Memory, Identity & The Past Memory is very crucial for functioning in this world. Without memory it will be very difficult for us to operate effectively in the world. We require past knowledge to carry out our day to day activities. Where is the supermarket located? Have I already bought milk for the week? How much rent do I have to pay? All these require your memory to function properly. Our identity is based on memory. So if you take away memory you will have no past, you won’t remember your desires and your fears. Memory gives continuity to your identity. This much is very cle ..read more

A few of my favorite Zen quotes which capture the depth of spiritual awakening. If you have any favorite quotes, please feel free to share in the comments section. “Sitting quietly, doing nothing, Spring comes, and the grass grows by itself.” Zenrin Kushû ”I have not heard of a single Buddha, past or present,who has been enlightened by sacred prayers and scriptures.”- Bassui If you cannot find the truth right where you are, where else do you expect to find it?- Dogen Before I had studied Zen for thirty years, I saw mountains as mountains, and waters as waters. When I arrived at a more ..read more

A lot of seekers ask me – what is right action? Life is full of situations which demand actions. We have to respond to situations, and respond correctly. But a seeker is always second guessing his or her actions – should I accept and be compassionate or should I take action which might lead to confrontations? We try hard to accept, to be compassionate, while being at war with our inner emotions. A simple example would be an annoying neighbor who plays loud music all the time. Should I accept the situation and do nothing? Or should I ask the neighbor to be considerate and stop playing the music ..read more

It was a beautiful sunny afternoon as I walked on a small path along the foothills of the Himalayas, thinking about why it was so difficult finding happiness.  I was going through a rough patch in my life and I was quite stressed and unhappy. I sat down under a large tree, watching the mountain ranges and the clouds floating by. I tried approaching the unhappy state of my mind through different angles.  I looked at my past frustrations and anxiety. As I delved deeper into the whole complex of happiness and unhappiness I realized the unsettling truth about my thoughts. Every unhappy thought b ..read more

Note- I had this insight in 2002 and used it successfully to become peaceful when faced with emotional disturbances. This is a basic technique and can be used as a tool to pacify the mind. If you are an advanced seeker on the path, you might not require this. Jane was walking across the hallway towards her desk. She saw Hannah near the coffee machine, hesitated and said, “Hi”. Hannah totally ignored her, stirring sugar into her coffee, her face cold and distant.  Jane felt a pang of hurt and anger.  She felt stupid for acknowledging Hannah. Humiliated and angry, she mumbled “Backstabber” and ..read more