By Paulo Coelho
At the end of ten years of apprenticeship, Zenno thought he should be elevated to the category of Zen master. One rainy day, he went to visit the famous professor Nan-in.
Upon entering Nan-in’s house, the host asked him:
- Did you leave your shoes and umbrella outside?
- Of course - replied Zenno. - As good manners demand. I would do the same anywhere.
- Then tell me: did you place your umbrella to the right or the left of your shoes?
- I’ve no idea, master.
- Zen Buddhism is the art of total consciousness of what we do - said Nan-in. - The lack of attention to the smallest details can completely destroy a man’s life. A father who rushes out of the house, must never forget the dagger within his small son’s reach. A Samurai who doesn’t take care of his sword every day, will at some point find it is rusty, just when he most needs it. A young man who forgets to give his lover flowers, will end up losing her.
And Zenno understood that, although he knew the Zen techniques of the spiritual world, he had forgotten to apply them to the world of men.
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Consciousness is a powerful key.
Have a good day Paulo
I wanted to become a pianist. For many years I was practicing for many hours. Discipline is the first to learn in order for the body, the mind and the soul,to be able to achieve Harmony. To be alert in everything we do was my Lesson. Although I have not become a famous pianist - as my dreams were driving me- I believe I have learnt my lesson! I always know where I ….put my umbrella..LOVE, Thelma.
Oh yes, a momentary lapse of concentration can be fatal.I am personally very particular about this, for example, if your immediate preoccupation is to drive in your car somewhere, then you should do just that, and concentrate 100%. Don’t think about shopping, don’t smoke, don’t drink, don’t eat…just drive! By doing this you have a far greater chance of arriving at your destination safely. Drive carefully, Paul xxx
Definitely, the smallest details make all the difference..a mother that doesnt worry about the way she will talk to her child, may crush his/her dream… for instance, when i was little, i told my parents that i want to become a musician and a singer..they answered me, in a very horribe way..that it is not going to happen and that i should get a grip of reality…you are not in America, they said..these days i asked them if they remember this incident..they said no…their opinion is the same, but now i am strong and dont care…
Love to all of you
I sense it is the subtle nuances that ultimately reflect who and what we are, as well as where we are on our journey. Its simply a case of evolving to redefine the significance of things we didn’t used to notice. Our vision and self-view evolves when we’re ready, and not a moment sooner.
It’s true for decisions that could hurt another person, one has to think. For good things it’s ok. Generally, it’s marvellous.
Stopping our anger or our rude words show us as mean we are suddendly. This is precisely that time we cut. As if we had stopped the time: the answer could be anger or violence, we transformed it in stillness. At that second.
Maybe that’s why all of us don’t question themselves anymore about it. It asks to use a great power, but showing oneself into a mirror. Indeed, that’s not so easy sometimes to recognize our vices. I agree. :)
But hiding the truth to oneself conduces to get worse.
With love.
We must apply our spiritual work and knowledge to support us ,otherwise there is no point of learning …we must concentrate on the details being conscious of all that we do in the moment.I always take my shoes off at any one house before I enter ,to me it is a sign of respect and also I dont like to walk in energetic stuff from my shoes …Blessings Tania
Prudence
cheers!
There’s this saying that “devil lies in details”, but I don’t agree… for me in every little detail lies the touch of God, and I am grateful for every little one.
love
Agnieszka
Without the trees there can be no forest