NANCY PATCHEN | Zen Wisdom

That you got knocked down by this buffalo could mean that you owed the buffalo something from a previous life, perhaps your own life will suffer. As a Buddhist, you should understand karma. That you got knocked down by this buffalo could mean that you owed the buffalo something from a previous life, perhaps your own life; but because you were on a pilgrimage, you only suffered a broken leg. That is your karma. If you insist on going on, you will be a burden to the whole group, and you will only be creating more bad karma for yourself.” Hearing this, she decided to return to Taiwan.

The key word is “try.” Of course you should not do anything that would harm others, but you also should try to help. Whether or not you truly help them is another story, and it really isn’t your concern.

STUDENT:
Trying to be compassionate all the time can become a mental burden, especially if it must be pounded into the brain moment after moment. Wouldn’t it cut into all of our other thoughts, words and actions? Can we always be thinking about other people? Even when we are sitting on the toilet? It can be oppressive. Is there another way one can think about it?

SHIH-FU:
Don’t forget what I said earlier. Don’t do anything that will make you feel tense, tired or miserable. If you whip yourself all the time, you will be of no use to others or to yourself. Be as mindful as you can. With meditation as a supporting discipline and the Buddhadharma as your guideline, compassion will grow naturally. Do the best you can, but don’t push too hard.

STUDENT:
To a large degree, karma depends on the intention behind the words or actions. Is it possible. without attaining enlightenment, to control our intentions and volition to the point where no karma is created?

SHIH-FU:
It is possible, but very difficult. I suppose you would never be able to interact with others. Words spoken and actions performed without volition do not create karma. I am not sure you can speak and act without wanting to speak and act.

STUDENT:
What if I kill a sentient being without knowing it? Suppose I’m driving down a dark street at night and a cat runs under the car before I can react. Is karma created then?

SHIH-FU:
First, you were riding the car by choice. Second, that situation came about because of causes and conditions and because of your karma and the cat’s karma. Therefore, karma is created; but the karma is lighter than if you had purposely killed the cat.

STUDENT:
Do random thoughts create karma?

SHIH-FU:
No. Thoughts that come and go of their own accord do not create karma. Only thoughts that arise with volition create karma. Such karma is also lighter than karma created by words and actions.

STUDENT:
What about the willful choice to think about my method of practice, or to think about the welfare of sentient beings? Does that create karma?

SHIH-FU:
Yes, that creates good karma.

STUDENT:
Is it possible to go about your daily activities and perceive the world like a camera or mirror ─ non-discriminating ─ without being enlightened?

SHIH-FU:
There is the mind of intuition and there is the mind of non-discrimination. They are different. Unenlightened people can, to varying extents, rely on their intuition. By intuition, I mean knowing, saying and doing things in a direct way, without relying much on the thought process. With a truly non-discriminating mind, there are no vexations. With the mind of intuition, vexations can still arise from the subconscious. A mind of intuition can be cultivated and strengthened with meditation. It is not enlightenment, but it is a good state of mind.

STUDENT:
How do you practice when there is not enough time to sit because of a hectic schedule or other obstacles? It can be disillusioning.

SHIH-FU:
During your busy day, try to find little bits of time to sit and relax and clear your mind. It doesn’t have to be on a cushion, and it doesn’t have to be for thirty minutes or an hour. Take three or five minutes here and there to sit: at your desk, in a car or bus or train. You can do this anywhere and anytime. Relax your body and mind. Breathe. Settle your mind. Let your mind and body refresh themselves.

If your schedule is too hectic to set aside even five minutes, then try to relax your mind and body while you are working or walking or talking. Make work your practice. Be mindful of what you do and say.

I do this. When I am in Taiwan I have no private time from early morning until late at night. Whenever I remember, I try to stay relaxed in body and mind. I try not to let distractions bother me. I let them come and go. If I didn’t do this. I’d probably be dead by now.

It’s something that all of us can do. It takes effort and time, but it is not too difficult. If I can do it, so can you.

PREVIOUS: DAILY PRACTICE | Zen Wisdom
NEXT: Is THE VIEW OF PRACTICE MORE IMPORTANT THAN PRACTICE ITSELF? | Zen Wisdom