THE MOMENT

When walking, standing, sitting, lying down, speaking, being silent, moving, being still

At all times, in all places

Without interruption  -  what is this?

One moment is infinite kalpas.

When you are born, where do you come from?  When you die, where do you go?  We all come into this world carrying nothing.  When we leave, nothing can be taken.  And yet in between, everyone wants something, everyone goes after something, everyone is attached to things. 

The moment you are born, everything is already set.  The karma is set.  You cannot do anything.

But there is one way to change it.  If you can control your mind from moment to moment, then it is possible to change your life, and prevent your life from being the automatic product of your karma.

When moving, standing, sitting, lying down, talking, being silent, moving or in complete stillness, anywhere, anytime, keep a not-moving mind.

All the things that happen are not good or bad.  Any action is not good and not bad.  Our outside condition and situation will always change, but this should not confuse us. 

ON PRAGMATISM

A Zen monk was seen sitting in meditation all the time for an extended period.  His master asked him what he was after.

“My desire is to become a Buddha,” replied the monk.

Master then picked up a piece of brick and began to polish it on a stone.  Asked to explain his action, the master said he wished to make a mirror.

“But no amount of polishing a brick will make it into a mirror,” pointed out the monk.

“If so, no amount of sitting cross-legged will make you into a Buddha.”