Post Notes on Zen and Now

Is "living in the Now" the purpose of life? That depends on who is defining the purpose of life, of course. Most Western religions would disagree. Materialistically, many schools of psychology would disagree as well. If you choose it as your purpose, though, what would that imply?

At the very least, this perspective grounds you. You are "sensing" what is happening. Yet, this sounds materialistic: you are only focusing on what is in front of you, what your eyes, ears, nose, skin, tongue, and astral body (if you will) can register. They receive information from the world and that data races to the brain. The brain then interprets the data and, voilá, your body has created a picture of reality. Where is Spirit in all of this?

Let's add a spiritual dimension. Does your spirit, God, or guides work through you more effectively if you are focusing on what is around you? Our mental, emotional, and physical bodies are less stressed and distorted when we are clear. This clarity allows us to interpret and act on these higher directions more precisely, because the ego is not intruding as much. Even if these directions don't come from spirit but from within our subconscious, being clear still helps.

From another angle, some philosophies mention "seeing what is." When you drop the filters that both past experiences and future expectations have created, then perhaps you really see. At least, you will see more. However, I don't know to what degree we can drop these filters. Some claim that you can live 24/7 without them. This sounds idealistic; having senses and a brain practically guarantees referencing. Besides, as humans we need the ability to reference. For example, without remembering our language, we couldn't understand what anyone was saying — not even our spiritual guides. Even telepathy uses words, although unspoken.

Maybe in moments of mediation or during metaphysical or spiritual revelation we could completely transcend these filters. Whenever we physically talk or mentally think about this state, though, we are referencing. The point, I believe, is to keep ourselves in balance by being present enough to see clearly yet remain functional. Reasonable enough?

Meditation helps to discipline and focus the mind. Meditation on a mantra is a popular way to help focus on the Now. Here's a mantra I use, although almost any will do. The venerable Tea Master Idoh Teksist, who I met at the foot of Mt. Fuji in 1982, shared it with me. Although the translation isn't exact, it's close enough: Pho-ka-snow. "Snow" should rhyme with "cow." In your mind, repeat the phrase rhythmically.

The Now state is one of wonder. Although it takes much conscious effort to achieve and maintain this level of consciousness, I believe that getting there is just the beginning of an even more incredible adventure.