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The Inner Well of Refuge
A story is shared of a twelve-year-old boy climbing Na Sơn mountain to find a hermit. Instead of the hermit, a natural well is discovered, offering water so delicious it removes all craving and brings deep satisfaction. This well represents the Buddha, Jesus, or a source of peace and freshness available in the present moment. The practice of Attadīpasaraṇa, or taking refuge in the island of self, is introduced as a method to return to this source. The self is made of non-self elements, and taking refuge within allows one to touch the Three Jewels:
- Buddha is my mindfulness: The energy of being aware in the present moment.
- Dharma is my breathing: Conscious breathing that guards body and mind.
- Sangha is my five skandhas: Form, feelings, perceptions, mental formations, and consciousness working in harmony.
To deal with pain and anger, one must be mindful of the four kinds of nutriment: edible food, touching (sense impressions), volition (intention or bodhicitta), and consciousness (seeds in store consciousness). Healing occurs by touching positive elements to strengthen the good seeds, rather than only touching suffering which can harden the heart. When anger arises, mindfulness acts like a mother holding a baby, performing the functions of recognizing the anger, being present for it, relieving or calming it, and looking deeply into its nature.