Vol. 17. July 5, 2021
Shortly after the Declaration of Independence was signed, sealed and delivered to King George of England, Patrick Henry reflected on the consequences.
The Founding Father said, “The distinctions between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers and New Englanders are no more. I am not a Virginian, but an American!”
Before July 4, 1776, people living along the North Atlantic coast of the New World identified themselves as colonists of a loose coalition of united states. After July 4, 1776, we were Americans.
Floating down the Wisconsin River in a duck boat over America’s birthday, gazing at the brown-tinted waves gently rocking the hull, I pondered this issue of identity.
How did the Buddha identify himself?
He used to be a prince in his father’s kingdom, but meditation changes a person.
When you get to see all things as waves rippling on the surface of the Mind, and understand that the waves belong to the depths of the Mind, then you’re happy because you’ve gained enlightenment.
All things — you, me, the Wisconsin River — are waves rippling on the surface of the Mind.
What do you identify yourself with: the ripples or the depths?
Your true self is the bottomless sea.
Your ego is a wave rippling on the surface of the sea.
It’s temporary, short-lived, rarely at peace and as unreal as a dream.
Your ego is an illusion. Don’t cling to an illusion.
Bodhidharma never did.
Bodhidharma
Bodhidharma was the founder of the Zen school.
One fine day, the emperor of China summoned the famous Buddhist monk to his court. The emperor was a devout Buddhist. He wanted to plump the depths of the monk’s wisdom.
Face to face with the renowned monk, unsure if it might be an imposter, the emperor asked, “Who is this standing before me?”
Bodhidharma said, “I don’t know.”
In Zen, that’s the correct answer.
(I mean, who are you? on a fundamental level?)
When you meditate, you are in a state of egolessness.
When you stop meditating, you identify yourself with your ego, and all the misery it brings.
This Fourth of July go one step further than Patrick Henry.
Declare your true identity. Free yourself from the bonds of the ego. Live in the freedom of selflessness.
Then ride the rippling waves like the Buddha you truly are.
The Buddha Times 