Gently is

by Sylvia Bay, The Buddhist Channel, June 2, 2015

For one who seeks the meditative state,
Much work is needed to prepare the mind,
To break it out of bad habits,
To want, to own, to search and hunt.

Learn to have no expectations, no wants,
No going somewhere,
Or being someone.
No past, no future,
No mental constructs,
Let go of planning,
And rest in the breathing.

Maintaining focus,
Keep mind sharp and steady,
Know that there's watching,
Know arising, falling.
Know when it's leaning towards subtle straying.
Leash it gently,
Keep it in line.
Firmly but patiently,
Just watch roving mind.

A moment will come,
When the mind stops tugging.
And began to settle into a quiet abiding.
Note this moment:
Note the knowing.
It is the stillness of no one being.

The mind becomes soft.
The heart feels light.
A smile is formed.
Body delights.
A subtle vibration,
Perhaps gentle rocking.
Odd physical sensations,
Are just normal happenings.

Do not be attached
To anything that is seen.
Whatever that arises,
That surely must cease.

Each moment is conditioned,
Upon another before.
This is impermanence.
Just an eternal Law.

That which is ever changing,
Is innately unsatisfactory.
In essence there is nothing
Worth holding and grieving.

Wisdom is when
The mind let go
Of the belief in an I.
And hold not to things,
That it maintains are Mine.

Wisdom is when
It let go of views
That were once so dear,
Including that mind-made delusion
That is the Self.

When the mind is content,
And ask for nothing,
Being no one,
And going nowhere.
There lies the bliss
Of just being
Quietly knowing
Gently is.