Your coming and going is nothing ...

 

 

How much coming and going is happening in our lives? And where does this lead us?

 

"Your coming and going takes place nowhere else but where you are"

 

This line from a song written by Hakuin Ekaku in the 18th century is a powerful reminder of how we think we gain by doing and yet, here we still are.

What is it exactly we seek in our coming and going?

 

We run around, we think we need, we are convinced we should.

 

But how much of our doing and achieving really contributes to inner rest and balance? 

 

This too shall pass, is a fundamental principle in Buddhism. This applies to all your doing, all your achievements and all your suffering or happiness that comes from doing.

 

 

 

At this point you can spend hours contemplating the value of doing versus being. But we can cut this short to a very simple truth. 

We are awakening as human beings. We are aware of who we are and what we can achieve. 

Our doing, often measured by our technological and intellectual achievements, do not contribute much to internal balance and well being.

 

If you want to be more quiet and feel more rested, deep inside, you need to return to being first.

 

Start this day, or tomorrow, by observing your coming and going. Observe that in others. Then realize that there is an observer who notices this.

Imagine this as a version of yourself sitting quietly in the midst with the smile of unbearable compassion on your face.

 

Just try, don't do.

 

 

Another poem comes to mind in this context:

Sitting quietly,

doing nothing.

Spring comes,

and the grass grows

by itself.

-Basho

 

Enjoy your day!