Reading stuff about Seuhn Sahn in Jon Kabat-Zinnʻs book “Coming Back to Our Senses”...today, remembered about his / Kwan Umʻs core teachings: keep clear mind, perceive correct situation and function, and help this world / save all beings from suffering.

Helped me to rethink the mindfulness trip a little. 

Despite the fact that mindfulnessʻ (and the Zen Masterʻs) teachings are largely about letting go of thought and (as he would say) “just doing it”, a bit of concept to get (and regain) oneʻs bearings is helpful! Perhaps at the beginning of a day, and renewed when needed.

That guidance is (as above, the core teachings), that mindfulness practice is both for the purpose of, and naturally leads to (!) letting go of self, of “agendas” (as Ron Kidd, our local Chicago teacher would say), of self-promotion and -preservation...And, being available to being of service, as the moment requires! Thus, a natural, uncontrived way of helping this world / saving all beings from suffering!

This is not some noble quest, some lofty goal! Those tend to reek of “self” - ego! This is simply what one becomes, how one lives, moment-to-moment, as mindfulness - awareness and letting go - allow the True Self to shine through!!!!!!

So the importance of a vow is reaffirmed! Itʻs an orientation, a reminder of why Iʻm doing this - practicing mindfulness, even, living!! I vow to be a Buddha - to be enlightened, through mindfulness, in order to help people and this world!!!

But wait! Better yet: I AM A BUDDHA, AND, BY NATURE, I AUTOMATICALLY HELP PEOPLE AND THIS WORLD!!!

Oh yeah!!!