Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Full Awareness

Full Awareness
After ten years of apprenticeship, Tenno achieved the rank of Zen teacher. One rainy day, he went to visit the famous Master Nan-in. When he walked in, the master greeted him with a question, "Did you leave your wooden clogs and umbrella on the porch?"
"Yes," Tenno replied.
"Tell me," the Master continued, "did you place your umbrella to the left of your shoes, or to the right?"
Tenno did not know the answer, and realized that he had not yet attained full awareness.
So he became Nan-in's apprentice and studied under him for ten more years.
Reflection
* Most of us lack attention, awareness and mindfulness of the physical and mental phenomena within us and in the external world. Such a heedless mind becomes weak and is more likely to make careless mistakes and poor judgement.

* Problems, conflicts, trouble and disharmony often arise out of a lack of mindfulness ... we disrupt the peace, balance and harmony of our environment through acts of mindlessness; we create conflicts within ourselves and with others through unmindfulness.
* It is imperative that we train the mind to be more aware, alert and mindful. Practise mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness leads to calmness, joy, peace, equanimity, happiness, wisdom and freedom. It is the Path to Deathlessness.
With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin

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