Walking

Recently, a group of friends and I went on a silent walk together in the woods about a mile from the Zen Temple. This practice of silence, a revered component of the Zen path, unfolded as a journey through the woods and into the depths of our inner landscapes.

Silence, as we often forget in the clamor of daily life, isn't merely the absence of sound. It is a profound presence, a canvas on which the subtle patterns of the world appear. As we walked intently over various terrain, the silence was palpable, enveloping me in a cloak of tranquility that transcended the mere act of not speaking.

The power of walking in silence with others deepened the tranquility that much more.

Each of us walked with mindful attention, listening to the crunch of leaves underfoot, the whisper of the wind through the trees, and the distant call of birds. Listening in silence deepened my connection to the world around me.

Free from the distraction of spoken words, the forest spoke its ancient truths to me.

The profound impact of this experience was evident in the peace that filled my heart. As we walked, the boundary between me and nature seemed to dissolve, revealing a deep knowing that I am not separate from the world but an integral part of its unfolding.

As we returned to the Temple, the silence remained unbroken, yet there was a profound shift within each of us. We had walked the same path but were not the same people who had started it. In the shared silence, we had found a deeper understanding of ourselves and each other.

This walk in the woods was a vivid reminder of the power of silence and attention. It called me back to the basics, the fundamental practice that forges a deep connection with the divine essence of life.

- Sokei