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Sarasota Zen Group

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Alan Watts, one of the first to introduce Zen in the U.S., believed that when we are born, we don’t differentiate between the external and internal world. We don’t understand the difference between “that which exists outside of ourselves and that which exists internally” and it is only as we grow that we learn to discern what is “me” and what is “you.”

This was the beginning of our true understanding of duality--that without you, there could be no me and if there was no me, then there would be no you.

With this understanding we begin to see that we are all wearing a societal mask–a role that each of us play on the grand stage of life. The description each of us gives ourselves is only measured by the perception of someone else and when you begin to care about the perceptions of others and what others think, you have engaged emotionally. You have become subject to the judgment and perception of others, falling deeply into your role.
 
You have in fact lost yourself in the role that you are playing and the game of hide and seek has begun.

Once we understand this concept we can remove our mask and we are simply left with thought and perception.

And so today, we are here to ask. Who are you really? Do you believe yourself to be the role you have assumed in society? And do you associate yourself as being the thinker of your own thoughts? Are you the mastermind behind each and every emotion that arises and each and every thought that transpires inside of your mind?

 

May I  always cherish all beings

with the resolve to accomplish for them

the highest good

that is more precious than a wish fulfilling gem.

 

May all beings be free of suffering and the cause of suffering.

May I be an agent to help free them from this suffering.

 

I take refuge until I attain enlightenment in the Buddha.

I take refuge in the Dharma.

I take refuge in the sangha.