Watching forest bamboo at a distance, on a hillside maybe, full of wind and swaying vigorously, it becomes difficult for us to discern a tree singly – a bough rising from earth to heaven – harder still to pick out an individual leaf. We have to move closer. Then we have it: shape, colour, manner of growing, blade-edged and tongue supple. These we may consider leaves:

• If our practice in awareness brings us to a place of intuition then it becomes practical to act in light of that intuition. Why would one not?
• Draw on, gently to open the heart of our minds, and know at last the mind of our heart.
• It begins in stillness.
• There is patience and there is perseverance: both are needed.
• An un-quiet mind, that which Ch’an calls ‘monkey’, cannot be subjugated into quietness. Rather, let it have its time of randomness. Quietness may steal in when you least expect it.
• Our postures should have clarity outside and in, with the beauty of balance.
• Understanding follows quietness.
• Action is a consequence of consciousness; our practice is to make both right.
• Truth understood changes truth perceived: be uncertain therefore of absoluteness.
• Treat all gently.
• Imagination is valid awareness and may be as substantial as action.
• Rest in spontaneity. (Alan Watts: thank you)
• Resist past and future, instead observe the seasons.