“My daily affairs are quite ordinary; but I’m in total harmony with them. I don’t hold on to anything, don’t reject anything; nowhere an obstacle or conflict. Who cares about wealth and honor? Even the poorest thing shines. My miraculous power and spiritual activity: drawing water and carrying wood.”
Layman P’ang
These are the words of an ancient Zen master speaking about his experience in daily life following the realization of profound, enduring peace. These words are believed to be written about 5000 years ago, yet they carry wisdom that we all can benefit from today.
The Ordinary is Extraordinary
Peace cannot be found anywhere other than in this present moment. We may enjoy fantasizing about the future or replaying an entertaining memory, but true peace and lasting happiness are realized when the mind chatter quiets and we dissolve into the flow of life. When all of our thoughts about ourselves are put to rest, we no longer exist as separate beings – we are at one with the unfolding of life.
Then we are free to directly experience what is here. Without the usual mind activity – ceaseless commentary, planning, analyzing, etc. – we are alive to just what is in front of us. Washing dishes becomes a play of textures, eating dinner a symphony for the senses.
Many of us live in the ideas about what our lives will be like when…when we are wealthier, thinner, settled down…fill in your version of your future life. Life is happening right now – this breath, these words, the sensations of sitting and movement, the constant and subtle changes of the inner body.
Can you give yourself fully to the most ordinary task? What do you notice?
In Harmony with Daily Affairs
When we are present to what is, we show up in our lives without reservation. As Layman P’ang says, we don’t hold on to anything or reject anything, so we are at harmony with ordinary daily affairs. We are relaxed, unruffled, alert, aware. We do what needs to be done without resistance or drama.
This teaching invites us to consider how we are out of harmony with daily life. What would it take to discover harmony? What is in the way of being fully with the simple moments of your existence?
Consider everything that happens: brushing your teeth, preparing food, talking with a loved one, anything work-related. Can you carry out these activities without getting lost?
If not, can you lovingly get to the heart of how you are taken away?
Everything Shines
Layman P’ang says, “Even the poorest thing shines.” This brilliant statement asks us to investigate: is there anything we are dismissing, avoiding, or denigrating? Are we identifying something or someone as “poor,” and failing to see the reality of its shining essence?
As I write this, I am reminded of a woman I knew in my early 20’s, and it is not my proudest moment. At the time, I was bent on being cool and hip, an identity I adopted with a vengeance. Susan was sweet, prim, and proper, and clearly wanted to be my friend.
I judged Susan in my mind, which led me to reject her friendship. I was viewing her through the film of my opinions about what was cool. I was certainly not seeing her shining essence.
Is there anything you are evaluating – a physical sensation, a person, an emotion, an activity – as not worthy of your attention, as something you feel entitled to ignore, as something you pretend doesn’t exist?
Seeing things as they are, without the judgments of the mind, illuminates the extraordinary nature of the most ordinary appearance. We stop striving for perfection, thrills, or the big stamp of approval. We don’t need to go anywhere for satisfaction because just what is here is unendingly full and complete.
When we are at one with life, when we see things as they are, the deepest fulfillment is revealed in the most simple experiences.
Everything can be transformed by our attention to the ordinary. When we truly see what we take for granted, endless worlds open up. Try bringing your awareness to the most mundane activities, and see what secrets are waiting to be discovered.
I’d love to hear about your experiences. What do you notice as you become aware of the ordinary?
Zeenat{Positive Provocations} says
Hi Gail,
This is such a beautiful post! It moved me completely. I agree with you that we can find the extraordinary in the most mundane and normal things. We just need to open our minds and hearts to the possibilities …and yes world after world of pure and total bliss will open up…..
Thank you for this wonderful reminder. A reminder many many need to read 🙂
Much Love,
Z~
p.s. My first visit to your blog….I love it!! Very calming 🙂
Gail Brenner says
Hi Z,
A warm welcome to you!! Thanks so much for visiting A Flourishing Life and for your comment.
I love what you said: “world after world of pure and total bliss will open up.” When we open up to the possibilities, anything, even the most mundane thing, is a doorway in to the riches of the truth. It’s all about being present, and not excluding anything. When we really see and investigate the simplest object with an open mind, the depths of oneness are revealed.
I took a look at your blog, and I love how welcoming it feels. Thanks for all of your offerings.
Sending love…
Gail
jean says
Gail,
Along with your gift and wisdom to hone in on an issue, I sincerely admire that you do not mask personal vulnerabilities in your writing. Your willingness to report anything as “not my proudest moment” speaks volumes of your integrity. Writing about one’s moment of less-than-perfect behavior only confirms your sincerity. You allow yourself to be accessible to those of us who struggle with these and deeper issues of shame.
Yours in not simply a “feel-good” (whoah, interestingly, I first typed “god” instead of “good”) blog. It has become a valuable resource for me, a good checkpoint to be mindful of the love that is.
Thank you for being here.
Gail Brenner says
Hi Jean,
So glad to hear from you! and thank you for your kind words. I’m happy that this blog has become a resource for you. It’s not about self-help or feeling good, but if somewhere along the way you feel god, then I celebrate with you!
I have discovered the freedom in speaking about all experiences. When the shameful ones stay hidden, there is an entanglement with them that makes them fester. There is freedom in the exposure of them and in not taking them personally. All experiences, including the ones from the past, can be our teacher, and I am always a willing student.
That you recognize the essence in these writings speaks to your own light shining. May you light up the world…
bill says
Wonderful sentiment and words to live by. Layman P’ang was an eighth century Zen Master.
Gail Brenner says
Thank you for visiting and taking the time to comment, Bill. And I appreciate your clarification about Layman P’ang, the author of those beautiful words – worth repeating.
“My daily affairs are quite ordinary; but I’m in total harmony with them. I don’t hold on to anything, don’t reject anything; nowhere an obstacle or conflict. Who cares about wealth and honor? Even the poorest thing shines. My miraculous power and spiritual activity: drawing water and carrying wood.”