On the way to Aldergaria-a-Velda, we walked over an ancient Roman bridge, then under a modern highway. The bridge is shown in tourist pamphlets but the underpass is not shown. The video captures a stream of present moments. I wanted to see around the bend. Thoughts are like that….one after another…our mind wants…likes some things…dislikes other things.
Lao tsu says (chapter 16):
“Empty your mind of all thoughts.
Let your heart be at peace.
Watch the turmoil of beings,
but contemplate their return.
Each separate being in the universe
Returns to the common source.
Returning to the common source is serenity.
If you don’t realize the source,
You stumble in confusion and sorrow.
When you realize where you came from,
You naturally become tolerant, disinterested, amused,
kindhearted as a grandmother,
dignified as a king.
Immersed in the wonder of the Tao,
you can deal with whatever life brings you.
And when death comes, you are ready.”
People tell me that they cannot meditate because their mind is full of thoughts. I tell them that having thoughts is one reason to meditate. Do not worry if you cannot empty your mind of all thoughts. When a thought comes, merely take note of it and return your focus to your breath. This is the Way to gain insight into your own mind, the source of your thoughts. If you practice, you will eventually discover the emptiness.
Many decades ago, I asked a meditation teacher what would happen to me if I practiced meditation everyday.
He said, “There is nowhere to go; there is nothing to do.”
Although Lao tsu answers my question more directly, both answers are correct.
Beinghere 