"Buddha's teachings are not an instant formula for nirvana. Once you begin to purify your heart-mind, you can count on a dust ball of illusion blowing in so that you cannot clearly see. Suddenly, you are groping in the dark once more as blindness recurs in your life. The Book of Serenity, a book of ancient Zen koans, or spiritual questions, translated by Thomas Cleary, says in 'Case One':
"The unique breeze of
reality—
Don't let it blow
in your eyes;
it's especially
hard to get out."
"The practice is to constantly clear from our minds what we think and feel to be real. We have a place in the world in which to stand upright and share the gift of insight we were all born with. We could spend our time being afraid of what others think or wait for another's opinion of our lives, but eventually the suffering will bellow so loud we will need to quiet it. At least this was the case for me when I entered the Buddha way.
"We live in times that are different from Buddha's time. But the one thing that remains a common ground for all living beings is honoring our precious lives.
"Here are some things I thought would be helpful for integrating the messages in this book:
"First, begin a letting go process. Let go of the words here. Get out of your head and try not to compare Buddha's teachings to other ones or analyze the problems that surface for you based on what is written. Allow any new discoveries about yourself to arise. Allow time and space (rather than your intellect) to bring together what teachings are needed in your life.
"Second, we all live busy lives, but if you take five or ten minutes a day to stop and be alone in silence, you will find some ease in the day. This ease will lead to patience. All spiritual paths require a great amount of patience.
"Third, have conversations with others about what you have read in this book. Sharing your visions for a spiritual life gives friends and family a chance to support you, as well as gain a respect for the things you find along the path of life. Even if you find others reacting negatively to your explorations, see how committed you are to your life's vision or explore your own spiritual motivations as a process of understanding the challenges. Talk with a teacher or senior practitioner on the path.
"Fourth, continue to live life as an inquiry. Although I have answered some questions, there are many more questions to be asked and a longer conversation to be had about Buddha's teachings.
"I hope this book has helped you. Even if this path is not for you, I hope you could find something to help heal and transform the suffering in your life.
"May you find peace with the uncertainty of life. And may the merit of these words go forth into the world for the benefit of all and to help ease our collective suffering. May we heal to the fullest extent possible.
"In peace, in joy, in wellness."
