This morning I awaken at 6 a.m., a bit late for me. I so enjoy getting up at 5 a.m. and making the rounds of my four altars before day break. There is something soft and soothing about being held in the transition between night and day. Often I sit outside in the Buddha garden before going inside and sitting zazen in front of the altar I call the heart of the house.
After sitting I recite the heart sutra, say a prayer for my teacher Darlene Cohen, and do three bows. Then I am ready to begin my day.
On Wednesday I will teach a practice period class on the first precept: Not killing. I want to prepare to teach this class. I want to know everything there is to know about this precept. I want the words to flow out of me in a way that will touch others and inspire them to study the precept further. I want I want I want. The words I have written jump out at me. They are in capital letters . . . boldface . . . highlighted in red.
Wanting will not work here. Try being, Susan, try being with the efflorescence (unfolding) of your own enlightened nature.
What is trying to unfold here? How can I get out of the way? I love the word effloresence. I find it in an explanation of the five precepts by Ngakpa Chogyam Rinpoche.
“I commit myself to refrain from killing the efflorescence of my own enlightened nature as it sparkles through the fabric of duality.”
In preparing for class my mind desperately wants to know which quotes to choose, what order to put them in. I want to know how to present the material in a way that will be helpful to others.
I want. I want. I want. Let this go, Susan. Let the efflorescence sparkle through. Remember your dharma name.
Ki shu Gyoku jun – bright effort jewel, shining benefit.
hi michelle - I think this is not the same rinpoche! I enjoyed reading the reference, however. susan
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