It’s A Lot: Finding Equilibrium

View from Point Reyes National Seashore

When our country has declared war and created world-wide instability and destruction, it may seem contradictory to think about equilibrium. It is precisely at these times that a state of both physical and mental balance is necessary.

Because what is the alternative? If we work ourselves up into a frenzy of fear and anger, we are not able to think and act rationally.

Does that mean we can’t be angry or fearful? No, we give ourselves time for that and then we find ways to calm ourselves down.

Zen Master Seung Sahn writes, “A taxi has weak shock absorbers, so it hits a small bump and bounces up and down. A train has strong shock absorbers, so it is very steady. If you keep your primary point, your mind-spring will become stronger and stronger. You will meet big problems and your mind will move less and less. A big problem comes, your mind moves, but soon returns to primary point. Finally, your mind will be very strong; it will be able to carry any load. Then saving all people is possible.”

Primary point is when we come back into equilibrium. We might practice and strengthen our ability to return to our strong center by an ongoing meditation or yoga practice, walking in the woods, writing, baking, or being with children.

Sending love and peace to you and to the world,

Sue

Kwan Um School of Zen