Here and Now
1
Seeds can only sprout here and now,
Flowers can only bloom here and now,
Fruits can only ripen here and now,
Whether you want to start a career, experience joy, or attain liberation,
it can only happen here and now.
Do not leave here and now in search of success,
Do not leave here and now in search of peace,
Do not leave here and now in search of happiness,
Do not leave here and now in search of liberation,
Whatever you desire, do not operate outside of here and now.
Everything exists only in this moment, in this place.
Nothing can escape from here and now,
Only human imagination seems to be able to— but that is not true.
You can only breathe here and now,
You can only encounter the past and the future here and now.
2
When you are troubled, try to return to this moment,
Are you breathing healthily at this moment?
Pay attention to that breath, just breathe.
A pure breath, as if you will breathe no more than this lifetime,
No other ability exists beyond that.
When you are in pain, try to return to this place,
Is everything alright at this place?
Notice everything around you, just pay attention to it all:
The quiet house, the silent tables and chairs, the earth that is full yet speechless,
While you are caught up in your own delusional stories…
When past events filled with guilt seize you,
Return to this moment, observe the feelings that arise in your heart,
Look calmly, look objectively,
Observe its development, its changes; do not embellish or exaggerate it,
Do not be deceived by it or swept away.
When you are trapped by fear of the future,
Return to this place; observe all that objectively exists around you,
Stare intently at it, focus on it;
Pull yourself out from that nightmare with open eyes,
Return to this moment, this place.
3
Regularly check your heart:
“At this moment, what am I still unsettled about?”
“In this place, what unfinished business do I have?”
If there is any, first examine those thoughts;
Then look into external matters.
Bring yourself back to here and now; be with the most authentic existence!
Always remind yourself that you can only live in “this moment,”
Continuously tell yourself “I am right here,”
Feel the ground beneath your feet; feel the chair beneath your body;
Be aware of your body…
Everything is real here and now; everything outside of here and now is unreal.
Here and now is a stable place;
There is no other place more compassionate or beautiful than right here.
Here and now is a good place— paradise;
Those who truly return to here and now have entered through the gates of heaven.
4
“Here and Now” is a symbol of liberation;
It is the rope thrown by all Buddhas Bodhisattvas into the trap of delusion to save you;
It is a safe little island amidst a vast sea;
A safe landing for those who cannot swim or are non-aquatic.
If you wish for liberation, come back to here and now.
The four words “here and now”
Are great mantras; they call upon it; recite them;
They can relieve human suffering— truly real.
Practitioners everywhere meditate on these words for their liberation.
Whose liberation or happiness does not occur right here?
Rooted firmly in here and now;
Not even a twelve-level typhoon could lift you away.
Like a great tree rooted downwards while reaching upwards—growing vertically.
Do not drift along the illusory horizontal river of “past,” “present,” or “future”;
Discover everything you desire right here!
The four words “here and now” are salvation; “Here and Now” is where your liberation lies. If your deluded mind has strayed from “here” & “now,” come back; Return to where you are standing; look at your feet below; Let life bloom a real flower right here!