Even When You are Uncertain.

Dogen says in The Shobogenzo: 

"Even when you are uncertain, do not use this one day wastefully. It is a rare treasure to value. Do not compare it with an enormous jewel. Do not compare it with a dragon’s bright pearl. Old sages valued this one day more than their own living bodies. Reflect on

this quietly. A dragon’s pearl may be found. An enormous jewel may be

acquired. But this one day out of a hundred years cannot be retrieved once

it is lost. What skillful means can retrieve a day that is passed? No

historical documents have recorded any such means. Not to waste time is to

contain the passage of days and months within your skin bag, without

leaking. Thus, sages and wise ones in olden times valued each moment, day,

and month more than their own eyeballs or the nation’s land. To waste the

passage of time is to be confused and stained in the floating world of name

and gain. Not to miss the passage of time is to be in the way for the way".

How often do you use uncertainty to not commit?

What would it be like to practice wholeheartedly with not-knowing?

Using every ingredient of your life is a place of practice.

Redding Zen Priory Logo

Reverend Helen

Redding Zen Buddhist Priory.

https://reddingzen.org/