Most enlightened people advice on an interesting concept of taking your mind to a state where nothing external affects you. The whole of Zen philosophy is based on this technique of staying alert, conscious, and keeping your mind detached from all worldly pursuits. It might sound easy to read, preach and philosophize but in reality it is the most difficult thing to practice. Training your mind using your own conscience is like trying to lift your own body – you never know when you will succeed and when you will fall miserably.
Here is a story that made me realize what Zen actually meant…
There lived a Zen master who practiced total detachment. He had no money, no family, no wealth and not more than a pair of clothes. He also would keep changing his name so that he doesn’t get attached to his name!
He had few sincere disciples with whom he lived. Once they came across a river, which had to be crossed through a bridge. The bridge was so narrow that not more than one person could cross it at a particular time. A young lady was crossing the bridge with a pitcher in her hand, and she was having a tough time crossing it. Seeing her struggling the Zen master offered to help her by lifting her and letting her on the other side of the river, and she agreed. Once all crossed the river safely, the master started moving as if nothing happened.
One of the disciples was a bit confused about the whole philosophy of detachment now. He started doubting his master, his disciples and himself. His query was, if the Master practiced detachment then why should be bother to help that young woman? Why didn’t he let her go on her own? Why should he offer any help, when nothing external mattered?
It was afternoon already, and the group had to stop for lunch. After the lunch was over the Master asked if someone had any doubt or query; none responded. After a break they started moving again.
The question was killing the disciple from inside who still could not understand why the Master had to lift that lady on the first place.
The sun was setting, and the group stopped for a small break again. After taking some rest, the Master asked the group again if someone had any doubt or query. The disciple could not hold it any more. He had to ask it now, and he asked…Master, when you preach so much about total detachment, why did u help that woman to cross the bridge? Why did you lift that lady? And the master replied…I left the woman near the river itself, you still seem to carry her! That is what total detachment is all about. The group started moving again.
Total detachment doesn’t mean that you start ignoring the truth. It simply means that you start accepting things, while carving the impermanence factor deep down in your being.
In life
When at school…don’t ignore your studies you will be out one day
When at college…don’t ignore love interests it will fade someday
When at work…don’t ignore your work you will retire someday
In relationships
Don’t ignore your parents you will have to leave them someday
Don’t ignore your children they will leave you someday
Don’t ignore your friends they will be away from your someday
Don’t ignore your beloved, as he/she might not be there for you someday