THE ZEN EXPERIENCE
What is Mind?
Mind
is the connecting link between all things. With your mind
you perceive what is, recall what has been and speculate
about what will be. Your mind is the home of both your worst
nightmares and your most beautiful dreams. Your mind creates
reality; nothing is or is not unless your mind perceives
it to be so.
According to Zen philosophy each human being has two minds:
a finite mind and an infinite mind. Your finite or everyday
mind houses your thoughts, memories, desires and feelings.
Your infinite mind is the unchanging, quintessential portion
of your being. The degree of success that you attain in
all of your physical, mental and spiritual undertakings
is dependent upon the strength and clarity of your finite
mind and your ability to access your infinite mind.
In the study of Zen you can learn how to strengthen and
clarify your finite mind. Your finite mind is like a muscle;
when exercised it becomes stronger. If you fail to exercise
your finite mind, it deteriorates.
Practicing zazen and mindfulness consistently and correctly,
over a period of time, can bring strength and clarity to
your finite mind and eventually give you access to your
infinite mind.
Within your infinite mind is the still center of eternity
where all pasts, presents and future meet. The intuitive
wisdom that comes from your infinite mind can add to your
creativity, success and well-being, and can take you to
the threshold of enlightenment.
Reprinted from "The Zen Experience"
© 1987 Rama Seminars Inc.