Today's thought

“You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop."
- Rumi

The Ungrateful Bird

Once upon a time in ancient China an unusual bird from the sea landed in the countryside. It was large and beautiful, resembling the legendary phoenix. People called it the Sea Bird. Rumors about it spread like wildfire, and soon reached the ears of the King.

“I must have this extraordinary creature!” the King declared. He sent hunters and soldiers after it. After much effort, they managed to capture it alive and unharmed.

The King kept the Sea Bird in a cage at the palace temple. He had his musicians play their best music for its amusement. He had his chefs prepare royal feasts for its consumption.

None of these had a positive effect on the Sea Bird. It was confused by the offerings, frightened by the sounds, and depressed by its captivity. Despite the King’s best effort, it refused to touch the dishes of the most succulent meats, or drink the wine of the finest vintage. After three days like this, it died.

The King was frustrated. Did he not treat the Sea Bird as the most honored guest? Did he not give it the very best the kingdom had to offer? Why did the Sea Bird die on him in such a rude and inconsiderate manner?

Diving into the Ocean of Your Own Mind

“We cannot see our reflection in running water. It is only in still water that we can reflect our true selves.” – Zen saying

Life's Purpose in the Smallest of Moments

TRUE STORY: A Zen master asked a young student to bring him a pail of water to cool his bath.

The student brought the water, and after cooling the bath, threw the remaining water over the ground.

“Think,” said the master to the student. “You could have watered the temple plants with those few drops you have thrown away.”

In that exact moment the young student understood Zen. He changed his name to Tekisui, which means “drop of water,” and lived to become a wise Zen master himself.

Reflection: In our search for knowledge, we are so concerned with finding the big answers that we sometimes forget the significance of ordinary moments. Like the student who wants Zen wisdom but is careless in his routine chores, we too can forget that our life’s purpose can be found in the smallest of moments – and that our every word, thought and action (like drops of water) holds unique meaning on our path.

--from the blog at Buddhagroove

And finally ...

The Sarasota Zen Group meets every Sunday night at 7 pm for Zen and zazen (meditation). We start with readings and discussion, then transition into zazen and chanting.

Come find the rest and inner peace that keeps us all in balance.

Our zendo is in the James Reeb Room on the campus of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota, 3975 Fruitville Road, Sarasota (map here). Contact us at  zen@uusarasota.org or, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can use the Contact form on our website.