The Art in Silence

In a world full of opinions, is silence the true convincer? I came across a Zen Koan, and it made me stop and think about the vocal world we live in. The Koan is called “Learning to Be Silent”, and it goes: “The pupils of the Tendai school used to study meditation before Zen entered Japan. Four of them who were intimate friends promised one another to observe seven days of silence. On the first day all were silent. Their meditation had begun auspiciously, but when night came and the oil lamps were growing dim one of the pupils could not help exclaiming to a servant: "Fix those lamps." The second pupil was surprised to hear the first one talk. "We are not supposed to say a word," he remarked. "You two are stupid. Why did you talk?" asked the third. "I am the only one who has not talked," concluded the fourth pupil.” The first pupils name, Impatientance. Immediately, my mind overflows with examples of moments where I was quick to surrender. Many occasions where I declared a new page in my story, just to rip it out that night. The need for immediate change either gets too difficult, or it doesn’t happen fast enough. I did not allow myself to sit with the process, to allow the outside forces to flow by like an oncoming train. We must allow these things to wash through us. Deep down, I will always have the desire to call out, but I must let that desire pass. Breathe, be patient. The second pupils name was Attachment. Just a few pages in and I deem the new chapter as part of me. The changes must be habitual now right? I successfully did it for a week…..? Unfortunately, wrong, I must remember; nothing ever changes in a “practice”. There is no connection to the person you were five minutes ago. Every minute, every decision is another chance to shape yourself. The third pupils name was Aversion. How often can we get caught in the trap of; happiness is just around the corner? Before enlightenment; chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment; chop wood, carry water....Our life doesn’t change, just our perspective does.We can not dodge the present while waiting for an end goal, or “correct” way. It is not black or white. Actions and direction, in the current moment, is the only parameters of progress. The fourth pupils name is Ego. Standing tall, the ego has a desire to preach, convert, and constantly sway people's perspective. The ego’s desire to be correct, will try to force its way out of my mouth. What better way to reassure itself then to change the mind of others? I must focus on only my own growth, and trust others are doing the same. Leading by example is powerful. To live your truth for you, and only you; to not look down on others just because you have found a way to be content. “There is more than one way to skin a cat”(so they say), there is also unlimited paths to enlightenment. The Buddhist teach; do not learn Buddhism to become Buddhist, but learn it to become a better whatever you already are.The people who need your help, will seek you out. If we sit in silence, those who respect the way you live will find you. Forming like minded communities of free flowing, non judgemental discussion of practices; not religion, moral code, or what is deemed wrong or sinful. The communication of practice, allows us to focus more on the common ground between us. Sharing our tools allows us to become a stronger, “whatever we already are.” The fifth pupil unmentioned and forgotten. Not spoken of in the Koan and saved for last in my article. He did not break his silence. He sat alone and reached his goals. No one but himself to be accountable to. As the other pupils shamed one another, the fifth sat quietly. In our loud world, it seems odd that silence can cut through the noise.

#selfhelp #zen #Buddhist #silence #art