Z E N K O A N
#10
Water beats gradually
and boils suddenly
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Some schools of Zen emphasize a sudden and spontaneous awakening. Others stress that we awaken gradually through practice and perseverance. There is no contradiction here, however, as is brought out by the Zen saying on this page. Through patiently persevering in practicing the principles of Zen, we prepare the conditions that are conducive to the completely natural experience of enlightenment. You cannot force a seed to sprout, but only provide it with the best conditions that allow sprouting to occur naturally. Likewise, awakening can not be forced, but may be encouraged.

Thoughts to contemplate:

• Are you frustrated with your life? See yourself as water that is slowly heating and will suddenly surprise you by boiling. Let go of your frustration and concentrate on creating the conditions in your life that will gradually allow fulfillment to arise naturally over time.

• Do you need to develop patient perseverance? If you developed this attitude, how would it change your life? Consider one specific area and decide to be like a gardener cultivating seeds. You cannot make the seeds grow, but you can lovingly tend them until harvest time.
  
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  (Be Patient)
  The Zen Koan Card Pack
  by Timothy Freke