MIND LIKE MOON, MIND LIKE WATER
One of the most commonly used thought provoking Zen teachings is that of "Mind like moon, mind like water". The wisdom contained within this Zen teaching relates directly to the significance of the bow within the martial arts tradition. As you recall, the bow is considered the most important technique taught or practiced within the martial arts because of the deep significance of its meaning. When from a position of great humility we purposefully bow to another and place our head below the level of their head, we are communicating to them that they are more important than us.
Likewise, the Zen teaching of "Mind like moon, mind like water," teaches us two important concepts with regards to communication both inside and outside the dojo. As we meditate and ponder the meaning of the statement "Mind like moon", it is easy to understand that the light of the moon shines equally upon everyone and everything on earth. In fighting this is analogous to the concept of the non-abiding mind which teaches us to place our gaze on nothing in particular so that we can see everything equally. If instead our attention is on our fear or on the strength of our opponent we will not be effective in protecting ourselves. As with all lessons in the dojang the application of this lesson outside the dojang is far more important. The moon's light does not selectively shine brighter upon anyone or anything. Therefore, applying this principle to our interactions with others, we should treat everyone that we encounter with the same degree of kindness and respect. As we go through our day we should strive to greet every living being with a smile or a kind word. We should treat everyone equally regardless of their position in life and regardless of their attitude or approach to us. As martial artists we should strive to shine our light equally upon everyone.
The concept of "Mind like water," also relates directly to our daily communication with everyone we encounter. When we peer into a still, serene pool of water we see a perfect reflection of ourselves staring back at us. Just as the pool reflects our likeness perfectly without distortion, as martial artists when we communicate with others we should strive to calm our minds and reflect back the ideas or issues that the person is conveying to us. We do this by first becoming completely present within the interaction. Listening with purpose to the ideas that the other person is attempting to communicate to us and doing so without interruption or judgment. When we listen in this manner, we will become more in tune with what is being said verbally and nonverbally. This is very challenging to accomplish, since we all possess the impulses of our ego to interrupt, judge or problem solve. Yet, when we are truly present in this manner we will discover that our daily interactions and relationships are much deeper and more fulfilling.
If we look deeper into the analogy of "Mind like water", we will discover another essential teaching. When we peer into a clear body of water, such as a traditional Japanese Koi fish pond, and we look beyond our own reflection on the surface of the pond. We are able to see very clearly the details of the Koi and on the bottom of the pond. In this same manner, when we are interacting with others we should strive to allow ourselves to be authentic and vulnerable, thus allowing the individual to see below our own surface. We accomplish this by first avoiding our ego's tendency to create different faces or personas that we use in different situations and then by utilizing our courage to allow others to see our thoughts and personality as clearly as we see the Koi swim within their pond.
I can assure you that these concepts are much easier to talk about and discuss than they are to carry out in our daily lives. I am, as many of us are, just a beginner in my journey to becoming a better communicator and listener. However, my frailties do not keep me from striving to treat everyone with the same degree of kindness and respect, to listen intently while simultaneously resisting my impulses to interrupt, judge or problem solve and to be courageous enough to be authentic and vulnerable in all of my relationships.
