Hui-Hai

I thought Hui-Hai’s description of clearing one’s mind was just perfect. He really elaborates on just how to clear your mind of thoughts for mediation to reach that state of being truly unattached. “Trying to empty your minds, straining to attain enlightenment, blabbering about your understanding … all this is a waste of energy.” That seems so counterproductive seeing as how you’re told to focus on emptying your mind, but it is so true. One of the themes found in a lot of the passages we’ve read so far talk about how trying is nearly the worst thing you can do when it comes to reaching a level of enlightenment and a sense of being unattached. However, we are supposed to “look into your own mind; then the marvelous reality will manifest itself at all times.” How is it that we’re supposed to not try so hard, but try at the same time? I think it is about not trying too hard, or trying so hard you lose focus of what it is you’re actually trying to do.

Another point within the first quote I thought was interesting was about how talking about your understanding is a waste of time. People often talk about what they know to prove to others they actually know something when, really, they don’t know as much as they think. Sounds confusing, but it happens all the time. People are constantly overcompensating for what they know, can or cannot do. In doing that, they lose the real reward that comes from simply knowing or simply having an ability to do something well. It reminds me of something my dad told my little sister and I when my sister and I were showing off. We were really young and my sister was only following my lead, but when we were done skipping around the house, my dad said something to the effect of “If you know you’re good, know it and be good. Don’t go around talking about how good you are and forget to be good.” I don’t know why, but that really stuck with me and I think it is a good thing to remember!