The Art of Simple Living by Shunmyo Masuno & Harriet Lee-Merrion

Author:Shunmyo Masuno & Harriet Lee-Merrion
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Published: 2019-04-01T16:00:00+00:00

47

NOTICE CHANGES.

Everything else springs from this awareness.

The effect of observing yourself from a fixed point

Practicing Zen monks generally rise every day at four in the morning. In Zen, we refer to wake-up time as shinrei, or “bell ringing,” because it is announced with a handbell.

The monks wash up and then, at 4:15, they begin the morning zazen. We call this kyoten, or “dawn,” zazen. Bedtime—kaichin, or “opening the pillow”—is at nine in the evening. We get seven hours of sleep. We lead a very regular lifestyle.

Why do Zen monks live this way?

To make them attuned to subtle changes in the mind and body.

When you maintain a regular lifestyle, you are able to notice the slightest changes. If you want to change yourself, first it is important to develop an awareness of any shifts within.

You might be able to do something today that you were unable to do yesterday. Your mood today may not be the same as it was yesterday. By making observations from a fixed point, you are able to see yourself as you really are. This is also how you can hone your mind and body, by taking good care of both.

Conscientious living begins with early to bed, early to rise.

This is the secret to a life of ease and contentment.

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