My morning routine starts with Qi Gong exercise and then Tai Chi. Then I get into a relaxed meditation position and listen to the Teisho. I have done this every morning for years. I look forward to it. At the end of the year, I add the new Teishos and start over. Some of them I can almost recite.

The reason for writing this is to share direct experience. The practices are important but like looking at the menu in a fine restaurant. Great, but we want to eat the food!

My life is in front of the computer, teaching, writing, studying, playing chess, eight hours a day, most days. I sit in a good chair, can recline it a bit, and cross a leg to think while looking through the window at the trees and plants in the garden beyond.

Recently I felt that the chair, myself, and what else I was touching became all one thing, no separation. It lasted long enough for me to be aware of it. Once the thinking started it was gone. That was ok too as I wanted to remember .

Another time, recently, I was listening to the Teisho as one of the ancient masters described “mind” which I have heard countless times. Somehow this time the description and my understanding of it became one, and for a few moments my imagination made it real; I experienced it.

R.W.