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The Quality of Being

Suzuki’s Reading: “For When you do something, if you fix your mind on the activity with some confidence the quality of your state of mind is the activity itself.  When you are concentrated on the quality of your being, you are prepared for the activity.”

The quality of your mind is reflected in the quality of your action.  Your action shows the quality of your mind.

Two examples from my own life experience. My bedspread: when making my bed, is the barometer of my mind.  When my mind is settled, my bedspread seems like a veil on my bed almost by itself.  But when thought interferes, I start fussing, smoothing here, tugging there.

Another example is dancing.  When I dance, it’s not my body dancing.  Thinking of the steps and trying to make it right, I almost fall over my feet.  But when energy flashes into movement, there is harmony, and dancing happens–life happens.

“It” has to be appreciated just as it is–one has to be “it” oneself.  Then there is no separation between doer, doing, and the thing being done.  That’s the quality of Being expressed in action that is harmonious.  Stillness is movement, movement is stillness.  Smooth, flawless, naturally elegant.

Experiencing life as a joyous dance entering playful samadhi of transforming action.

Wilbur Mushin Sensei

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