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Father and Son Togetherness 2
The fifth gatha presents the qualities of a Muni: living in stillness, no longer burned by passion, letting go of all past hatred and future anxiety, free from jealousy, not speaking with a double tongue, not embellishing outward appearances, and knowing how to “self-guard”—mastering one’s own life through inner strength, not through gifts from others. Such a person has no ambition, is not deluded by fame or power, always dwelling peacefully in the present moment with a mind unattached, having eradicated all doubts and useless speculation, attaining true freedom and insight.
In daily life, every action—especially eating and drinking—is an opportunity to practice self-mastery and mindfulness. When eating, suppose each person receives only three small pieces of bread and a portion of soy milk, chewing slowly at least thirty times, putting the hand down between each bite, paying attention to each breath, and sensing the “sunlight, clouds, and earth” interwoven in the bread. This meditation practice—similar to the Eucharist in the Christian tradition but transformed into contact with the “body of the cosmos”—helps us realize the insight that arises from mindfulness and concentration, restores our sovereignty, and nourishes peace and happiness in body and mind right in the present moment.
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Non-action, nothing to attain – the lotus blooms by itself