Chuan Fan (Nancy Limso), Ocean Sky Chan Monastery
Ten years ago, I was a completely different person. I was loud and always voiced my opinions, regardless of how they affected others. I didn't care about the impact of my words and often got angry easily. I was also attached to material possessions, particularly the gifts, letters, and antique collection left by my husband. However, over the years, I have learned the importance of training my mind in stillness and action, which has transformed my life in remarkable ways.
My journey towards training my mind began when I started going to the temple and became captivated by the teachings of the Buddha. Initially, calming my mind was a challenge. My thoughts would race around like a storm, leaving me restless and agitated. But as I listened to the Dharma talks at the temple, I gradually understood the significance of stillness. The teachings emphasized the importance of reflecting, contemplating, and quieting the constant chatter of my mind. Through meditation and mindfulness practice, I learned to observe my thoughts without attaching to them, allowing them to pass by without overwhelming me.
By training my mind in stillness, I discovered a newfound sense of clarity and equanimity. No longer was I quick to react or easily angered. Instead, I developed the ability to pause and choose my responses consciously. This shift in attitude not only improved my relationships with others but also allowed me to handle difficult situations with greater ease and resilience. The practice of stillness became a guiding force in my life, encouraging me to approach challenges with a calm and positive mindset.
Incorporating mindfulness into my daily activities became a powerful practice. Whether I was washing dishes, walking, eating, or interacting with others, I began to approach each moment with presence and awareness. By bringing focused attention to each task, I discovered a profound sense of fulfillment. Being fully present in every action helped me appreciate the simple joys of life and find meaning in even the most mundane tasks.
Moreover, training my mind in action made me increasingly mindful of my words and their impact on the people around me. I cultivated kindness and compassion in my communication, understanding that my words had the power to either uplift or hurt. By choosing my words carefully and expressing myself with empathy, I began to build deeper connections and fostered more harmonious relationships.
An essential aspect of training the mind in action was realizing the importance of detachment from material possessions. The incident that truly opened my eyes to this was when three of my treasured antiques were accidentally broken by the cat while it was being chased by a group of dogs. Instead of getting angry or upset, I remained calm and felt relieved that the cat was safe and unharmed. Surprisingly, I realized that I had already let go of the attachments to material possessions such as letters and gifts. This incident reaffirmed that true inner growth comes from detachment and freedom from the clutch of material possessions.
Ultimately, training my mind has empowered me to live a more fulfilling, purposeful, and mindful life. Through stillness and action, I have cultivated compassion and gratitude. I have learned to approach challenges with equanimity and value the connections I have with others. Embracing mindfulness in my daily activities has helped me find joy and fulfillment in even the simplest tasks. Letting go of attachments has allowed me to appreciate the impermanence of life and focus on what truly matters—kindness, compassion, and wisdom. Training the mind in stillness and action has transformed me into the person I am today—someone who cherishes the present moment, embraces cause and effect, and strives to find our inherent buddha nature.