Mastery

I am very struck by the Japanese concept of Shu-Ha-Ri

This is the description of a way, which leads to mastery of a skill, or of a perspective… of life.

Shu.   Learn: Follow the rules

Ha.    Break Away: Let go of the rules

Ri.   Transcend: There are no rules – all is natural

I can see, almost feel, how this applies to mindfulness. That may be experientially within a single practice, or in one’s approach to practicing, or in the application of mindfulness to work and life.

For a long time, within a mindfulness practice, the question might be ‘… did I transcend, or did I simply fall into dullness of mind and sleep?’   :0)

At some point today, reflect on the activity you are engaged in at that moment, and ask yourself how Shu-Ha-Ri may apply to the way you are doing it right now… or to how you might choose to do it in the future.

I will do the same.