As You Seek Enlightenment Through Introspection During The High Holy Days This Year, Consider Also The Wisdom Of The Zen Master

 

It has been said — by whom is not clear — that Yom Kippur, a time of introspection and reflection, might be a shirttail relative of the ancient beliefs associated with Zen Buddhism which teaches enlightenment through meditation. So on Yom Kippur, as you follow the teachings of the ancient rabbis who ask that you meditate on your conduct during the past year, you might also seek enlightenment from the wisdom of the “Jewish Zen master,” who asks that you let your mind be as a floating cloud, your stillness be as the wooded glen — and that you sit up straight; you’ll never meet the Buddha with round shoulders. Consider also the following:

 

• Accept misfortune as a blessing. Do not wish for perfect health or a life without problems. What would you talk about?

• The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single “Oy.”

• Be aware of your body. Be aware of your perceptions. Keep in mind that not every physical sensation is a symptom of a terminal illness.

• Drink tea and nourish life. With the first sip, joy; with the second, satisfaction; with the third, peace; with the fourth, a danish.

• Be patient and achieve all things. Be impatient and achieve all things faster.

• Zen is not easy. It takes effort to attain nothingness. And then what do you have? Bupkes.

• And finally, remember this: The Tao does not speak. The Tao does not blame. The Tao does not take sides. The Tao has no expectations. The Tao demands nothing of others. The Tao is not Jewish.