In the distant ancient country of the East, it is a land that has been precipitated by time, full of historical charm and strong cultural heritage. In this vast land, there is a secluded Zen temple called "Selfless".
As if it were a part of nature, it was hidden in the midst of lush mountain forests and blended in with the surrounding scenery, making it seem so harmonious and peaceful.
The "selfless" Zen monastery has a long history, and it has witnessed the practice and inheritance of countless monks.
In the temple, the four seasons are distinct, with flowers blooming in spring, green trees in summer, red leaves in autumn, and snow in winter. Everything here seems so natural and pure, as if it can wash away the dust in people's hearts.
In the monastery lived a Zen master named Huiguang, a highly respected monk known for his wisdom and compassion.
Zen Master Huiguang's face was kind, and his eyes shone with wisdom. His words and deeds reveal a kind of calmness and calmness, as if all the troubles in the world have nothing to do with him.
Zen Master Huiguang often uses vivid stories to teach students the true meaning of Zen Buddhism. His words are simple and simple, philosophical and interesting, allowing his disciples to understand the profound connotations of Zen Buddhism in a relaxed and happy atmosphere.
One morning, the sun shines through the sparse clouds on the earth, giving everything a golden coat. Zen Master Huiguang walked through the verdant bamboo forest, enjoying this rare time of tranquility. The breeze blows and the bamboo leaves rustle, as if telling an ancient story. Sunlight shines through the gaps in the bamboo leaves on the ground, forming dappled light and shadows, like a beautiful picture.
Zen Master Huiguang came to a clear stream, and the water of the stream was gurgling and making a pleasant sound. The water is so clear that you can clearly see the fish swimming around at the bottom. The stream reflects the blue sky and white clouds, as if the sky is also integrated into it.
Zen Master Huiguang sat on a smooth stone, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. He felt the fresh air and the smell of nature, but also felt inner peace and tranquility.
Zen Master Huiguang exhaled slowly, as if he had expelled all his troubles and distracting thoughts from his body. He opened his eyes and looked at the stream in front of him, and an inexplicable feeling surged in his heart.
He thought that he had practiced for many years and experienced countless ups and downs, but he had always adhered to his inner beliefs and pursuits. He thinks of his students, who, although young, all have strong beliefs and persistent pursuits. Zen Master Huiguang felt extremely relieved and proud.
At the quiet moment when the setting sun was shining on the temple, a young layman, walking hurriedly, his face full of confusion and anxiety. He walked through the corridors, bypassed the incense burner with the smoke of incense, and finally came to the meditation room of Zen Master Huiguang.
He knocked lightly on the door, and after getting permission, he hurried into the house, and then knelt in front of the Zen master's futon, his voice trembling a little: "Master, the student's heart is troubled, and his thoughts have been chaotic recently, as if he has been entangled in chaotic threads, and he can't get rid of it. ”
Zen Master Huiguang was meditating with his eyes closed, and when he heard his voice, he slowly opened his eyes with the usual kindness and kindness on his face. He smiled slightly, motioned for the young man to sit down, poured him a cup of tea, and then spoke slowly:
"Child, is your heart bound by a thought, as if trapped in an invisible mountain, feeling unattainable and insurmountable?"
The young man bowed his head and pondered for a moment, then nodded yes, a flash of surprise flashing in his eyes:
"Master is really clever, and the student's heart is indeed troubled by one thing, as if that matter has become a big mountain, and I can't breathe."
Zen Master Huiguang shook his head lightly, smiled and said:
"It's just the norm of the human mind, and when you focus too much on something, it magnifies it to the point that it becomes so important in your heart that it becomes an insurmountable obstacle. In fact, it is just a false mountain, an illusion created in your heart. As the English saying goes, 'make a mountain out of a molehill', it's just a small mound on the ground, but because of your excessive attention, it has become an unattainable mountain. ”
After hearing this, the young man nodded thoughtfully, as if he had understood.
Zen Master Huiguang continued, "There are two states of our minds: love and attachment. Like the accelerator and brake of a car, it is the driving force that drives us forward, and it is also the resistance that makes us stop. ”
"However, when the greedy pedal is pressed too hard, we need to take a step back and slow down, and then it is important to be aware of our breathing."
"Breath is the bridge that connects us to the universe and is the source of our inner peace and tranquility. When you're feeling anxious or confused, close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and feel the breath flow through your nose to experience the peace and tranquility it brings. ”
The young man listened attentively, as if attracted by the words of the Zen master, he closed his eyes and began to try to breathe deeply. Gradually, his breathing became steady and deep.
The young man then asked in confusion, "Master, how do you become aware of the breath?" ”
The Zen master smiled and said, "When you focus on the breath, you will find that it is changing all the time. Every inhale, every exhale is unique. This impermanence is the true meaning of life. ”
The young man suddenly realized: "I see! So, when our hearts are too attached to external circumstances, such as when people in love are too attached to feelings, how should we deal with them? ”
The Zen master sat in the quiet meditation hall, and the breeze outside the window gently blew through, bringing a touch of coolness. He looked at the student in front of him, his eyes deep and calm, as if he could perceive people's hearts. He spoke lightly, and his voice was like the spring of a mountain stream, clear and profound.
"In the process of falling in love, people often see each other as their ideal partner and think that they are flawless."
The Zen master said slowly, with a hint of kindness and wisdom in his voice,
"But how can there be a real Prince Charming or Snow White in this world? Everyone is just a human being, with their own strengths and weaknesses. ”
The Zen master shook his head lightly and continued:
"If we think of our lovers as ordinary 'Mr. OK' or 'Miss OK', maybe our relationship will be more harmonious. Because when we don't expect too much, we can see each other more realistically and accept their imperfections. In this way, we can cherish each other more and know how to be more tolerant and understanding. ”
He paused, his gaze swept over the faces of his disciples, and seeing that they were all lost in thought, he continued:
"Expecting too much will only lead to disappointment and pain. When we expect too much from our lovers, we feel disappointed and miserable when they fail to meet our expectations. How can such a relationship last? ”
The words of the Zen master are like a beacon that illuminates the hearts of the students.
The young man agreed, and asked, "How do you deal with strong emotions?" ”
The Zen master sat in the ashram with a deep gaze that seemed to be able to perceive people's hearts. Facing the students who came to ask for advice, he bowed his head slightly and slowly spoke:
"When emotions are surging over your heart, the first thing to do is to return your attention to your breath. This breath is the root of life, the bridge between you and the world. ”
"You need to watch the ups and downs of your breath, feel it enter through your nasal cavity, warm and moist, and then slowly sink into the dantian, bringing a sense of tranquility and serenity. As you breathe deeper, you will find that in fact, every breath is a rhythm of life. ”
"In the rhythm of this breath, you will feel the rhythm of your heartbeat, which is like a never-ending drum beat that accompanies every moment of your life. The cells in the body are constantly growing, aging, and renewing, like a flowing picture, showing the wonder and variety of life. ”
"If you look further into the universe, you will find that the movement of the stars, the trajectory of the planets, and even the evolution of the entire universe all follow a law of impermanence. This impermanence is the essence of the universe and the true meaning of life. ”
"When you really understand that it's all changing, you will gradually become calmer. The loves, hatreds, and hatreds that once plagued you seem so insignificant in the face of impermanent truth. Your heart will become more open, more inclusive, and more confident. ”
In such a state of mind, wisdom will naturally emerge. You will look at things more wisely and face life more calmly. This is the meaning of spiritual practice and the true meaning of life. ”
After hearing these words, the fog in the student's heart seemed to be dispelled by the sun, and it suddenly opened up. He bowed deeply: "Thank you Master for your advice, I understand." ”
Zen Master Huiguang nodded, looking into the distance: "Remember, child, look at impermanence and see infinity." Life is full of possibilities and opportunities, so don't let the false expectations of impermanence limit your horizons. ”
The disciple nodded firmly, his heart full of gratitude and hope. He stood up and set out on the way home, no longer the heavy "mountain" in his heart, only a clear sky and infinite possibilities.
In the silence of the night, Zen Master Huiguang quietly sat back on the hard stone. He closed his eyes and folded his hands, as if to become one with everything around him, continuing his practice and deep meditation.
In the view of Zen Master Huiguang, everyone's growth is like a seed, which needs to go through the baptism of wind and rain and the shine of the sun in order to break through the ground and thrive.
And he is just a guardian of this pure land, using the light of wisdom in his heart to silently illuminate the way forward for people. He is well aware that every journey of growth is full of challenges and confusions, but he also firmly believes that as long as people can stick to their inner beliefs, they will be able to overcome all difficulties and reach the other side of their hearts.