Mind matters

.................................................................................
Photo by: h.koppdelaney



Regardless of the meditation system you decide to pursue, success is largely dependent upon the ability of controlling your emotions and impulses constantly triggered by society's own dynamics. For instance, let's imagine for a second that you are walking down the street in the busy central business district and come across this beautiful woman walking along wearing high heels and a suggestive dress. I can guarantee you that your mind will be drawn toward her instead of focusing on the act of walking, or making sure you don't bump into anyone if it happens to be peak hour.

The following Zen Buddhist tale comes to my mind:


Two traveling monks reached a river where they met a young woman. Wary
of the current, she asked if they could carry her across. One of the monks
hesitated, but the other quickly picked her up onto his shoulders, transported
her across the water, and put her down on the other bank. She thanked him
and departed.

As the monks continued on their way, the one was brooding and
preoccupied. Unable to hold his silence, he spoke out. "Brother, our spiritual
training teaches us to avoid any contact with women, but you picked that one
up on your shoulders and carried her!"

"Brother," the second monk replied, "I set her down on the other side, while
you are still carrying her."

Try to aim your mind at whatever you are doing in that particular moment rather than thinking of many different things at once. This skill will improve many aspects of your life. Let's name a few:

1. Increased concentration level
2. Improved sleep
3. Increased awareness
4. Clearing of emotional blockages
5. Strengthening of the immune system