Great Master DÅgen in The ShÅbÅgenzÅ illuminates the use of sounds to see True Nature. He says “’striking unbounded space and hearing It reverberate’, which is Its continuous, wonderful voice before and after the mallet has struck the bell.”
The bell’s ring is a metaphor, to point to our True Nature of “unbounded space”. It opens into an understanding of our sitting practice and its place. It paints the picture allowing us to see what we are sitting for. Using nothing and something at the same time, transcending into non-dualism to shatter concepts about our practice is simply amazing.
(Thanks to Gregor for initially pointing me to this book. Image)
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Wade,
Another great post! Keep it coming, I really appreciate your insights. It was just wonderful to find you talking about the Shobogenzo, I’m planning to tackle it soon—- I’ve done some work with Bendowa, and it was a very ulimating experiance.
Again, thanks for shining your light.
I love the sound of a bell. Thich Nhat Hanh says that whenever we hear a bell sound or other rings in our daily life to stop, breath and recite, “I listen, I listen this wonderful sound brings me back to my true home.”
Hi,
I’ve been meditating from 2 months. Today for the first time I heard a bell ringing in my ears several times. Can you explain why this happened to me?
Thanks
Hi P, I dare say the two things aren’t directly related if it’s a physical sensation that is now constantly present.
If it’s something that’s just happening in meditation, I’d say that’s your way of seeing/understanding life at this point in time. What do you think?
May all have peace,
Wade
This is outstanding. Wade at his best.
These techniques are all so familiar. But new to the awakening ear. When I am feeling calm and peaceful, the noises in the background are similar to my paintings. There just there, with no identification. As well, when I am setting meditation looking at the blank wall in front, there is a sewing machine and other objects. But I am not to concern with the objects as well as the breath.
But I do have one other absurbed issue. As I doze off for a quick nap. I catch my mind rereading pages I’ve read that morning. Could be the dream reservoir state. What do you think? And what should I do~take a breather from reading? Ha! P.S. All this knowledge just floors me, I can’t seem to get enough.
xo
Hi Terry,
Thank you for such an amazing compliment blushes.
Totally agree with you, that these all seem new, but are also, also familiar. They are our original nature, it’s what always exists, we just forget.
Interesting thing the human mind. It’s obviously coming from memory. I’d say being released/replayed when the conscious mind starts to let go. Who knows how or why. I’d give up reading the paper if I were you, it’s not good for your health anyhow. Something else may pop up, maybe experiment.
Check out http://blog.wi.id.au/2007/12/30/negative-news-media/ for a look at news papers (my personal blog).
Keep on enjoying
May you be blessed by the Dharma.
Peace,
Wade