Avdhut throws light on a Zen Story in the Cha Seva with Avdhut programme. He said that in tantra also we are telling a similar type of example. Here is a mystical Zen story about a Master who imparts Buddha's teachings to an impatient seeker in an unconventional and seemingly enigmatic manner.
Article | June 08, 2024
Avdhut started his usual style to narrate this story. This is another story related to clarity, stillness, and the importance of non-attachment.
Story
In a secluded mountain village, there was a Zen monastery renowned for its beautiful, serene pond. The pond's waters were crystal clear, and its surface was always calm, reflecting the sky and surrounding trees like a mirror. This pond was a favorite meditation spot for the monks, who often came here to find peace and clarity.
One day, a new monk named Kenji arrived at the monastery. He was restless and eager to achieve enlightenment. Hearing about the serene pond, he decided to make it his primary meditation spot. Every day, Kenji would sit by the pond, but his mind was anything but still. Thoughts raced through his head, and his impatience grew.
Frustrated with his lack of progress, Kenji went to the abbot, Master Ryokan, and said, "Master, I have been meditating by the pond every day, but I cannot calm my mind. What should I do?"
Master Ryokan smiled and said, "Come with me to the pond."
When they arrived, Master Ryokan picked up a small pebble and dropped it into the water. Ripples spread across the pond, disturbing its calm surface. "What do you see?" asked Master Ryokan.
"I see ripples spreading across the water," Kenji replied.
Master Ryokan nodded and said, "Now, wait."
They stood in silence, watching the ripples slowly fade until the pond returned to its perfect stillness. "What do you see now?" the master asked.
"The pond is calm and clear again," Kenji answered.
Master Ryokan smiled and said, "The pond is like your mind. When it is disturbed, it cannot reflect clearly. But with patience and time, it will naturally return to its stillness. Do not force your mind to be calm. Simply observe your thoughts without attachment, and like the pond, your mind will settle on its own."
Kenji bowed deeply, understanding the lesson. From that day forward, he approached his meditation with a new sense of patience and acceptance. Gradually, he found the peace and clarity he had been seeking.
Avdhut: The story depicts that the story is that true peace and clarity come not from forcing the mind to be still, but from allowing it to settle naturally with patience and non-attachment. If we analyse the story we will find five major points.
Natural Stillness: The story of the silent pond illustrates the Zen principle that the mind, like water, has a natural state of stillness. When left undisturbed, it will return to this state on its own. This teaches us that forcing the mind to be calm is counterproductive. Instead, we should allow it to settle naturally through mindful observation.
Non-Attachment to Thoughts: Master Ryokan's instruction to observe thoughts without attachment is a core Zen practice. Thoughts are like ripples on the pond's surface; they come and go. By not clinging to them, we allow the mind to remain clear and undisturbed, reflecting reality accurately.
Patience in Practice: Kenji's journey emphasizes the importance of patience in Zen practice. Enlightenment and inner peace are not achieved through impatience or force but through steady, patient practice. Just as the pond's ripples take time to subside, our mental disturbances require time and patience to resolve.
Reflection and Clarity: The calm pond reflects its surroundings clearly, symbolizing how a still mind reflects the true nature of reality. When the mind is disturbed by thoughts and emotions, our perception becomes distorted. Achieving mental stillness allows us to see things as they truly are, leading to deeper understanding and insight.
Acceptance and Letting Go: Kenji’s initial frustration and eagerness to achieve enlightenment represent the common struggles of many spiritual seekers. Master Ryokan’s teaching encourages acceptance of the present moment and letting go of the desire to control or force outcomes. This acceptance is key to achieving the natural state of stillness and clarity.
In essence, the story of the silent pond teaches that enlightenment and inner peace are found not through forceful effort but through gentle, patient observation and acceptance of the mind's natural processes. By embodying these principles, one can achieve the clarity and tranquility that are the hallmarks of Zen practice.
