Why Zen Exercises?
Traditionally, Zen Buddhism has been closely associated with a variety disciplines – the tea ceremony, calligraphy, flower arranging, archery, some martial arts, etc. The formal, meditative forms of these activities provided, among other things, a bridge from sitting practice in the meditation hall to conscious, skillful activity in the ‘world’.
Things have changed in the last 1500 years. The environment that modern, urban Buddhists practice in is significantly different from the one inhabited by Buddhists who lived in in medieval Japan. For that reason, I am going to suggest some activities that may help bring perspective and insight and will help us to act more skillfully in this current time and place.
Zen Exercise #1
In my life, and certainly within the culture at large, a major source of frustration, distress, and often anger (consider the phenomena of ‘road rage’) is driving a car.
I think there are a variety of reasons for this problem, but one of the primary causes is the fact that we get lost in the importance of our own driving goals. We need to get to a meeting; we need to get our shopping done and get home to fix dinner; we don’t want to be late for the dentist, doctor, interview, black Friday sale, etc. In our mind, this concern of ours takes precedence over anything, or anyone else. In the face of that we resent every stop sign, pedestrian crosswalk, driver changing lanes, road work crew, etc. If any of this strikes a chord with you, then, try the following experiment.
When you get into your car next time, accept that you have a destination to get to, but then switch your attention to your actual driving – with a difference. Pay attention to each event in the entire process of getting from where you enter your car to the moment you park the car at your destination.
When you start the engine and pull out onto the street don’t do it without thinking. Pay attention to the details involved. Try to make the movements in the process smooth and elegant. Advance from being stopped to driving ‘at speed’ on the road as smoothly as possible. Don’t interfere with anyone else during the process. If someone is approaching you proceed in a way that is polite and benefits both of you.
Take that mind into everything you do during the drive.
Instead of thinking about how much time has passed, try to be as efficient and considerate as is possible. If someone wants to change lanes and you can let them in without inconveniencing other drivers (always keep this in mind) then let them in. Wave politely and watch what their response is. Think about how you felt when someone did the same for you when you were trying to navigate through traffic. If you have to make a turn try and do it in a manner that gives the driver behind you plenty of time to react properly. If you inadvertently cause a problem for another driver, give them an ‘I’m sorry’ wave. If you slow down or follow another car try to do it in a way that is safe, skillful and does not distress or inconvenience the other driver(s).
In other words, let go of the rushing, 'got to get to (wherever)' mind and focus on making the drive from your stating point to your finishing point as perfect, and skillful as possible.
Anytime you are tempted to get angry or frustrated, try and bring your mind back to ‘skillful, polite’ driving.
NOTE: Don't let your new zeal for politeness turn you into a moving 'road block'. You are trying to be an efficient, effective driver and, at the same time, a polite, considerate driver.
When you reach your destination, take a moment to sit in the car and evaluate how you feel.
