Meditation for Healing (May 2012 Memorial Issue)

‘A candle does not flicker in a windless spot.’ This is a description of the state of mind when there are no disturbances to alter its innate brilliance and steadiness. It is the same as saying: ‘When the wind subsides, there are no waves and the surface of the water is smooth and serene.’

The attitude-of-no-attitude is best. Meditation should always be kept positive, for reasons mentioned in the section on ‘Danger in Meditation’ in the appendix.

Mere wishful thinking or a positive attitude will avail nothing; the meditator should choose the proper tools and use them correctly, hence the detailed instructions.

When other Buddhist philosophies speak of ‘mind only,’ it is close to what we think of as ‘nothing but spirit.’ However, Zen warns us against indulging in conceptions, and rigid phrases do build conceptual images.

MEDITATION UNCOVERS JOY!
AND JOY IS THE GREATEST HEALER
AT THE CENTER OF OUR BEING IS JOY;
ALL WE HAVE TO DO IS ALLOW IT TO SHINE THRU.

When we find what is important, we must follow it even if we don’t know why – except that our heart sings and our being is in harmony when we turn to it. Once Justin came to know the spiritual life, he totally embraced it. Paul Reps, the great Zen writer and Justin’s close friend, would often go to the brokerage firm were Justin was working and say, “Get out of here; this isn’t where you belong.” Justin would argue, saying that the stock market could be a Dharma, to which Reps would reply, “It may be, but you don’t belong here.” This continued until Justin left the firm, and they remained friends until Reps died.

It is during the darker times that we learn the depths of our knowing. Thank goodness that Justin’s caring was very deep. The deeper we go with our practice the more it pervades our whole life. Many T’ai Chi Chih practitioners have experienced the joys of spiritual life, with its wholeness and love, even while sleeping. With resistance removed, learning can be easier. Are we ready to experience it all? All the “greats,” including Justin, have said, “There isn’t anything else going on.” It is time for us to truly follow Justin’s lead, to love and share the Chi.

PS: Justin’s passing was peaceful, and he was conscious to the end. I put my hand under his as he was resting and felt a very slight pressure from him minutes before his last breath. His eyes were in a Zen meditation position (looking down – towards the tan t’ien.)

– Carmen L. Brocklehurst, Albuquerque, NM