A young disciple once asked his Zen master, “How can I cultivate humility as a Spiritual Athlete?” The master replied, “Imagine a person standing at the edge of the ocean. The vastness and majesty of the ocean is humbling, reminding them of their own smallness and insignificance in the grand scheme of things. In the same way, the Spiritual Athlete cultivates humility by recognizing their own limitations and imperfections, and acknowledging the vastness and mystery of the universe. By cultivating humility, they can cultivate a deeper sense of connection and reverence for the world around them.”
Anonymous
This koan emphasizes the importance of cultivating humility as a key aspect of the Spiritual Athlete’s journey. Rather than being consumed by ego or self-importance, the Spiritual Athlete cultivates a deep sense of humility and reverence for the world around them. By recognizing their own limitations and imperfections, they can cultivate a deeper sense of connection with themselves and the universe, and ultimately achieve a greater sense of oneness and harmony with all of creation.
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The Empty Cup:
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The Cave of Stillness
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The Wisdom of the River
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The Dog and Buddha-Nature
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A Journey of Perceptions
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The Gateless Gate
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The Moon’s Reflection
The Moon’s Reflection reminds us that reality, like the moon’s reflection, is transient and elusive.