Teachings From Ancient Vietnamese Zen Masters – 118
We are proud of something in the past, of the trophy we won
yesterday, of the beautiful poems we wrote last year, and of the sweet
memories we had with those we loved. We are also resentful of
something in the past, of the childhood poverty we lived in, of the
criticism unfairly against us, and of the bitter memories we had when
our loved ones leaving.
We also desire for something in the future, for the fame or the glory.
We live here now, but our thoughts wander in dream after dream
towards an exciting future. And we are scared of some future unknown,
uncertain.
Also, living in this world, we have to practically think of the future, have
to write a book of prayers for someone we love, have to chant the
sutras with our children daily to nurture their spiritual future, and so on.
We have to plan, have to think of the future, or have to save money to
buy a car next month. We must plan something for the future, but we
should not cling to anything in the future. Just be serene and awake.)
