Chapter 1: The Wonder of Presence

What a quiet Sunday it is, overflowing with golden light! Taking a walk this morning along the driveway, with the sound of crunching white snow, evergreen branches shedding sprays of glistening crystals when touched by the breeze, the taste of tiny flakes on lips and cheeks, descending to the freezing creek with its gurgling waters splashing over icy rocks playfully sparkling in the light of the sun, crows calling loudly to each other throughout the woods—what heart would not be gladdened?

Under a vast blue sky this wondrous presence is here, replacing habitual worrisome thoughts and feelings. They can't survive the deep silence of open being. It is not brought about by anything or anyone—it is here without effort, without time.

In this sunlit hall with green plants cascading down the wall, sitting together, listening, breathing, and wondering in stillness, we are all alone and yet all one. When thoughts about my problems, my fears, my needs and desires abate in silent presence, what could possibly divide us?

If thoughts are whirling about, let them be like dancing snowflakes in empty space! This moment of light and warmth and cool air, inhaling and exhaling softly—are we here? This instant of opening eyes and ears widely, beholding the wooden floor, the distant blue hills, and silent people all around, what else is there?

Is the mind thinking about all this, or can it quiet down in simple wondering without knowing?