Life Flows, Without Obstacles
11 p.m. Wednesday, August 25, 2022. Stomach twists. The pain was almost unbearable. I woke up.
The weather is cool and delicious. Everything was perfect, except for the screaming stomach. The combination of coffee, milk, soda, spicy goat satay is indeed deadly. I've been expecting it.
I opened the medical application. Consul with a doctor. Medication was ordered, and it came right away within 30 minutes. Modern technology is amazing!!
While waiting, with my stomach wrapped around me, I did meditation. Some Yoga and Tai Chi postures help warm the body. The pain is reduced, also because the ability to accept the situation increases. I am clear: I know, that there is pain coming in the stomach.
The medicine is coming. Thank you so much to Mr. Marno who was ready to take him. Matur Suksma I say from the bottom of my heart. Before taking the medicine, I eat a small snack. Returning to a cross-legged sitting posture, I waited for the medicinal effect to appear.
Shortly after, I fell asleep. Woke up in the morning, the weather was so sunny. The pain has disappeared. After doing morning rituals in the form of meditation, Yoga and Tai Chi, I went out for breakfast, and wrote. Everything is perfect as it is.
No Barriers
This is life without obstacles. This is not to say there are no problems, or challenges. The world keeps changing. There is never the same situation over and over again.
So is the body. Sometimes, he is sick, and needs rest. Sometimes, he is healthy, and ready to be invited to do many activities. Everything is changing and temporary.
The human mind is the same. Sometimes, there is a feeling of joy coming. Sometimes, there are feelings of sadness, anger and anxiety. Everything changes.
The state of life is like the clouds and the sky. Sometimes, there are cloudy clouds covering the sky and the sun. Moments later, the clouds left, and the weather cleared again. The sun and sky are visible again.
We just have to live with what happened. This means, we know and are very aware of what is happening here and now. Spiritual practice also helps, so that we are aware, and ready to accept all the circumstances that are happening. Then, we are ready to do what needs to be done.
Contextual Spirituality
Zen Master Seung Sahn said, "only go straight, don't know". The road continues in the midst of various changes. The straight path with a clear mind. No need to think too much. This is the essence of Zen which is contextual spirituality. This is a spirituality that is open to all circumstances. There is no teaching that fools and impoverishes, as in the religion of death. It gives peace, provides direction in life as well as skills to respond to changes.
Zen is unique. It combines Buddhism from Nepal, as well as Taoism from China. Buddhism is very logical and systematic. Meanwhile, Taoist teachings are very spontaneous and natural. The two intertwine beautifully and logically in the Zen way.
Life is dissatisfaction. As long as we pursue temporary and changing things outside ourselves, we will suffer. We just need to find silence and great inner peace. The simplest way is to become one with the sensation of breathing in and out, until everything is gone.
All action flows from the void. This is also known as the state of no mind. When you eat, only eat. When walking, just walking. Everything is clear and perfect as it is. The mind becomes like a mirror. Nothing was added to the things that happened. Be aware and clear on what is happening here and now. Then, do what needs to be done from inner silence.
The Way Out of Suffering
What to do, when suffering comes? What to do when things don't go your way? When the body hurts? When the mind is confused? When suffering, be aware that suffering comes. When disappointment, anger and various other emotions come, be aware that they are coming. Observe all feelings and emotions that arise, without judgment. This is called clarity.
In clarity, there is a welcome acceptance. Then, we can think about what needs to be done. When hungry, yes eat. When you are sick, you take medicine. When you don't have money, you live frugally and work more diligently. Clarity will give birth to the ability to understand the situation. Common sense also works. We can act appropriately, according to the circumstances in front of our eyes. All flowed from deep silence.
Silence means no mind. We are only aware of what is happening in the here and now. The past and the future vanished, for they were only illusions. Naturally from a quiet mind, we then act in response to the existing situation. What is also important is the direction of our lives. As long as we live only to satisfy self-interest and narrow groups, then suffering will come. On the other hand, if we live for the benefit of all beings, then peace and happiness will arise. This is an eternal law of nature.
The result is amazing. Life becomes barrier-free moment by moment. Peace and happiness become loyal friends in everyday life. Hopefully so?
