Chop wood, carry water. January 2, 2015
Posted by ourfriendben in Reiki, Reiki exercise, Reiki wisdom.Tags: Chop wood, Dogen Zenji, enlightenment, Five Reiki Ideals, Five Reiki Precepts, Five Reiki Principles
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“Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.”
—Zen Saying
We tend to think that enlightenment is a single event: BANG! We’re enlightened! Then we rush around shouting “I’m enlightened! Look at me! I’ve achieved the summit!” The ego has taken over again.
This wonderful saying, and that of all enlightened masters, urges us to simply continue as we were, so that we will remain humble and help our community. Meanwhile, we will continue our own practice and growth, and there will be not one, but many enlightenment experiences.
There’s a great story about Dogen Zenji, founder of the Soto Zen School, who continued to practice Zazen (seated, silent meditation) all his life. One day, a monk rose from his cushion and excitedly approached Dogen: “Master! I’ve just achieved enlightenment!!!” To which Dogen Zenji replied, “Continue doing Zazen.” He knew that it was the practice, not the result, that mattered.
Just for today, continue practicing your Five Reiki Principles.
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