Respect
Practitioners should start by respecting their own bodies, feelings, and thoughts, and extend that respect to everything in the world—a flower, a blade of grass, an ant, a cockroach, a homeless person, a murderer… all deserve your respect. You respect them not for their sake but for your own. What you respect shapes your experience of respect; you become respect itself and gain both respect and being respected.
Respect arises from seeing the true existence of things; lack of respect comes from not seeing what truly exists—you see only the illusions shaped by your own embellished stories. In a sense, respect symbolizes awakening; when you can truly respect something, you awaken to the many illusions about things that you have created.
An old practitioner bows daily before a statue of a Bodhisattva, offering incense and prostrating with utmost reverence as if it were a true Bodhisattva or one of his ancestors or even God. One day, someone who thought he was enlightened visited him and saw the old man paying such homage to a clay statue. He believed the old man was attached to forms and spat on the statue saying, “What is there to worship in dirt and stone?” The old man remained unperturbed and continued to worship respectfully, replying, “You spit on it; I bow to it.”
Typically, those who think they are free from attachment are actually attached while those who are attached do not recognize their attachment. Everything in this world often stands in contrast to the truth. When you understand this, you will realize that what you worship is not the object itself but your own heart. The essence of worship is respect. When you worship something, it is essentially yourself honoring yourself; through this practice, you experience reverence and gain respect.
Respect means seeing things as they truly are—seeing things as they are without distortion—that is true respect. When you see things as they really are, it naturally evokes feelings of reverence and appreciation for existence within you. Respect is selfless; lack of respect or arrogance stems from egoism. Whenever feelings of disrespect or arrogance arise within you towards anything at all, there surely exists an active sense of self at play. When you feel genuine respect for even the most ordinary or humble things—like an ant or a cockroach—it signifies selflessness at that moment. When wisdom devoid of self-concern arises within us, we can naturally extend our respect towards an ant or even bacteria or viruses.
Respect allows you to see that everywhere exists divinity—everywhere embodies divine manifestations; everything is simply God disguised in different forms. You cannot help but honor it, appreciate it, bow before it, be grateful for its presence in your life. Besides beautiful flowers and graceful birds drifting through white clouds above us—God also manifests as illnesses like colds or cancer; as alcoholics or murderers; as gamblers too. To honor God—means respecting reality itself also entails respecting these aspects.
A truly respectful person must have seen through things deeply—they must have comprehended the roots of all beings—they must have glimpsed how all things come into being—the essence behind everything becoming what it is now. They perceive both worldly matters and transcendent truths directly witnessing existence itself while joyfully living amidst indescribable realms filled with sanctity every day—observing both named and unnamed realities while delighting in their wondrous nature; frequently contemplating what remains unnamed allows them to transcend everything while understanding boundaries around “being.” Between perceived truths and visible hearts lies their mastery over these experiences—mastery becomes their natural way of life.
Respect serves as a conduit allowing one to transition from egoism towards selflessness. Initially one may practice respecting things through egoistic lenses—but once universal respect emerges—the self fades away leading naturally into non-attachment accompanied by profound forms devoid of discrimination towards others’ existences around us! In this world—the most practical benefit for practitioners lies within cultivating respectful practices! Even if initially approached through egoistic means—you still manage gaining others’ respects back! However when able to approach reality with non-self-awareness—that’s where deeper rewards unfold beyond words!
Fellow practitioners should come forth embracing practices akin to “allowing” & “absorbing” just like engaging in “respect.” For practicing these virtues yields immediate benefits right here & now! With each bit practiced—you receive corresponding returns instantly manifested! Return inwardly—to experience beautiful ripples nourishing brought forth by these words & concepts: “Allow,” “Absorb,” “Respect”—these represent some finest terms existing among humanity! Those capable of extending respects hold great fortune indeed—for every moment spent honoring each aspect brings forth universal recognition reciprocating back upon oneself entirely! Through such acts—humans transform into divine beings experiencing moments realizing divinity itself!
Respect grants solid awareness regarding existence alongside connections formed between oneself & others around them too! Engage deeply within practices centered on ‘respect.’ Begin practicing honoring small humble unnoticed entities surrounding daily lives: In little matters—in trivialities—you’ll easily discover compassion alongside love blooming forth wisdom & beauty emerging therein too! Honoring humble aspects marks where compassionate wisdom begins flourishing anew! Initially refrain from seeking respects directed toward grandiose matters lest awe strengthens feelings regarding insignificance/vacuousness instead—but remain vigilant against arrogance arising during attempts toward recognizing smaller entities!
As practicing ‘respect’ unfolds whenever feelings arise indicating awe/inferiority/insignificance/arrogance/self-aggrandizement etc.—that indicates deviation away from true respectful practice instead veering off course entirely thus recognizing behind every act lies equality coupled with wisdom present therein too! Understanding inherent equality among all beings perceiving genuine relationships existing between oneself & everything else leads ultimately toward honoring all beings resulting inevitably smiling knowingly towards those engaged within such acts—smiles reminiscent found upon Buddha’s face reflecting awakening joyfulness warmth lightheartedness mysteriousness…
Once possessing pure eyes perceiving truth—it becomes natural extending respects toward all beings encountered along paths traversed throughout life journey ahead unfolding endlessly before us awaiting discovery ahead onward bound together forevermore united harmoniously intertwined eternally connected throughout time-space continuum unfolding infinitely beyond comprehension altogether merging seamlessly into cosmic tapestry woven intricately beautifully crafted manifesting wondrously alive vibrant pulsating rhythmically flowing everlastingly onward eternally shining brightly illuminating pathways guiding souls homeward bound forevermore…
To become ‘Respected One’ starts first acknowledging oneself fully embracing potentiality residing deep inside awaiting discovery yearning expression longing fulfillment blossoming forth radiantly illuminating surroundings casting shadows aside revealing light shining brightly illuminating pathways guiding souls homeward bound forevermore…
Practice cultivating universal respects maximally joining sacred flow becoming revered ones embodying paths walked upon leading towards enlightenment attaining liberation discovering ultimate truths hidden beneath surface layers waiting patiently unveiling mysteries concealed therein awaiting exploration inviting seekers embark journeys uncovering treasures revealed along way forward onward bound together forever united harmoniously intertwined eternally connected throughout time-space continuum unfolding infinitely beyond comprehension altogether merging seamlessly into cosmic tapestry woven intricately beautifully crafted manifesting wondrously alive vibrant pulsating rhythmically flowing everlastingly onward eternally shining brightly illuminating pathways guiding souls homeward bound forevermore…
By practicing ‘Respect’ transforms individuals elevating consciousness expanding horizons broadening perspectives enriching experiences enhancing lives uplifting spirits fostering connections nurturing relationships cultivating harmony promoting peace spreading love radiating positivity inspiring hope igniting passions fueling dreams empowering aspirations encouraging growth nurturing potentialities awakening possibilities revealing infinite opportunities awaiting discovery inviting seekers embark journeys uncovering treasures revealed along way forward onward bound together forever united harmoniously intertwined eternally connected throughout time-space continuum unfolding infinitely beyond comprehension altogether merging seamlessly into cosmic tapestry woven intricately beautifully crafted manifesting wondrously alive vibrant pulsating rhythmically flowing everlastingly onward eternally shining brightly illuminating pathways guiding souls homeward bound forevermore…
So let’s embrace this journey together exploring depths uncovering layers revealing hidden gems treasures waiting patiently unveiling mysteries concealed therein inviting seekers embark journeys uncovering treasures revealed along way forward onward bound together forever united harmoniously intertwined eternally connected throughout time-space continuum unfolding infinitely beyond comprehension altogether merging seamlessly into cosmic tapestry woven intricately beautifully crafted manifesting wondrously alive vibrant pulsating rhythmically flowing everlastingly onward eternally shining brightly illuminating pathways guiding souls homeward bound forevermore…
By Taiwan Wuwei Tathagata Ya Great Perfection Zen Meditation Center