my pirouetting in the middle of the traffic in the morning on my way to my appointment and then suddenly walked slap bang into the wall of my own illusion.





The evening conversation continued lightly but the seed was sown in my brain. The lesson was clear. My first lesson in Mindfulness. . .and my first shaky steps in Buddhism.