Your meditation is the basis of your actions
By Rev. Eugene Bush
During this practice period, we are studying the sutra of the awakened heart (The Vimalakirti Sutra).
In Chapter 4, Vimalakirti responds to a simple welcoming question, “Layman, where are you coming from?” with a simple response, “I am coming from the place of practice.” A natural follow-up question is offered, “The place of practice, where is that?” and Vimalakirti’s response: “An upright mind is the place of practice… Almsgiving is the place of practice… Expedient means are the place of practice… Much learning is the place of practice… Causes and conditions are the place of practice… If bodhisattvas apply themselves to the paramitas … [then] everything they do, every lifting of a foot, every placing of a foot, will in effect be ‘coming from the place of practice’…”
This teaching has clear implications for our behavior in the world. Given Vimalakirti’s long exposition of the many facets of one’s place of practice, I inquire into both the outward turning and the inward-turning nature of these implications.
External expression may take the forms of sharing resources, study, patience, and ethical behavior; what is the internal experience?
Beginning with a stable practice of regular seated meditation, a visceral understanding of the truth of interconnection, the truth of impermanence, and the truth of causation emerges; our own particular ‘right view’- inclusive view - begins to express itself instinctively.
From the internal experience of “oh, this person who is in conversation with me is Buddha”, kind speech naturally arises.
From the internal experience of “oh I see, this thing that is dear to me is of the nature to change”, careful attention to the material world naturally arises.
From the internal experience of “oh, evidently the intention I bring to this activity influences this activity”, the shift from self-centered actions to serving the world generously naturally arises.
We do not need to rely upon admonitions or the threat of punishment; we do not need to rely upon the promise of reward or the hope of status. Rather the wholesomeness already present in each being finds its expression in the apparently mundane activities of daily living – harmonizing speech, helpful livelihood, and conscious effort. Your training at Santa Cruz Zen Center is the basis for your work in social justice and environmental stewardship.