What is Essential?

I wanted expand on an article/journal published on Dailyzen.com "Essentials of Mind". Every month a journal is published about Zen or teachers of the way. What is the way? Why do these great teachers sound so confusing? I know that in previous entries I have written about "discovering your hidden dragon" and taking notice of the way you are. These are just smaller crumbs left behind that mark the trail back to the original you. There really isn't one book or Koan that will tell you how to be. These are just ideas that help you discover the best way to be.

These ideas and words are the outer rings of ripples created by stones thrown into the river of Zen, Taoism, and Buddhism written and taught to many by the great masters. Much of the words and teaching created by these men seem like riddles mixed within riddles. How and why would someone want to seek enlightenment? What will it do for me when I am worrying about the kids, the house, the bills, and my job?

Sure these teachings seem great for people that lived in much simpler times. Now there are high gas prices, war, and controversy in news and entertainment. Well, I would say to you, this is a perfect time to differentiate yourself from the rest of the world. The stress that comes along with these worries pull you further and further away from yourself even if you are a habitual morning jogger worried about staying healthy.

If you are a parent, it is even better. Your children are in school right now searching for a place to fit in with clothes, music, relationships...etc. Why not show them that it is ok and magical to be yourself. Normally being yourself is something that is said by the "nerds" looking to be ok with who they are. But no one ever says this about Michael Jordans of the world when they win ballgames. Successful athletes are being the best people they can be - why shouldn't you? Enlightenment is for the body, mind, and spirit. It happens when all three meet in total unison.

If you hope to make it to your golden age, you may want to consider looking toward healthier ways of living. Obviously meditation is one of the best methods of stress reduction and spirit rejuvenation you can do. When you choose to take a few moments out of your day to recognize your inner being down to your brain, breath, blood, muscles, and organs, you will slowly discover the hidden treasures about the present moment and power of you.

This will be your first step toward enlightenment. It will be right for you to know that it may or may not happen to you. Do not seek it. Do not boast about it if you think you have found it. Just sit down, relax, and breathe. Enjoy a few moments of silence. Enjoy being alive and keep it that simple.

When and if you decide to take your new journey, revisit those confusing Koans and stories written by the great philosophical masters. Little by little those words will start to make sense.