One very sincere Buddhist came to visit Zen Master Dae Kwan and shared his life stories and practice experiences.
Layman : I like Buddhism and have been enthusiastic with practising. It has changed my life since. I am very earnest and sincere with 'everything' I do in my life. But I have come to a point where I find my mind has become very tight. I don't know what to do.
Sifu : When you said you are very earnest and sincere with 'everything' - so when you are hungry, what do you do?
Layman : I will eat.
Sifu : When you eat, your mind will be earnest and sincere too?
Layman : With surprise and a smile on his face, he replied: no, I just eat.
Sifu : How about when you are very thirsty? Will your mind also be earnest and sincere while you drink?
Layman : Now more relaxed with a big smile, the layman said: I will just drink.
With palms together, he continued: Zen Master you have helped me take away the cloud in my mind. You have taught me everyday mind is zen practice! All my tightness in the mind has disappeared. But I know it is not easy to apply this moment to moment.
Commentary:
Life is like tuning a string instrument. If the string is too tight it will break. Too loose the sound will not be beautiful
