The Well of the Present Moment

By Michael Erlewine

My Dharma teacher for 36 years, the Ven. Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, said this:

“You need to search for the nature of your mind, but you realize it by resting in the present, even though the nature itself does not rest or abide in the present.”

Yet the nature of the mind is bounded and bound by the past, present, and future as the great Mahasiddha Tilopa made clear with his classic words of advice:

“Don’t prolong the past.

Don’t invite the future.

Don’t alter the present.

Just relax as it is.”

The above four lines each are a distraction that further obscures our consciousness from being clear. It seems pretty clear.

If we noodle in the past all the time or get on the train of every thought that crosses our mind and ride that for a day or two, or ride on the hopes of the future, or even try to alter the present moment, meaning try to setup the ‘Now’ just how we want it to be, these are all profound distractions.

Like the TV show, we have to learn to “Curb Our Enthusiasm” and whatever distracts or entertains us, or even just interests us for busyness sake alone.

All I know is the when follow Tilopa’s advice listed above, and also acknowledge and own my reactions, I have a lot more energy and clarity of mind.

[Midjourney graphic prompted by me.]

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As Bodhicitta is so precious,

May those without it now create it,

May those who have it not destroy it,

And may it ever grow and flourish.