Hi,
My name is Robert Aceves and I welcome you to this bedtime Zen story sleep meditation,
Point to the moon.
In this meditation,
We're going to talk about a Zen story that will bring you more understanding about life and the wisdom that we can find in everything that surrounds us.
I'm going to ask you to please find a comfortable place.
Where nobody will interrupt you.
And where you can relax completely.
You may lay down on your bed or on the floor.
Find a pleasant and enjoyable position.
And adjust your body to be as comfortable as possible.
That's it.
As you lie down on your bed.
Feel the soft embrace of your sheets and the gentle support of your mattress.
Take a deep breath in,
Filling your lungs with fresh air.
And slowly exhale.
Letting go of any tension or stress from your day.
Your body to sink deeper into the comfort of your bed.
Feeling safe and relaxed.
And when you're ready.
.
.
Close your eyes.
Allowing your mind to drift off into a peaceful place.
A place where an enlightening story awaits you.
Feeling your breath becoming slower and more relaxed.
As you prepare yourself to let go of your day.
And enjoy the next few minutes.
Our story begins in a quiet Japanese village,
Nestled at the foot of misty mountains.
There lived a young woman named Mei.
Mae was known for her curiosity and deep love for learning.
She would often be found at the village library.
Poring over ancient texts.
And seeking the wisdom of her ancestors.
Despite her dedication and hard work.
There were always mysteries.
That eluded her understanding.
One warm evening as the golden hues of the sunset dim.
Bathe the village in a gentle glow.
May.
Decided to visit the nearby monastery,
Bukkaku-ji.
The monastery was home to Master Lin.
A revered Zen teacher known for his profound insights and simple way of living.
May had heard many tales of his wisdom.
And hope.
You could help her unravel the mysteries she could not solve on her own.
Walking through the monastery gates,
Mei felt a sense of calm wash over her.
The air was filled with the scent of blooming jasmine.
And the sound of a distant waterfall added to the serenity.
She approached Master Lin,
Who was sitting in the garden,
Quietly tending to a bonsai tree.
Master Lin may begin.
I have studied many texts and scriptures.
There are still so many things I do not understand.
For example,
I have studied the Nirvana Sutra for many years.
And there are still several passages that I do not fully understand.
Do you think you could explain them to me?
Master Lin looked up from his work and smiled gently.
I'm sorry,
But I don't know how to read.
If you would read the passages to me.
I would see if I could help you understand them.
But Master,
If you can't even read the words.
.
.
How could you understand the truth behind them?
Replied me.
The truth is not something that can be found in books or words alone,
He said.
But come,
Sit with me,
And let us explore this together.
Mae sat down beside the master.
Feeling both eager and nervous.
As she settled onto the soft grass,
She noticed the intricate patterns of the bonsai tree.
Each twist and turn of its branches a testament to patience and care.
She began to recite a passage from the Nirvana Sutra.
The one that had always puzzled her.
Master Lin.
Listened attentively.
His eyes fill with kindness.
All beings possess the Buddha nature.
Only by observing the precepts can one see it.
When one sees the Buddha nature,
One attains unsurpassed enlightenment.
All that is made is not eternal.
The void is not anything made.
So,
It is eternal.
The Buddha nature is not what is made.
So it is eternal.
The void is the Buddha nature.
The Buddha nature is the Tathagata.
The Taktagatha.
Is not what has been made.
After she finished.
He said.
May.
The truth has nothing to do with words.
The truth is like the moon in the night sky.
And the words you read.
Are like a finger.
Pointing to the moon.
If you focus.
Only on the finger,
You will miss the beauty and wonder of the moon itself.
To see the moon,
You must look beyond the finger.
Mae frowned.
Trying to grasp his meaning.
But if I cannot understand the words.
.
.
How can I ever find the truth?
Master Lin chuckles softly.
The words are merely tools,
Mei.
They are meant to guide you,
Not to be the truth itself.
Just as the finger is not the moon,
Words are not the truth.
Open your heart and mind.
And let go of the need to understand everything through logic and reason.
Sometime.
The deepest truths.
Are felt.
Rather than explain.
As the night deepened and the first stars began to twinkle.
Master Lin,
Let me on a walk through the monastery garden.
The path was lined with lanterns,
Casting a warm,
Inviting glow.
They passed by blooming cherry trees.
Their petals gently falling down.
By soft whispers in the night.
The sound of the waterfall grew closer.
Its soothing rhythm adding to the peaceful ambience.
They stopped at a small pond.
It surfaced perfectly still,
Reflecting the moon and stars above.
Look at the reflection of the moon in the water.
Master Lin said.
It is beautiful.
Yet,
It is not the moon.
To see the true moon,
You must look up.
Mae gazed at the reflection.
Then lifted her eyes to the sky.
There.
Hanging in the vast expanse was the full moon,
Radiant and serene.
In that moment.
She understood.
The truth,
She sought,
Was not confined to the words or books.
It was all around her.
Waiting to be seen and experienced with an open heart.
Master Lin and Mei.
Continue their walk.
Eventually finding a quiet spot under an ancient oak tree.
They sat down and Master Lin began to share stories of his own journey.
He spoke of his years of wandering,
Seeking teachers and wisdom in distant lands.
Described moments of profound realization.
And times of deep confusion.
Through it all,
He emphasized the importance of patience and openness.
Every experience,
Every moment is a teacher,
" he said.
You let go of the need to categorize and understand everything,
You open yourself to the true essence of life.
The moon does not need to be understood.
Be appreciated.
Its beauty is in its presence.
Its silent glow.
May listened intently.
Feeling a sense of peace washing over her.
The stories Master Lin shared were like gentle breezes carrying away her doubts and fears.
She realized that the journey itself was just as important as the destination.
And that each step she took was a part of her own unfolding truth.
As the night wore on,
The air grew cooler.
And the sounds of the village.
Faded into a quiet hush.
Master Lin suggested a simple meditation.
One that had always helped him find clarity and peace.
They sat in silence.
Focusing on their breath.
The rise and fall of their chests.
A steady rhythm in the stillness.
Imagine the moon above you.
Master Lin instructed.
It's light,
Gentle and serene.
Let that light fill your mind.
Washing away.
Any thoughts or worries.
Feel its calmness sit into your very being.
Bring in with it.
A sense of deep tranquility.
Mae followed his guidance.
Picturing the moon's soft light enveloping her.
She felt her body relax,
Her mind quieting.
The worries and questions that had plagued her mind seemed to dissolve,
Replaced by a serene acceptance of the present moment.
As you listen to this story.
Let your mind's eye Picture me and Master Lin.
Sitting under the ancient oak tree.
Bathe in the gentle light of the moon.
Imagine the tranquility of the monastery garden.
The soothing sounds of nature.
And the profound sense of peace that Mae felt in that moment.
Deep breath in.
.
.
And as you exhale.
.
.
Imagine releasing any need for answers.
Or understanding.
Embrace the simple act of being present here and now.
Feel the gentle rise and fall of your breath.
The steady rhythm guiding you.
Into deeper relaxation.
With each breath.
Let go of any tension.
Lingering thoughts.
Or worries.
Allowing yourself to be fully immersed in this stillness.
And calm of this moment.
No.
That the truth you seek is already within you.
Waiting to be discovered.
Through your own inner peace.
Visualize the moon's light.
Filling your mind.
Just as Master Lin described.
Let it wash over you.
Bringing with it a sense of calm and clarity.
Feel your body.
Becoming heavier and more relaxed.
With each breath.
As you drift off to sleep.
Carry with you the lesson of Master Lin and Mei.
Remember that words are merely pointers and the true essence of life lies beyond them.
Embrace the mystery.
And let a heart.
Guide you to the truth.
That transcends all understanding.
Feel your body.
Becoming heavier and heavier.
More relaxed with each breath.
Allowing.
The tranquility of the story.
To lull you into a deep restful sleep.
Remembering.
That you can always come back to this experience of wisdom.
Whenever you need a reminder.
That the truth is found.
Everywhere.
Thank you for listening.
And good night.
And you find peace and clarity in your dreams.
Rest.
Sleep.
Thank you.
