Reflect in Subtlety Dawning Awareness- Master Hsin Tao’s journal collection from 2010 retreat

Moths were fluttering in the nearby bushes this morning. They were startled and flew around when I approached. With the popping sound of my umbrella, they danced lightly. This interesting interaction had helped me to forget the physical pain temporarily. 

As my monastic students began their retreat, I’ve asked them to keep up a journal reflection about their Chan practice. I’d write down some comments as I read through them. I wish them all to take this opportunity to exert with good effort, regulate the body and breathing meditation. May all have a fruitful outcome after ten days of retreat. 

As I reminded them, “The duties of a monastic are to practice, meditate, aims for enlightenment, and to help sentient beings. These are the most joyful activities. Through the 10-day retreat, allow ourselves to examine the working of our mind and thoughts in subtlety. If we do not introspect vigorously, our mind is scattered and rough, which would hold us back from experiencing the subtlety of Buddhadharma. One must start with Chan practice in order for the experience to rise. Observe and breakthrough in Chan practice. Please make use of this time to realize your nature, this ‘original face’ of yours.”

After finishing reading everyone’s reflection, I still concluded the day with one thousand times of Great Compassion Dharani (Long Dharani) before bed. We should not skip any daily practice, not even once, during the retreat. This is the minimal requirement we should uphold, and the least of gratefulness offered to the Buddha.