Deng Ming-Dao on Reflection

Tonight we revisit one of my favorite writers, Deng Ming-Dao and his thoughts on reflection.  It is so important that we look at ourselves and given the nature of sight, the only way to do that is through our reflections, have a happy day my friends ~ Rev Kane

Reflection

Moon above water
Sit in solitude

If waters are placid, the moon will be mirrored perfectly.  If we still ourselves, we can mirror the divine perfectly.  But if we engage solely in the frenetic activities of our daily involvements, if we seek to impose our own schemes on the natural order, and if we allow ourselves to become absorbed in self-centered views, the surface of our waters becomes turbulent.  Then we cannot be receptive to Tao.

There is no effort that we can make to sill ourselves.  True stillness comes naturally from moments of solitude where we allow our minds to settle.  Just as water seeks its own level, the mind will gravitate toward the holy.  Muddy water will become clear if allowed to stand undisturbed, and so too will the mind become clear if it is allowed to be still.

Neither the water nor the moon make any effort to achieve a reflection.  In the same way, meditation will be natural and immediate.