Dharma Joy

I remember going to a Chan meditation retreat and seeing my teacher, Master Sheng-yen, passing by in the hallway. Seizing the opportunity I mentioned to him that I was happy to be at the retreat and have a great joy in the practice. He nodded his approval and continued walking down the hallway in the other direction. A few steps later he called my name and said: "Remember not to be too joyous." I immediately understood his admonition not to overindulge in such joy and turn it into a concept or an attachment.

What is Dharma Joy? It isn’t a feeling or sensation. Actually, if one looks for it, it will quickly dissipate and be confused with some false feeling emanating from notions of self. Dharma Joy is a peace and contentment arising from the proper study and practice of Chan.

Of what is Dharma Joy constructed? Its foundation is having faith in the Buddha Mind. Its walls are the adherence to the proper moral precepts. Its roof is the utilization of wisdom. At its center is the vigilant practice. It is illuminated by the unbridled compassion for the deliverance of all sentient beings

Dharma Joy is not something that someone seeks. It arises naturally. One need not call it anything. Peace arises from our nonattachment to the self. This lets us maintain proper relationships with others. Even in the midst of discourse our mind remains calm, understanding, and forgiving. Our mind is content. It does not want. It does not crave.

Imagine your mind free of craving and desire. Let us take thirst for an example. When we become thirsty all we need to do is become aware that our body requires fluid. If water is not available, we need not mentally suffer from this thirst. Just be aware that water is not available at this moment and take the necessary steps to acquire the water in accordance with the body's necessities. Do not think any more about it. Likewise if one eats a tasty treat, we should not continue craving such a treat. If you had such a treat, you should not think excessively about when you are going to taste this treat again. Do not attach to the sensation.

Once the mind settles, the constant evaluation of mind images settle. It is truly a quieting experience. Before, when one is confused, one may think that the mind naturally engages in phenomenal occurrences. Actually, this is a learned habit. The mind actually does not require the attachment or extra processing of information in order to function. The mind naturally perceives phenomena. The response to the phenomena also naturally occurs. This is like studying or working with the radio on in the background. One may feel that they work better with the radio on. However, the background radio noise adds nothing to completing the project. In fact, the radio might distract you from completing the project in a timely manner. When one turns off the radio, the project still gets completed but much more efficiently and quietly.

Do not confuse consciousness with mind awareness. Consciousness is the adherence to a life in being, an ego, or personality. It adds nothing to the proper functioning of mind. In fact, it is quite the contrary. Consciousness slows the mind’s reaction to the proper evaluation of actions. It colors the responses. For instance, one may be frozen in fear and unable to respond because of the adherence to self. One may lie to protect the self without considering the consequences. In these particular circumstances a quiet mind is much more beneficial. It simply does what needs to be done. Furthermore, the quieted mind does not continually reflect upon the circumstances in the past, worrying about what should have, could have, or will not happen. The false ego mind continually is vexed with these notions. It is like constantly walking on a bed of thorns. A quieted mind is at rest. It is free. Its use is unencumbered by notions of the preservation of the self and the self’s attachments.

In this no-self mind there is a Dharma Joy. It is the freedom and ease of body and mind.

Peace be with you.