..续本文上一页eate unhappiness. First of all, notice that this world contains all the wonders you could expect to find in the Buddha Land. It is only because of our veil of sorrows and worries that we cannot always see these wonders.

　　I always think that I like this world even better than I would the Pure Land because I like what this world offers: lemon trees, orange trees, banana trees, pine trees, apricot trees, and willow trees. Some people say that in the Pure Land there are valuable lotus ponds, seven-gem trees, and roads paved with gold, and that there are special celestial birds. I don”t think I would like these very much. I would rather not walk on roads paved with gold and silver. I wouldn”t even use roads that were lined with marble here on earth. Dirt roads with meadows on both sides are my favorite; I love pebbles and leaves covering the ground. I love bushes, streams, bamboo fences, and ferries.

　　When I was a young novice, I told my Master, “If the Pure Land doesn”t have lemon trees, then I don”t want to go.” He shook his head and smiled. Maybe he thought I was a stubborn youngster. However, he did not say that I was right or wrong. Later when I realized that both the world and the Pure Land come from the mind, I was very happy. I was happy since I knew that lemon trees and star-fruit trees exist also in the Pure Land, with dirt roads and green grass on all sides.

　　I knew that if I kept my eyes open in mindfulness and my steps at ease, I could find my Pure Land. That is why I do not let a single day pass without practicing walking meditation.

　　The Seal of an Emperor

　　Choose a nice road for your practice, along the shore of a river, in a park, on the flat roof of a building, in the woods, or along a bamboo fence. Such places are ideal, but they are not essential. I know there are people who practice walking meditation in reformation camps, even in small prison cells.

　　It is best if the road is not too rough or too steep. Slow down and concentrate on your steps. Be aware of each move. Walk straight ahead with dignity, calm, and comfort. Consciously make an imprint on the ground as you step. Walk as the Buddha would. Place your foot on the surface of the earth the way an emperor would place his seal on a royal decree.

　　A royal decree can bring happiness or misery to people. It can shower grace on them or it can ruin their lives. Your steps can do the same. If your steps are peaceful, the world will have peace. If you can take one peaceful step, you can take two. You can take one hundred and eight peaceful steps.

　　A Lotus Flower Blooms Beneath Each Step

　　When an artist or a sculptor creates a picture or a statue of Buddha sitting upon a lotus flower, it is not just to express his reverence towards the Buddha. The artist must above all want to show the Buddha”s state of mind as he sits: the state of complete peace, complete bliss. We all sit several times a day, but few of us can sit in peace and with ease, few of us can sit majestically like the Buddha. Most of us get restless after a while, as if we were sitting on hot coals. The Buddha may sit on the grass or on a rock, but he looks as serene as he would look sitting on a lotus flower.

　　When I first entered the monastery, my master taught me to observe this thought just before sitting: “Sitting with my back straight, I wish all beings may be seated on the platform of enlightenment, their hearts freed from all illusion and mistaken views.” Only after I said that would I slowly sit down. That is the way to learn to sit like a Buddha.

　　I have a message for students of Pure Land Buddhism: Sit on a Lotus Throne right now, at this moment; do not wait until you get to the Pure Land. Be reborn on a lotus flower in each present moment. Don”t wait until y…

《A Guide to Walking Meditation》全文未完，请进入下页继续阅读…