Problems

Problems are like thick clouds that appear to occlude our vision of the boundless sky. And yet, the thick clouds aren’t real.

When problems arise in sadhana, find out on whose behalf they arise. Is there a problem after all? For whom does there seem to be one?

Just carry on until it’s clear that there are no problems.

Sudden Awakening: Rinzai Zen

Imagine that the boundless sky is covered, through and through, by clouds.

Then there’s a break in the clouds. It’s as if there’s a “breakthrough,” a “popping through” to the empty sky.

This is sudden awakening. Hey, good start. Now carry on with post-satori sadhana.

Gradual Awakening: Soto Zen

Imagine that there’s a boundless, self-radiating sky. Imagine, further, that there’s a very thick fog such that the boundless, self-radiating sky isn’t visible.

“Just sitting” or Silent Illumination is like the fog becoming less and less thick. Gradual awakening refers to the fog totally lifting. The self-radiating sky has “burned away” all fog.

Sahaja Samadhi

When it’s totally clear that I am, and have only ever been, the boundless sky, then this is what Sri Ramana Maharshi calls “sahaja samadhi.”