Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of nonessentials.

--Lin Yutang

The truth of Lin Yutang's awareness is born out through these last several days of Spring Break here at the College. With students away, those of us left on campus slow the revved up machine down a bit and find a more organic flow to our work day. Small tasks left undone are now completed, or simply left undone.

Yesterday's dokusan for koan commentary with Sensei also brought Lin Yutang's wisdom into greater focus.

Through the koan process, it became clear to me that all the bullshit I fling around that seems so important is just another convenient way for the ego self to remain deeply entrenched in delusion. And my work self (read big ego), so organized, responsible, conscientious and parent-like, is simply one more tentacle keeping me stuck to the rock at the bottom of the ocean!

Of course, I must work, and I like to work.

But if I don't heed those signs from the true self that it's time to eliminate some of the nonessentials, I suffocate.

We all do, and yet, we call it living....

Sensei offered many excellent observations yesterday, and I will consider them for some time. He has my heart-mind in his hands and he passes it back to me.

And so I begin to pare down once more; what was essential even yesterday has shifted today....if I have to dismantle the raft splinter by splinter on the Other Shore, then that's just how it will be.