A very interesting sit.

[Jigetsu]

Good evening Sangha!

I've been out of pocket for a bit, no problems, just busy with being a husband, father, and employee. The night before last, I sat in front of a new wooden statue of the Buddha that I picked up for my impromptu nightstand shrine.

I sat and let me eyes focus soften, however the outline of the meditating figure was a constant. It was a wonderfully peaceful sit. Halfway through, while watching the cloud thoughts pass through my mental blue sky I thought to myself very sincerely, "You know, I really love the Buddha." At that moment, my eyes welled up with what I can only describe as love and gratitude, and I even shed a tear or two.

If I may quote our beloved teacher Jundo, "Zazan is all of life, all of life is Zazen." I felt that deeply, and truthfully, and I wish it for you all.

[adrianbkelly]

When I used to practice vipassana meditation, I was first taught to focus at the tip of the nose & then a few years later was taught to focus on the abdomen. I then went through a stage where I'd never be satisfied & would start swapping between the two.

When I started sitting shikantaza I found it very liberating not to have to choose. Then, during one sitting, it suddenly dawned on me that I didn't have to take a position on anything. I was not "inside" my body, looking out; I was not the birds I could hear outside or the wall I was facing & I was not not all these things either. At that moment, everything seemed so simple that I started laughing & welling up at the same time. I was on a high for the rest of the day.

Of course, I tried to replicate this, with no success, but have finally let go (I hope!) It's just a very pleasant memory now!

_/\_

Ade

[Mp]

Thank you Jigetsu ... I have had this type of experience during Zazen, but have also had sadness come up to. Both were a beautiful experience.

Gassho,
Michael

[Kyonin]

Yes those sits are very significant for our practice. They are a simple perfect moments that make everything take meaning.

Thank you for sharing your light with us.

Gassho,

Kyonin

[ChrisA]

Thanks, Jigetsu. I certainly appreciate every aspect of this topic: the moment of intensity within zazen, the desire to retell it, the desire to release it instead of cling to it, the desire to retell the release of it, the... and on and on we go.

[AlanLa]

I don't mean to be mean, but when that happens just drop it and move on.....





That's the practice I have come to know.....



The hard way.




When you love the Buddha, kill him.