Table of Contents
ANYONE CAN DO IT
Walking meditation is meditation while walking. We walk slowly, in a relaxed way, keeping a light smile on our lips. When we practice this way, we feel deeply at ease, and our steps are those of the most secure person on Earth. All our sorrows and anxieties drop away, and peace and joy fill our hearts. Anyone can do it. It takes only a little time, a little mindfulness, and the wish to be happy.
THE PRESENT MOMENT
The Buddha was asked, What do you and your disciples practice? and he replied, We sit, we walk, and we eat. The questioner continued, But Sir, everyone sits, walks, and eats. The Buddha told him, When we sit, we know we are sitting. When we walk, we know we are walking. When we eat, we know we are eating.
Most of the time, we are lost in the past or carried away by the future. When we are mindful, deeply in touch with the present moment, our understanding of what is going on deepens, and we begin to be filled with acceptance, joy, peace, and love.
EVERYTHING DEPENDS ON YOUR STEPS
The seed of mindfulness is in each of us, but we usually forget to water it. We think that happiness is only possible in the futurewhen we get a house, a car, or a degree. We struggle in our mind and body, and we dont touch the peace and joy that are available right now in the blue sky, the green leaves, and the eyes of our beloved.
What is most important? Many people have passed exams and bought houses and cars, yet they are still unhappy. What is most important is to find peace and to share it with others. To have peace, you can begin by walking peacefully. Everything depends on your steps.
WALKING LIKE A BUDDHA
The Buddha loved to walk. For the Buddha, walking is a way to remind oneself that mind and body are two aspects of the same thing. Walking is as simple as putting one foot in front of the other, but we often find it difficult or tedious. We drive a few blocks rather than walk to save time. When we understand the interconnectedness of body and mind, the simple act of walking like the Buddha can feel supremely easy and pleasurable.
When you take a step, you can touch the earth in such a way that you establish yourself in the present moment. You arrive in the here and the now. You dont need to make any effort at all. Suddenly, you are freefrom all projects, all worries, and all expectations. You are fully present, fully alive, and you are touching the earth.
When you practice slow walking meditation alone, you may like to try this: Breathe in and take one step, and focus all your attention on the sole of your foot. If you have not arrived fully, one hundred percent in the here and the now, dont take the next step. Im sure you can take a step like that, because there is Buddha nature in you. Buddha nature is the capacity of being aware of what is going on. Buddha nature is what allows you to recognize what you are doing in the present moment and to say to yourself: I am alive; I am taking a step. Anyone can do this. There is a Buddha in every one of us, and we should allow the Buddha to walk.
AIMLESSNESS
In Buddhism, there is a word, apranihita. It means wishlessness or aimlessness. The idea is that we do not put anything ahead of ourselves and run after it. When we practice walking meditation, we walk in this spirit. We just enjoy the walking, with no particular aim or destination. Our walking is not a means to an end. We walk for the sake of walking.
A. J. Muste said, There is no way to peace, peace is the way. Walking in mindfulness brings us peace and joy, and makes our lives real. Why rush? Our final destination will only be the graveyard. Why not walk in the direction of life, enjoying peace in each moment with every step? There is no need to struggle. Enjoy each step. We have already arrived.
TAKING THE FIRST STEP OF THE DAY
Walking on the earth
is a miracle!
Each mindful step
reveals the wondrous Dharmakaya.
We, too, are of the same nature as these wonders of the universe. We do not have to walk in space or on water to experience a miracle; the real miracle is to be awake in the present moment. Walking on the green earth, we realize the wonder of being alive. When we take steps like this, the sun of the Dharmakaya, our true Buddha body, will shine.
TOUCHING PEACE
If you think that peace and happiness are somewhere else and you run after them, you will never arrive. It is only when you realize that peace and happiness are available here in the present moment that you will be able to relax.
In daily life, there is so much to do and so little time. You may feel pressured to run all the time. Just stop! Touch the ground of the present moment deeply, and you will touch real peace and joy.
WALK IN PEACE
If you look deeply, you can see all the worries and anxiety people imprint on the earth as they walk. Our steps are usually heavy, filled with sorrow and fear. We feel insecure, and our steps reveal it.
This world has many paths. Some are lined with beautiful trees, some wind around fragrant fields, some are covered with leaves and blossoms. But if we walk on them with a heavy heart, we will not appreciate them at all.
When we were one or two, we began to take tottering steps. Now, we have to learn to walk againslowly, with joy and ease. After a few days of practice, you will know how to do it. When I see you walking with deep comfort and peace, I will smile happily.
SMILE LIKE A BUDDHA
As you make the effort to let go of your worries and anxieties, please smile. It may be just the beginning of a smile, but keep it there on your lips. It is very much like the Buddhas half smile. As you learn to walk as the Buddha walked, you can smile as he smiled. Why wait until you are completely transformed, completely awakened? You can start being a part-time Buddha right now!
The half-smile is the fruit of your awareness that you are here, alive, and walking. At the same time, smiling nurtures more peace and joy within you. Smiling as you practice walking meditation will keep your steps calm and peaceful, and give you a deep sense of ease. A smile refreshes your whole being and strengthens your practice. Dont be afraid to smile.
