“The Simplicity of Awareness” with Jean this Sunday at Minneapolis Insight

Dear Community,

(From Jean) Benjamin’s teaching last week felt, to me, like a balm – the balm of non-contention, the balm of resting in the knowing of whatever is arising without aversion, the balm of resting in the simplicity of awareness. 

As recounted by Ajahn Pasano in last week’s newsletter, Ajahn Chah, the great Thai Forest teacher, described the activity of the mind, and the possibility of peace, using the metaphor of wind in the trees.  “One doesn’t stand outside and force the wind not to blow or get upset because the wind doesn’t blow.  It’s just a natural phenomenon.  In the same way, we can allow the mind to become steady, to become peaceful, to attend in ways that don’t get caught up in the activity of the mind.”

On rereading that passage recently, I was reminded of another familiar quote from Ajahn Chah that uses a metaphor from the natural world: 

Strive to maintain mindfulness
and let go, allowing all things to unfold naturally.
Then your mind
will grow increasingly calm amidst all surroundings.
It will become still... 
like a clear forest pond, 
where rare and beautiful wild animals 
come to drink.
You will witness the marvels 
and wonders of nature arise and pass away. 
Problems will arise, 
but you will recognize them instantly. 
This is the peace of the Buddha.

As I’ve practiced allowing things to unfold naturally this week, one of the beautiful animals I’ve noticed drinking from the clear pool of my mind is gratitude.  Another is compassion.  They have appeared naturally in a mind undisturbed by worldly winds.  

What has appeared in the stillness of your mind?  Please join us this Sunday to continue our exploration and practice of the mind at peace.  All are welcome

Registration and Zoom information available here.

With mettā,
Minneapolis Insight