Zen teacher Karen Maezen Miller offers some words to help us all start the year off right.
Photo by Nathan Rupert.
The New Year is a powerful time in our lives, and by that I mean in our practice. Through no effort of our own, we arrive at a point of culmination. A moment of reflection and renewal. In this span between what we think of as the old and the new, regret can stir. We may be more aware of our stubborn habits and shortcomings, our losses and the never-ending ache of unfulfillment. Another year gone, and all those things we were going to do! All those changes we were going to make!
This recognition is a rare and momentous blessing, and one to be used. Recognition is all any of us needs to make a change.
My teacher Nyogen Roshi is fond of quoting his teacher, Maezumi Roshi, who said something like, “It is impossible not to do your best. You just don’t think it’s your best.” Every moment arises pure and perfect from conditions as they are. From you, as you are. Our judgment alone, our ego mind, distinguishes best from less, gain from loss and new from old. Judgment alone separates us from the fulfillment we think lies just beyond the precipice of time.
And so I seize this moment to wish you all the best.
I wish you less of what you can live without and more of what you’ve always wanted. Less anger, and less quickness to anger. Less greed, and more open-mindedness. Less judgment, doubt and cynicism, and less of the pain and confusion they create. Less hurry.
Less fear. More of the compassionate love that can only arise in the absence of fear.
I would wish you more time, but you already have it. It only takes a moment to transform your life. A moment of undefiled, nonjudgmental awareness. A moment of practice, and everything everywhere is new again.
Only you can make it so, but I will wish it just the same: your best new year.
Karen,
I love the truth as it comes through you, the words you use to convey it that go straight to my heart, and my good fortune to be reading them here. It's so important to share the love. Thank you.
Everything's mutual Cathy. Thank you.
Yes, it only takes a moment. Thank you for your words… This moment is all we have and isn't it glorious? In 2010 I want to begin more practicing, less just living…
I was writing New Years cards this week and every time I went to write a blessing in each card I thought of you (before I had seen this) and thought "Is this a truthful blessing? Is it something I can actually wish for them?" I call it the Karen-test of truth. It worked, I wished for things that only they could make happen, but I wished for them all the same.
One moment – I like that 🙂
And, bless you, Karen!
Less hurry. More now. Thank you Karen. Your Prana flows through your words into others and magically back into you by our gratitude! Inhale…exhale…Happiest of New Years!
"Between the one who gives, the one who receives, and the gift, there is no separation." – Maezumi Roshi.
Maezen,
With respect to time … When you were in Houston this fall, you reminded those of us assembled that we have all we need and we have all the time we need … We determine when we get up and when we go to bed … There is always time for the things we want and need to do, like engage in our spiritual practice. You also mentioned we should put the zafu or whatever we use during that practice in a place that we can't easily ignore it.
I know many people who arise early to engage in quiet reflection and meditation while in prayer or reading their bibles. They all have one thing in common… They go about their days with purpose and are more peaceful in general.
Sounds like a great goal for this year and all those that follow.