However, the more we think of God, the more we’ll be relaxed. Thinking or not thinking is the same, because at that time, we already become one with God. Only then can it be called “Walking, living, sitting and lying down are all Zen.” That’s how it is. At that time, we become the Tao itself. We don’t need to try. We would obtain the Tao. Even without effort, we would still gain a lot.
As Kabir just told us, we have to remember to practice spiritually all the time. We have to remember God’s Name. Don’t make an effort to practice only when we encounter troubles. Then it’ll be too late. It’s like we have to nourish and take care of our bodies from time to time. We eat every day, or sometimes we take dietary supplements, etc. Don’t skip it every day, and then eat only once every five or six days. If you go to the doctor when you’re weak, it’ll be very painful then. It’ll be too late.
OK, I’ll continue my reading. “Gold and jewels are always on the thief’s mind. His mind is on them constantly every moment he can find. Keep the Lord’s name in your mind the same way, while fulfilling your duties during the day.”
What he meant is that the mind of a robber is constantly on gold, jewelry, money and the property of others. He thinks about property all the time. So again, he said that we, as spiritual practitioners, have to always think of God’s Name, think of Buddha. That’s right. Even robbers, they’re more diligent than we are. If we say that we are doing well in practice and have to practice all the time, it’s not true.
In fact, I remember a Jewish story. In the Jewish story, some disciples asked their Master. They asked the Jewish Master, “Master, how shall we practice? How can we be in the Tao all the time without forgetting it?” The Master answered, “You go learn from the robbers.”
Those disciples didn’t understand why a spiritual practitioner should learn from the robbers. He said, “Look, robbers think of how to rob things all day long. They’re always figuring what would be the best way, the best plan.” Right? (Yes.) So, you’re even less diligent than they are. So, you just go learn from them. He said, that until the time when your mind is always thinking about receiving God’s Grace and never forgetting God, just like those robbers who never forget about robbing other’s property, with the same concentration as they do, then you’ll know how to practice.
“Frantically flapping its wings with all its might, the moth kills itself in the bright candlelight. With such concentration remembers His name amid thick and thin, pleasure and pain.”
What he meant is that those insects. What do we call these insects? They like lights. What’s their name? (Moths.) Moths? When a moth sees only a little bit of light, wow, (Fly into the light.) he would risk his life. Yes? (Yes.) He would be there beating his wings. He would keep on flying fast and throw his whole body towards the light, sometimes losing his life.
He said, we, as spiritual practitioners, should use the same spirit to concentrate on our practice. Be it when we are in pain or happiness, for God, every moment we should forget the worldly temptations or other situations. Otherwise, we’re no better than that moth. It’s so focused.
There’s another story from India. It’s about a bird-person. The bird-person looked in the direction of the moon all day long. Whenever he saw the moon, he’d keep on looking at it. Looking at it nonstop! He even forgot to drink. Another bird-person passed by and saw how thirsty he was and looking very dehydrated. He said, “You, why don’t you go drink some water?” He answered, “If I go drink water, I’ll miss out on the moon for that instant.” He’s afraid that when his head dips into the water, he will not see the moon. Therefore, similarly, if we can think of God like this, then we will surely reach Buddhahood and become one with God. OK, thank you! My reading ends here.
However, the more we think of God, the more we’ll be relaxed. Thinking or not thinking is the same, because at that time, we already become one with God. Only then can it be called “Walking, living, sitting and lying down are all Zen.” That’s how it is. At that time, we become the Tao itself. We don’t need to try. We would obtain the Tao. Even without effort, we would still gain a lot. Now we make a lot of effort, but we get very little. It’s because we’re still struggling. Just like those businesspeople, they struggle and compete with others a lot, but they don’t get much.
OK, Taipei initiates come up here for your blessed food. Guests from Taipei are also OK. But, wait, give them first. Come, come. Quick. Quick. Two by two. (Two by two.) Just a symbol. Just as a token. Otherwise Master would be too tired. It’s strange. My eyes keep tearing up. It’s like that once I concentrate.
Don’t forget to look at my eyes. Don’t forget the purpose of your coming here. (Thank You, Master.)
