A Spiritual Athlete once approached her Zen guru with a question about prayer. She asked, “I have been contemplating the nature of prayer. It seems that when we pray, we are reaching out to an external deity. But is it possible that, in reality, we are praying to the unrevealed Self within us?”
The guru, thoughtfully considering the question, replied, “Indeed, prayer can be understood in many ways. While it may seem like an appeal to an external force, it can also be seen as a form of introspection, a dialogue with our true Self. The ultimate goal of Zen practice is to discover the true nature of our being, which is often obscured by our everyday thoughts and actions.”
The guru continued, “When we pray, we are not only seeking guidance and support from a higher power, but we are also striving to connect with the deepest, most authentic part of ourselves. In this sense, prayer becomes an act of self-discovery and a means of nurturing our inner wisdom.”
The Spiritual Athlete listened intently as the guru further explained, “As you progress on your spiritual journey, you may find that the line between the external and the internal begins to blur. The distinction between praying to an outside deity and connecting with your inner Self may no longer be so clear-cut. Ultimately, the practice of prayer serves to remind us of our interconnectedness with all things, both within ourselves and in the world around us.”
With this newfound understanding of the nature of prayer, the Spiritual Athlete felt a sense of peace and clarity. She left her guru with a renewed sense of purpose, embracing the idea that prayer was not only a means of seeking divine guidance but also a pathway to discovering the hidden truth within her own being.
Anonymous
Read more
Breath, Move & Inspire
A young monk asked his teacher, "How can I truly embody the phrase 'Breath, Move & Inspire' in my practice?" The teacher replied, "When you breathe, let it be a full and deep breath that fills your entire being. When you move, let it be with grace and intention,...
Walking on a tightrope
A student once asked his Zen master, "How can I cultivate mindfulness as a Spiritual Athlete?" The master replied, "Imagine a person walking on a tightrope. If they focus only on the end point or the distance they have to cross, they are likely to fall. But if they...
Self-awareness and connection
A young disciple once asked his Zen master, “How can I find my path as a Spiritual Athlete?” The master replied, “Imagine a river flowing towards the ocean. The river does not ask where it should go or how it should flow; it simply follows its natural course. In the same way, the Spiritual Athlete does not seek a predetermined path or destination, but simply follows their own natural inclination towards growth and self-discovery. They understand that the path will unfold naturally if they remain open, receptive, and attentive to their own inner guidance.”