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Living the Miracle of Daily Mindfulness
The winter retreat begins with a vow to take refuge in the Sangha and practice for ninety days to transform suffering and bring peace and joy into the body and mind. This period coincides with the one hundred and fifty years commemoration of the Root Temple, which includes:
- The first day: a Day of Mindfulness for all the monks.
- The second day: a Day of Mindfulness for all the nuns.
- The third day: a day opening to everyone.
To apply meditation in a busy life, the practice must be made pleasant and enjoyable. When Mindful Breathing, Mindful Walking, or sitting meditation is pleasurable, mindfulness and concentration arise naturally. This practice is the essence of being present one hundred percent, bringing the body and mind together in the here and the now to restore freedom from afflictions like worries, anxieties, and fear. Every morning provides twenty-four brand-new hours to live, and we are the architects responsible for sculpting this day. Recognizing the conditions of happiness already available—such as having eyes that see the blue sky, a heart that functions normally, and feet strong enough to walk—is the core of meditation. The real miracle is “not to fly in the air or to walk on clouds. The real miracle is to walk on earth.” This mindfulness extends to all activities:
- Eating an apple as a deep meditation on the wonders of life.
- Driving or walking on campus as an opportunity for Mindful Breathing.
- Using the sound of a telephone or a red light as a Bell of Mindfulness.
- Practicing Total Relaxation to renew the body and mind between exams.
Sitting meditation is a privilege and an act of love that restores clarity, much like particles settling in a glass of apple juice. During sitting, one can relax the three hundred muscles on the face by smiling and breathing. In relationships, mindfulness allows us to cherish the presence of loved ones as a crucial condition for happiness. To resolve conflicts, the Sangha practices the Peace Treaty and Beginning Anew, using gentle communication to transform suffering. Regarding complex issues like euthanasia, one must rely on Sangha eyes—the collective insight of the community—rather than making decisions when the body or mind is weak. Taking care of oneself is an act of love for ancestors and future generations, as they are all present within us.
Part of the following collection
Regensburg 6 (or 4)