Forgiveness

In Zen practice, we try to know ourselves beyond our storyline—to meet ourselves at our deepest level and experience the groundless ground of reality. In order for the fullness of who we are to reveal itself, it has to be met with kindness and understanding. I have found loving-kindness to be a way of connecting with my ability to offer kindness, care, and a nurturing attitude both to myself and to my practice. If the more vulnerable, frightened, or hidden parts of ourselves are going to be judged or rejected, they are much less likely to allow themselves to be seen. I think of meeting ourselves at this level as being “naked” with ourselves, as waking up to all aspects of who we are, through and through. …