January 08, 2021

Buddhist Practice: Day 9 - Entering the Market (Special Episode & Series)

24 minutes

Day 9: Entering the Market

"Bare-chested, barefooted, he comes into the marketplace. Muddied and dust-covered, how broadly he grins! Without recourse to mystic powers, withered trees he swiftly brings to bloom." ~ Kuòān Shīyuǎn

In Zen Buddhism, the famous “Zen Ox-herding Pictures” are used to illustrate the path one takes in achieving enlightenment. The final picture is that of the practitioner, now awakened to realizing Buddha nature, they enter the market (an analogy for everyday life/world) now truly aware of what is around them, and free of all delusions, desires, and attachments to share their wisdom. They are resilient to problems, because they understand the true nature of things, and accept them with joy and a smile.

Because our daily lives have been altered, our “market” (world) is very much different. In-fact, when we enter a grocery store “market”, we need to be taking extra steps as a Buddhist. The real-life market looks chaotic and scary (especially with people hoarding and acting in unwholesome ways), and you need mindfulness and compassion when you enter it.

Focus

What does your “market” look like? You may be unemployed, have someone who is sick with COVID-19, or you are unable to find supplies.

What are your fears and attachments? Now, develop insight using Buddhist teachings and concepts why you have that fear or attachment.

“What would the Buddha do?” If the Buddha were going out to buy toilet paper, and there was none, would he be angry at the hoarder who has them all piled in their shopping basket? If you had extra, would you give some to a neighbor in need? Remember, the extraordinary thing about the Buddha was that he was not extraordinary. He was a human just like the rest of us but was able to see the true nature of our world and practiced every moment.

Practice

Continue to recite the Five Remembrances.

Continue to Meditate, at least once a day, starting with being mindful of the breath. For today, focus on the awakened practitioner returning to the ‘market’. Walk in their shoes and through their eyes. Imagine you are them seeing the situations of daily life. Knowing what you know of Buddhism, how would you act? You may also put yourself in the body of the Buddha if that makes this easier to envision.

New Practice: Practice mindfulness in every moment possible. Align yourself with the Noble Eightfold Path. With every step, be an awakened being. Pandemics can cause us fear;

Free 14 Day Buddhist Planner for Buddhists: https://gum.co/BuddhistPlannerCOVID

View all 14 days on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BxlqwF6P6GE

More on Alan Peto: https://alanpeto.com/about

More on Sanathavihari Bhikkhu: https://www.casadebhavana.com/

#Buddhism #BuddhistTeachings #Dharma #Buddhist #COVID #COVID19 #buddhistwisdom #Buddhists #buddhismteachings

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By Alan Peto

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