Zen Papoose's Taoism

Meditation and Inner Alchemy In meditation there is alchemy, thus in zen there is Taoism. Focusing on a single thought before emptying the mind of all thoughts brings that single thought into the present moment. A Single Thought and Inner Alchemy As the mind remains clear in Buddha-mind, there is zen stillness, yet alchemy propels health and happiness with that single thought as its guidance. Thoughts and Inner Alchemy Negative thoughts preceding the Buddha-mind serve to cause confusion and chaos, leading to poor meditation. Positive thoughts preceding Buddha-mind serve to cause desires and cravings, leading to poor meditation. A single thought of nothingness preceding Buddha-mind propels zen into the present moment continuously as the mind remains still and free of attachment. Happiness and Inner Alchemy To be happy with nothing is not in human nature. Thus to achieve stillness of mind and thoughts of nothingness, though only the thought is required, leads many ...

How to Count to Ten Each number is the single thought of the mind when counted. At three, there is only three; two or four are not thoughts. Count only the number in your mind by itself; nothing else enters the mind. Now the next number. Practicing Counting to Ten Start at one. Did two interfere? Or ten? Or other thoughts? Start over. Can you count a number, each number, independently? Can you clear all other thoughts, even an image of the number, so only a single thought remains still in the mind?   Zazen Counting to Ten Such is the Zazen practice to still the mind. In Zazen practice, you find Zen mind already at peace.

Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind Zen mind, Buddha mind, is beginner's mind. The expert who retains the wonder of the mind of a beginner continues learning more and more on his craft, becoming more and more an expert. The beginner doesn't know, so he must have an open mind, willing to learn. Thus a master is always a student. Keeping Beginner's Mind Everyone is reborn with change every moment. That is the simple nature of Zen. Life is measured in units of time. There is no escaping or bypassing the laws of physics when it comes to time. Therefore, we must forgive the past, even if it seems to happen now. That time is over.

Zen & God Zen is an interesting concept because, among other reasons, of its foundations in Buddhism. Buddhism teaches of Nirvana and that there is no God. Does that mean to be Buddhist you must renounce God? Zen and Heaven In order to fully experience the joy and bliss of heaven, I must act with integrity and speak with honesty. If I only do something for reward of heaven or fear of hell, then I am not truly performing a good deed. To do good, I must do something that results in good without the idea of being rewarded for my good deeds be a motivating factor. Otherwise, I am only doing good for the reward I expect to receive for it, and not because I truly want to do good. Zen Good and God In order to truly want to and do good, I have to act good and speak good without expecting any reward for doing so. Thus, I believe Buddhism has answered this puzzle by teaching its followers to forget the idea of heaven and a God. Therefore, when a Buddhist performs good, they are doing ...

Effects of Zen Mind Zen is not a state of mind, but a new state of mind can result from following the eightfold path of enlightenment. Take Right Action for example. Effects of Performing Zen Performing actions with mindfulness and focus is the essence of Zen and Zazen practice. Seeing others struggling with improper actions can stir many feelings, resulting in better understanding. With proper understanding, one can choose a state of mind that complements Zen and Zazen practice. Effects of Zen and Awareness Be aware of the effects and consequences of your actions, and Zen attainment will no longer matter nor be some sacred goal just out of reach.

Zen & Solitude In solitude there is peace. Buddha is me, the eternal I, so I alone exist. Everything and everyone only exists in my mind and only as long as I exist. Alone in solitude, everything exists as my creation, the extensions of Buddha. As I alone am Buddha, existence is a mental construction of Buddha mind. Zen Solitude and Crowds Solitude and large crowds are equivalent for the still mind. Stillness of mind, clarity of thoughts, the disciplined ego ceases to exist. Existence versus Zen and Solitude When I cease, everything shall cease, for existence is a delusion that I have constructed. Thus all ceases to exist. In solitude, the Zen mind is never alone, all life is present with each breathe.

Nothingness Mind In Zen mind there is nothingness. Even the idea of nothing is not present. Zen mind truly resides in the present moment. Here and now, the mind with nothingness absorbs the present moment with a fresh perspective. Desire and attachment rise and fall like waves of impediments, unable to shake loose the fruit of the mighty tree, which grows peacefulness from within. Searching outside the self for the answer that lies within, the waves continue to break, and the only calm achieved is that before a storm. Only water nurtures the tree bearing the fruit, but the waves of unsteady waters can drown internal peace with obstacles. A free mind dwells in the nothingness found in Zen mind. That does not mean one should avoid their responsibilities, but it does mean that one should not be consumed by them when not engaged in that activity. Each day requires a moment taken aside to achieve Zen mind before engaging in the activities of that day. Without a clear mind, meditation o...

Union of Zen & Taoism Buddhism philosophy with Taoist Inner Alchemy is the union of the concepts joined with the actions, both working together independently. Zen mind provides the framework for the Tao to be integrated at the level of experiencing life moments. Once found, zen is tossed aside to rest on the back burners, running copilot, navigating obstacles effortlessly. Always ensuring inner joy and maximum enjoyment are fed regularly. The zen mind does not grasp tightly onto zen, abandoning attachments caused from zen found as quickly as they begin. The zen mind has no zen, only Zazen practice. That is the word Buddha defined; awareness without self. self without Self, only spirit mind free of the cycles, focused on emptiness, runs the path of the Tao with Zen slippers guiding his feet. Zen Taoism is the continual race building ahead, collapsing behind, only appearing in the very now to form the pavement and support each slipper's steady gait.

Everyone Zen Taoism Everyone is already a Taoist. There are no exceptions. Everyone already has zen mind. That is the nature of Zen. We are therefore all Zen Taoists by virtue of our very nature, without exception. You have only to realize it. We are all Zen Taoists. When we unite as one, we illuminate the heavens of how easy peace can be.

Zazen Spark of Enlightenment An age of enlightenment is sparked by one single loving thought of selfless kindness. Thus we evolve through proper intentions. From proper intentions blooms proper action. With actions proper, one is on the eightfold path to enlightenment. How easy then it is to attain zen every moment.