Today's Lesson in Zen
"Life is like getting into a boat that is just about to set sail and sink."
-Shunryu Suzuki Roshi
We all know that life is impermanent: the mere fact that we are born means we are going to die. Why is it, then, that we spend most of our lives in a struggle? Why can't we embrace the fact that this life--no matter what our current circumstances--is a gift? I mean, think about it: we all hear stories about people who are told that they only have three months to live so they decide to do everything that they've ever wanted to do, and they make amends with their enemies, etcetra, etcetra. We're all going to die. Just because we haven't been given a certain date and time doesn't mean that it's not going to happen. Why do we have to wait until the doctor says our time is up to really start to live?
Every time we breath out there is no guarantee that we will take another in-breath; doesn't that just solidify the fact that every in-breath is an absolute gift?
Life is precious, and short, and precious.
These are just my thoughts for the day. :)
Blessings,
Bhakti
tags: Jaibhakti, Zen, spirituality, Shunyru Suzuki Roshi
Labels: @BhaktiBrophy, @jaibhakti, Bhakti Brophy, contemplation, death, divinity, immortality, Jai Bhakti, jaibhakti, mysticism, shunryu suzuki, spirituality, temporal being, Yama, yoga
posted by Unknown at 12:48 PM
14 Comments:
The cynic in me, upon reading the Zen quote, thought of my favorite Nietzsche quote, "Life is like a cow pasture, you better watch your step." Your words are much more uplifting!
Was it not Nietzsche who said to live dangerously? Also, when I spoke to him, he clarified his cow pasture statement to exclude the positive infinite.
Awesome post. I hope you're feeling better.
That's nice. I get that, I really do. I too hope you're feeling better - and precious, because you are too!
~Mike
"We are neither born, nor do we ever die. We are but mere shadows that make the Chasm."
-PRADEEP K.
Dearest Bhakti,
Kindly forgive my comment. You may delete it if you so wish, since it conflicts with the Roshi's statement.
Also, get a well soon! Yes, a victorian era wishing well. Then you can wish for good health.
I agree. Life is precious 'cause it's short. That's why my administrashun is all 'bout makin' people's lives more precious.
Why can't we embrace the fact that this life--no matter what our current circumstances--is a gift?
I'm working on this. :)
Why do we have to wait until the doctor says our time is up to really start to live?
This is something I never got. I try to spend as much quality time as possible with the family and friends, because we never know when either they'll die or we'll die.
Awesome post.
So true!
*Sending you good thoughts and prayers*
~Mike
so darn true!
How are you Bhakti?
Overcoming the hurdles in our family's life has taught us this message. I am grateful!
Hope you're feeling better.
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