Meditation Retreat – February – I have lost another day without realizing my Mind!
Welcome to the meditation retreat in February at the Honora Zen Monastery in Switzerland.
Contemplation
One zen master began meditating from morning to night. As soon as the sun would set, he would beat his fist against the ground in frustration and cry out, "I have lost another day without realizing my Mind." He continued this every day until he was finally awakened.
There are many people who have exhibited the determination of this zen master. It is impossible for me to cite everyone who has had the determination to meditate until enlightened. None of them was worried about living or dying, or about eating, dressing well, or sleeping. In our study, we should practice the same way. Consider this carefully.
Do not seek noble titles nor wish to have possessions nor ask for prosperity. Wherever you happen to be, just live in accord with your karma, here and now, in this life. If your clothes wear out, patch them again and again, if there is no food, barely even search for it.
Wisdom
When the warm energy under your chin grows cold, suddenly you become a corpse. What remains after death is only a hollow name. After all, how many days will this transient body live? Why work hard only to acquire useless things? That only makes your mind dark and causes your to forget about studying. After awakening one's own mind, one should always preserve it's purity and tranquility. Cultivate this mind without allowing it to be tainted by worldly things.
Then many good things which come from the Awakening will happen. Faithfully trust in this. When you have to die, there will be no more suffering or sickness. You can go freely to Heaven or anywhere else you choose. You control your own life as a free man in the world.
Meditation Center
The Honora Zen Monastery is a rustic and small meditation center in Switzerland. Here you can find more information and register for the mountain week.
