Everything can be my teacher
If I just let it be.
Not tring to push it away
Or clinging to it,
Wanting it to stay.

My runny nose while sitting is my teacher. It says to me, "John, why do you always want me to go away when I try to visit you? Can't I just stay with you for a while? Let us get to know each other a little better. I won't stay too long. Let's just sit together and just be in each other's company."

The calm, peaceful feeling I often get while sitting is also my teacher. It says to me, "John, don't get attached to me. Don't always long for my arrival and don't get upset if I don't visit you in your sitting today. Just know me when I come. Just be me as wholly as you can."

These insights were sparked by Zen Master Jakusho Kwong-roshi in his new book No Beginning, No End: The Intimate Heart of Zen. I just recently purchased this book and have been REALLY been enjoying it. It is a wonderfully written book. Very down to earth and accessible to us Americans. I highly recommend it!!