Putting down a burden

What is purification (part 2)

Dear Friend, 

How are you doing? As for me, I’m appreciating the discreet scent of blooming Spring. 

I am also trying my best to prepare for the coming project: a calligraphy exhibition in a forest house next month.

In my last letter, I mentioned a Pure Heart.  It feels like a cleanse for my heart and mind when I'm practicing Calligraphy, Tea Ceremony, or sitting for meditation.

ART

“Pure - Sei (清)” , by Maden Fura

"Pure" has nothing to do with building up an ideal of Purity. 
It is not dividing thoughts and emotions into impure and pure. 

Purification is a healing journey. 
To heal is to release the pain and the blocked issues. 
So that you find spaciousness and freedom within you. 

Can you imagine that? 

ZEN

The story of two monks carrying a woman

Two monks are traveling together. They reach a river too wide and rapid to cross on their own. There, they find a young woman stranded on the bank, unable to cross due to the current.

The senior monk, without hesitation, picks up the woman and carries her across the river. Then the two monks continue their journey.

The younger monk stays silent the rest of the day when he finally confronts the senior monk in the evening. He asks, "Why did you carry the woman? I can't believe you broke the vows to not touch women!"

The senior monk replies calmly, "I put the woman down at the riverbank. Why are you still carrying her?"

Hold on to not a single thing

How do you relate to this story? 
I find at least two interesting teachings in this story: 

1° How easily we find faults in others from a place of ignorance. 

2° How easily we carry things in our mind much longer than needed. 

When we remain fixated on the past, it is as if we are carrying a burden. 

To have a good life, how quickly can we let go of our daily irritations and vexations? 

To have a good death, how quickly can we release the burdens that sit in our mind? 

Pure

The burdened heart 
is contracted and small 
How painful

The pure Heart
dropped it
to embrace Everything

FOOD

Tartine with Rhubarb compote

It’s now Rhubarb season! This beautiful pink stalk never ceases to amaze me with its refreshingly tart flavor. Craving for a pie but doesn’t have an oven?  We'll keep things simple and delicious with a recipe for open-faced rhubarb tartines.

Ingredients:

• Rhubarb stalks: 2-3, trimmed and cut into small pieces

• Nut butter of your choice: peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, etc. (around 2 tablespoons)

• Bread or crackers: a sturdy bread like sourdough or rye or a hearty cracker like whole wheat or oat crackers.

• Toppings (optional): chopped nuts, a drizzle of honey, fresh mint leaves

Instructions:

• In a small saucepan, combine rhubarb pieces and water. Sugar is optional if your rhubarb is very tart or you prefer a sweeter compote. 

• Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rhubarb softens and breaks down, about 20 minutes. 

• Toast your bread or cracker and spread your chosen nut butter. 

• Top with the rhubarb compote and maybe some fresh herbs or roasted nuts

Enjoy!

Takes action today: 

Like the young monk of the story, are you still carrying the woman? 

Notice and let go of one thing that could keep you upset today 

See you,
Maden

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