Rinpoche gave his teaching in English and explained the importance of watching the mind. His translator repeated his words in Chinese as “觀你的心”, which really perplexed me. Why is mind being translated as 心? In everyday Chinese, 心 means heart. Why would the word "mind" be translated as "heart"? Aren't the mind and the heart two different things? Why do I often feel like my heart and my mind point in opposite directions?That experience was nearly two years ago. Now I understand how the heart and mind are indeed the same and not separate. Emotions and thoughts all originate from the mind and they are interconnected. If I think mean thoughts, corresponding emotions will develop.
When tears flow from my eyes, the mind is the mastermind and the body's reaction is an external expression of the thoughts and feelings inside.
Naively, I used to think that emotions and thoughts were completely separate. I thought it was my fate to be at the mercy of my feelings. I cried frequently and easily as a kid. But gradually, I learned to suppress the sadness and instead I began experiencing depression regularly.
Then throughout my twenties, I slowly began to feel like I was numb inside. I wasn't able to cry or feel as strongly as I used to. Looking back, it was a period of disconnection with my internal self. But the moment I realized I had lost my ability to cry, I knew there was a problem. And that realization has lead me on a path to recover that part of me.
I think deep down we all know what we truly feel in our hearts. There are lots of noises and distractions which make it hard to hear the calling but if there is the desire to hear, the sound will get stronger. And the more you truly listen and follow the sound, the more confidence the heart will have to speak up.
Moving to Hong Kong three years ago forced me to constantly ask myself why I've chosen the path that I now follow. I didn't really know the answer in the beginning but the reasons are slowly starting to take shape. I've made a decision a long time ago to follow my heart no matter where it may lead. For the longest time, I've questioned my path because I didn't consciously realize what I was doing. I was running on instinct and gut feelings because I've always inherently felt that to be the right way.
So where does this heart of mine lead me? It has lead me back to my mind, body, soul and spirit. I no longer feel the need or desire to run or search for something anymore. I am beginning a new stage in my life. A stage where I just want to enjoy each and every moment for what it is. I want to enjoy myself for who I am in each and every moment. I want to watch the sorrows, boredom, rainbows and disappointments of life with awe and appreciation.
We all come into this world needing love, care and attention. Each of us need to see and be seen for who we truly are inside. But once you know who you are, nothing else really matters that much anymore. It's no longer about what you do or who you love. What matters is how you live and how you love.
You can't stop the waves but you can learn to surf. ~ Jon Kabat Zinn
Then throughout my twenties, I slowly began to feel like I was numb inside. I wasn't able to cry or feel as strongly as I used to. Looking back, it was a period of disconnection with my internal self. But the moment I realized I had lost my ability to cry, I knew there was a problem. And that realization has lead me on a path to recover that part of me.
I think deep down we all know what we truly feel in our hearts. There are lots of noises and distractions which make it hard to hear the calling but if there is the desire to hear, the sound will get stronger. And the more you truly listen and follow the sound, the more confidence the heart will have to speak up.
Moving to Hong Kong three years ago forced me to constantly ask myself why I've chosen the path that I now follow. I didn't really know the answer in the beginning but the reasons are slowly starting to take shape. I've made a decision a long time ago to follow my heart no matter where it may lead. For the longest time, I've questioned my path because I didn't consciously realize what I was doing. I was running on instinct and gut feelings because I've always inherently felt that to be the right way.
So where does this heart of mine lead me? It has lead me back to my mind, body, soul and spirit. I no longer feel the need or desire to run or search for something anymore. I am beginning a new stage in my life. A stage where I just want to enjoy each and every moment for what it is. I want to enjoy myself for who I am in each and every moment. I want to watch the sorrows, boredom, rainbows and disappointments of life with awe and appreciation.
We all come into this world needing love, care and attention. Each of us need to see and be seen for who we truly are inside. But once you know who you are, nothing else really matters that much anymore. It's no longer about what you do or who you love. What matters is how you live and how you love.
You can't stop the waves but you can learn to surf. ~ Jon Kabat Zinn
