Description
We are lost many times in our lives. I suppose that is what suffering is: The feeling that we lost our wallet, the person we depended on, or the mind we are used to. These are all a matter of identity, and it’s nice to get them back, but who knows, maybe it’s a hindrance too. Complete session on May 28th, 2023, with music from Michael Wilding & Jordan McConnell.
Summary
I heard a friend was having a difficult time and called to check in. I found myself saying encouraging things: “Don’t blame yourself, don’t blame others either, you’ll never find your way through by doing that.” Then I thought, oh no, l’m giving advice, a sincere movement but not really satisfying.
A phrase from a calligraphy in one of the sub-temples of Daitokoji appeared in my mind:
The universe is in a tea bowl.
This phrase seemed like an open window. The view became larger.
We are lost many times in our lives. I suppose that is what suffering is: The feeling that we lost our wallet, the person we depended on, or the mind we are used to. These are all a matter of identity, and it’s nice to get them back, but who knows, maybe it’s a hindrance too.
The universe is in a tea bowl.
Wandering through the temple rooms of Daitokuji, I saw sayings such as “Buddha is your thoughts and feelings.” Then I saw a sign pointing to a path into the trees, saying, “Go into Nature and meet the Buddha.”
I liked that, too.
—John Tarrant
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