I have been reading a book about Zen. Actually it’s a comic book series, this one is called “Zen for Beginners” and I think this is my third attempt to read through the whole thing.(I would have never made it through University).

Anyways, one chapter had a piece in it that spoke to me. Essentially the message was as follows:
“Human Distortion of reality arise from 3 main habits

1.) Greed 2.) Anger 3.) Ignorance”
Further to that, “All beings are inherently enlightened, we just don’t know it. Only our own confusion veils us from our natural wisdom and goodness”
Pretty powerful stuff when you sit and think about it.

So why the “Zen”, at first it was just pure curiosity. Different religions and philosophies have always intrigued me but now I find I need a reminder and a source of stability to ground me and I need this everyday. I’m not saying a book on Zen is the answer but the more sources I have to keep me on the rails the better.
I find myself in a position of witnessing corruption both on a local level and a political federal level. Far more complex than I could have imagined. Truth and right conduct become mangled and distorted for the gain of a few while the perception of integrity is displayed to the majority.
Indifference and looking the other way is easy. Becoming desensitised is a way of coping with the stress of inaction or action.
I have faith in myself by way of keeping my mind, body and spirit in tact with that I can make the right decisions.

Sorry, if this resembles a babbling mess but it helps me deal with myself.
Where is a Zen Master when you need one!

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada