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Tao
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Question & Answer
(2000)
1. What is contemplation?
Contemplation is reaching beneath the clatter of the mind to abide in
silence and there encounter something. You can call that God, True Nature,
the Tao-it doesn't really matter. Often the word contemplation is used
to refer to prescribed methods of practice, but I think of it more as
a way of being.
2. How
would you describe that way of being?
The heart is open and the mind is still. I describe it as open presence.
I have also described it as waiting with empty hands. The contemplative
understands that everything is a gift.
3. Obviously
it is different than sitting meditation.
Yes. Meditation may be part of one's practice, but I think one can have
a contemplative approach to life without it. I recognize that this is
a pretty radical thing to say. In many traditions, the practice is central.
I believe this contributes to overemphasizing the form. If what we are
encountering in contemplation is our own essence, how can there be only
one way to reach it? There must be many, many ways. It may happen when
you're dancing or making love or fishing. Even meditation teachers say
the real point is to be mindful when you get up from the cushion.
4. This
is certainly a time of growing interest in spirituality. What does your
book have to offer?
I
hope it offers a fresh look at contemplative life which brings it into
range for a greater variety of people. Everyone can have a more contemplative
life. It doesn't mean one gets up at 4:30 in the morning to meditate.
It is not one more activity to fit into a busy life, but a willingness
to leave more open space in one's life so that one can settle into the
great richness of Being.
Back to
your question, I hope this book will do two things. First, create a friendly
field around contemplation so that more people will be drawn to it. If
contemplation is seen as only stern and dry, then those with a joyful
heart will not be as interested. Second, there are exercises throughout
the book which can help people move into a more contemplative lifestyle.
My approach is not the traditional one of starting with practices as much
as examining barriers and beliefs and trying little experiments.
5. Are
you a contemplative?
By my own definition, yes. I certainly don't lead a monastic life and
I am not deeply rooted in any of the contemplative traditions, but I have
settled into a lifestyle which supports being with myself in the deepest
way possible. For me, writing is part of that.
6. You
mention "contemplative writing" in your book. What does that
phrase mean?
It means writing from a contemplative frame of mind. It is not the mind
spouting off what it knows, but a state of openness, waiting to meet truth.
7. This
is related to your concept of "yin mind"?
Yes. I call it yin mind because the emphasis is on the feminine or yin
qualities of mind which are neglected in this culture. We have used mind
primarily in an active, yang way. In the book I say, "Mind is not
the arrow speeding toward the target. Mind is the target. Truth is the
arrow that comes to it." We discover spiritual truths not through
effort but through the most delicate receptivity. Mind can be part of
that receptivity.
8. You
talk about this book having a Taoist twist? What is Taoist about it?
Many things. The fact that there is no one set way, that each must find
his or her own way by harmonizing with the Tao; the emphasis on what is
natural and spontaneous; the appreciation of balance and harmony, simplicity
and stillness; the life-affirming rather than life-denying way I approach
having and not having; even my water imagery and valuing of nature. I
think I am Taoist at heart.
9. Anything
else you want to say?
Just that contemplative life is really at the center of spiritual life.
It is about direct encounter with the deeper nature of reality. Without
this, spirituality is just talk.
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