We try to find ways to get things done that we want to accomplish. In our situation it’s the motivation to do the sitting practice of meditation as it’s taught here, called shikantaza. This is probably the most radical, minimalist form of meditation. How do we get ourselves to to do something that doesn’t always really show any kind of immediate results? Return to the original inspiration that got you to practice in the first place. It’s important to have some kind of form se

What is the dynamic that causes our whole emotional structure to get all tightened up so that we want to destroy something? It happens on all kinds of levels from tiny irritations with others to something being not quite right with ourselves. The imaginary self gets some kind of nourishment out of rage and anger that comes from the fear of all the versions of being nobody; that people won’t like who you are or that you’ll look foolish. Don’t try to get rid of your anger – fee

Whatever is arising in the mind stream, don’t argue. Even though it’s difficult, just look at it. It will never show up the same way twice. You might consider seeing what it actually is. In order to fundamentally relate to anything that arises in the mind stream, you may have to be at the mercy of the emotion; in other words, receive that. The so called object is the subject. You can’t think your way into that, but you can train your mind to see what this is.

See how these two show up for you. Is someone trying to control you? Someone who is afraid may have some kind of nondescript paranoia or anxiety. Someone who is covering up fear may not know they are afraid at all. They might just think they are angry about something, some other situation that needs to be controlled or governed. I am recommending that you train your mind so there will be less projection and more receiving what’s there. It will feel like you don’t know what’s