
What does "living in the moment" mean? Often when we contemplate of "Living in the moment," it reflects a desire to stop, cherish the present and not let the mind rush through millions of thoughts. This is a good desire, as, instead of a mind that's anxious and painstakingly preoccupied with material wants, this thought helps one follow one's heart, which not only provides joy and fulfilment, but also helps to redirect the course of life and clarify one's priorities.
So, when you find yourself particularly resonating with the phrase "live in the moment" recently, you should know that you actually need to rest; it means you want to slow down and bring more richness and depth to your life.
However, once your life regains its sense of fulfillment, a natural yearning to venture forth and create will stir within you, fostering the pursuit of meaningful goals. This inherent drive for self-realization is simply a reflection of life's vitality, a natural manifestation of the expansive nature of consciousness. Yet, when the pull towards creative endeavors becomes irresistible, the definition of “living in the moment” can no longer be letting go, drifting, or being idle. At this stage, “Living in the moment” requires a new, reimagined understanding.
Applying“The Present”as a keystroke for creation: an evolved perspective of “living in the moment"
The universe operates on the foundational principle of Tai Chi, an equilibrium of contrasting forces—Yin and Yang. Birth emerges from the ashes of death, and action springs from the cradle of rest. While these forces might seem oppositional, they are, in reality, perfectly complementary, driving the unending evolution of all phenomena. If one element were missing, life would descend into stagnation, akin to a motionless body of water. Therefore, the philosophy of “living in the present” inherently requires the embrace of these seemingly contrasting principles, thereby propelling one's life towards a more advanced phase of personal growth and evolution.
Utilizing Tai Chi as an analogy, the Yin facet of “living in the moment” resonates with principles regularly underscored in mindfulness literature: a gentle deceleration, nurturing gratitude, relishing moments, mastering the art of non-striving, and finding tranquillity in non-action. However, the present moment has another dimension, the Yang aspect: envision it as a “trigger” which, when activated, can carve out the path towards the goals you aspire to achieve.
Many people "experience the present" purely through its "Yin" side, overlooking the "Yang" aspect and, as a result, diminishing their capacity to purposefully advance in life. They settle into passivity, becoming ineffective in catalyzing meaningful change or progression. When faced with financial struggles, they may meander aimlessly, convincing themselves they're simply "going with the flow." If life doesn't follow their blueprint, they may find comfort in believing that "everything happens for a reason." When their goals seem too lofty, they may reassure themselves that they can manage with less. And when dealing with those who mean them harm, they may find it challenging to turn these adversaries into stepping stones, instead choosing to "accept what's occurred" and "forgive all."
Eckhart Tolle's "The Power of Now" can be interpreted through the lens of the Yin aspect, wherein one can utilize the practice of "presence" to cultivate a serene space for introspection, attune to the constant whispers of one's mother, and become aware of her true being. Although this is just a good start to resolving conflicts, it's not the ultimate resolution. Consider this scenario: after tolerating an hour of incessant urging to get married, despite your own silence for the same duration, your mother, noticing your non-resistance, says, "Remember to come home next Sunday. I've arranged a blind date for you. Is that acceptable?" What then? Surely, you must respond to this proposition; you cannot persist in a thoughtless state of "presence," can you?"
At the moment when you find yourself being set up on a blind date, what words or deeds can you use to break free from the pattern that has caused you and your mother so much pain, and chart a new course towards a more positive future? Is there a way to respond in the moment that can lead to a true understanding of each other's love, while also granting oneself a genuine sense of liberation from such a situation? Amidst the infinite possibilities of the present moment, there exists a single button embedded within the optimal context that instantaneously releases one from pre-existing patterns, and forges a new path towards the desired outcome. The act of identifying this button represents the masculine facet of "living in the moment," or rather, "living in the powerful present moment."
The Thousand-armed, Thousand-eyed Guanyin Bodhisattva, adorned with an array of dharma instruments2 in each of the thousand hands, embodies a commonly held belief that the bodhisattva possesses methods/ways/paths of Dharma, meticulously tailored to the diverse needs of sentient beings. While this interpretation holds some truth, a deeper revelation exposes that each of these instruments represents the bodhisattva's innate understanding of which "button to push" in each right moment to create the desired future outcome. Meanwhile, the bodhisattva's "thousand eyes" embody an innate acuity for comprehending the behaviors and backgrounds of sentient beings, akin to that of a skilled analyst of voluminous datasets.
In the context of Mahayana Buddhism, the ultimate version of this ability is known as the "playful samadhi," a state of being embodied by the Thousand-armed, Thousand-eyed Guanyin Bodhisattva wherein each present moment can be transformed into unlimited and creative opportunities. Those who embrace the Bodhisattva path have the capacity to attain Enlightenment, thereby unlocking their ability to manifest their own Pure Land. This state of Nirvana transcends the realm of experience achievable through the practice of the Hinayana path.
Acquiring the status of a bodhisattva requires the attainment of "playful samadhi" mastery. Even if one lacks such aspirations, upon introspection, isn't it true that many fears, sufferings, and constraints arise from the very own present moment? Whether it is a feeling of powerlessness or an inability to take proactive action, one often finds him/herself increasingly entangled as one strives to break free and liberate him/herself. Nevertheless, when one embarks upon this course of practice, it opens the path to self-improvement, without necessarily requiring mastery of the "playful samadhi." The result is a life of greater efficiency, altruism, and liberation, benefitting not only oneself, but also others in equal measure.
The gradual transition into a state of "present moment empowerment" involves a "process of transforming consciousness into wisdom." Those who aspire to walk this path are welcome to seek the guidance of Guru Zhang Cheng. Please be patient with yourselves. Following Guru Zhang's guidance, and by integrating the teachings and practices into daily life, you will discover the ability to create a more magnificent and fulfilling version of you in the future.