ZEN WISDOM

 

Let your neighbors discover you before you make yourself known to them.

                                                                           - Zen wisdom on modesty

Generally there is a tendency in all of us to show to the world that we are great and unique and there is nothing wrong with it. But the problem with majority of folks is they want frequent validation from outside world to gauge their self-worth. A person who wants to grow spiritually must not cling to this trait.

Zen wisdom offers more such insights on life. In fact, it is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that was developed in China during the 6th century. It emphasizes the value of meditation and intuition to grow spiritually. It recommends that we, instead of mere ritual worship or study of scriptures must transcend to a level where our life exuberates with joy at every moment.

The word Zen, in fact, originated from Sanskrit root word dhyana which means meditation.

Do we really care ourselves to grow in life in terms of abilities and talents the Creator has endowed ? Many complain that they are riddled with so many problems in life which if we see in correct perspective, are not problems but opportunities.

Experience defines our quality life. If the experience is sore, we naturally switch to an action which gives joy. The experience is the lens through which we discriminate people, choices and situations. That lens could turn into a third eye and guide you if you keep it clean with the path shown by Wisdom Masters.

Success and Spirituality go hand in hand. Those who are successful are more spiritual because they know the impermanence of success and they profoundly believe in a Higher Power that dictates their destiny.

What is success ? Anthony Robbins, America's prominent personality development guru says that "success is the result of the good judgement; good judgement is the result of experience; and experience is often the result of bad judgement"

How you perceive the bad experience is all that matters. Why Buddha is often talked about? Because, he is the person who worked on his own mind before he shared that wisdom with the world. His words: better to win over yourself than to win a thousand battles' illustrate the point of how difficult it is to control the mind.

Is there any connection between game and spirituality. The answer is obviously ''yes''. Experts say that if there is any game that inculcates spirituality, it is Golf. Amy Alcott, an American professional golfer and golf course designer who won five championships quotes that "Golf is a spiritual game. It is like Zen. You have to let your mind take over.

We have very prominent golfers amongst them is Deepak Chopra, the famous Indian-American doctor and rock star of spirituality. He wrote a book "Golf for Enlightenment: The Seven Lessons for the Game of Life.'' which is one of the best sellers.

Modesty is the key to Zen way of living. If you give too many swings to happier moments, then you are bound to let down in moments of sorrow. Striking a perfect balance to dualities is where the wisdom lies and Buddha is a state of mind, which is a possibility field open to everyone!

BE COMPASSIONATE AND NON-JUDGEMENTAL

 



Indian wisdom tradition says that senses are outward bound and the more you indulge, the worst would be your condition. Hence, moderation is the key. Make it a habit to continuously judge yourself rather than others. This helps to shine your own inner life.

Make it a rule not to abuse anybody by impulse. Before such toxic emotion runs you, consciously pass it through a filter of your intellect. Observe your reaction before you react. This sounds easy but very difficult to act upon. But with constant practice, it becomes easy.

You must understand other person's emotional cues from the web of your own experiences and respond positively so that you could take your relationships to next level.

Noted Indian philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti in his book "Freedom from known' says that :

>  Relationship between human beings is based on the image-forming, defensive mechanism.

>  In our relationships each one of us builds an image about the other and these two images have relationship, not the human beings themselves.

> The actual relationship between two human beings or between many human beings completely ends when there is the formation of images.

> Relationship based on these images can obviously never bring peace in the relationship, because the images are fictitious and one can not live in an abstraction.

While talking on comparison mania, Krishnamurti says that :

> Why do you compare yourself with another? This comparison has been taught from childhood. In every school A is compared with B, and A destroys himself in order to be like B.

> Trying to become like somebody else, or like your ideal, is one of the main causes of contradiction, confusion and conflict.

Generally, we make snap judgements on roadside unknown people or people with whom we are envious or those with whom we don't have harmony or love and affection.

In fact to judge others is an evolutionary impulse to save ourselves from life threats. But, we the humans need to tackle this situation with what Dalai Lama's model of intimacy which is based on a willingness to open ourselves to many others, to family, friends, and even strangers, forming genuine and deep bonds based on our common humanity.

When you connect others with warmth, there is no question to think ill of him or her!

STUDY THE FACE OF NATURE



Study the face of nature and you will never be bored.


                                        - Ruskin Bond

We easily get bored with the objects and people if the indulgence exceeds a threshold limit. But the same is not the case with Nature. It gives a novelty at every moment.

Health experts advise that we must spend quality time with Nature daily. It stirs you into creativity. A day spent in the lush green patch would give more joy than a day spent in a five-star restaurant as outdoors open your own inner doors of creativity.

Rabindranath Tagore used to spend large chunks of his time in the gardens due to which great writings happened from him. Eminent philosopher of 20th century Jiddu Krishnamurti says that intelligence implies that you see the beauty of the earth, the beauty of the tree, the beauty of the skies, the lovely sunset, the stars, the beauty of subtlety.

The great Indian Writer Khushwant Singh used to spend his mornings and evenings in the park nearby his home. In his much acclaimed book : "Khushwantnama - The Lessons of My Life' he says that "My Nature watching has been mostly restricted to the back garden of my house in Sujan Singh Park, but how much that little garden has taught me !"

Your body is made up of five Primordial Elements and that's why your connection with Nature is eternal. So make it a habit to immerse yourself with Nature on daily basis.

IDEAL DAY



Your routine of the day decides the quality of life you live. If it is not in consonance with nature's cycle, progress in any area of life can't be achieved. This is the pragmatic wisdom and the sooner you realize, the better it would be.


Deepak Chopra, the famous American Indian medical doctor and the champion of health cause on American soil is the right blend of science and philosophy. He suggests that the ideal day should have the following components:


- Sleep Time
- Play Time
- Exercise Time
- Focused Work Time
- Relationship Time
- Down Time - Out of action
- Meditation Time.


Deepak further suggests to draw a Soul Profile by self-questioning the following:

- Who am I?
- What do I want?
- What is my purpose in this life?
- What sort of contribution do I want to make?
- What are my unique skills?
- Who are my heroes?
- What is a meaningful relationship
- What do I expect from one, and what do I give?


These are the questions that take you to the higher level of wisdom in life!