Awareness is the starting point from "summary" of Being Zen by Ezra Bayda
In our journey towards understanding Zen, we must first come to realize that awareness is where it all begins. This awareness is not merely a mental concept or intellectual understanding; it is a deeply felt presence that permeates every aspect of our being. It is the foundation upon which all other aspects of Zen practice are built. Being truly aware means being fully present in each moment, without judgment or expectation. It means being open and receptive to whatever arises, whether it be pleasant or unpleasant. This kind of awareness allows us to see things as they truly are, without the distortions of our conditioning or the projections of our mind. When we cultivate this kind of awareness, we begin to see the interconnectedness of all things. We start to understand that our thoughts, feelings, and actions are not separate from the world around us, but are part of a larger whole. This realization can be both liberating and humbling, as it shows us that we are not separate individuals struggling against the world, but rather integral parts of a vast and interconnected web of life. With this awareness as our foundation, we can start to investigate the nature of our own suffering and the root causes of our discontent. We can begin to see how our attachment to our desires and aversions, our beliefs and expectations, keeps us trapped in a cycle of dissatisfaction and unhappiness. By shining the light of awareness on these patterns, we can start to unravel them and free ourselves from their grip.- The practice of Zen is about learning to live with greater clarity, compassion, and wisdom. It is about cultivating a deep awareness that allows us to see things as they truly are and to respond to them with an open heart and mind. This kind of awareness is not something that can be achieved overnight, but is rather a lifelong journey of self-discovery and transformation. It is a journey that begins with a simple but profound realization: awareness is the starting point.
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