Truth’s naked radiance,

Cut off from the sense and the world,

Shines by itself.

No words for it.

-Pai-chang (720-814)

We make our way through the day with a set of assumptions and beliefs that allow us to navigate the demands and expectations of others. From the commute into work to the tantrums of our little ones. We operate with a familiar understanding of the world. Trauma can shatter our assumptive world and throw us into doubt and uncertainty as we struggle with the devastating effects of disruptive and life-changing events. When we can pause in a safe and supportive space the opportunity arises to discover the naked radiance of new truths to help us readjust and reinvest in the world that has changed in profound ways.

 

 

 Walking on willow tree roads by a river

Dappled with peach blossoms,

I look for spring light, but am everywhere lost.

Birds fly up and scatter floating catkins.

A ponderous wave of flowers sags the branches.

-Wang Wei (699-759)

There is nothing more encompassing than a depressed mood. Even waves of flowers will feel ponderous. The decision to seek professional help embodies a sense of helplessness and defeat. My clients struggle with the competing demands for relief and understanding. There are many approaches in therapy that are designed to address the symptoms. They have been proven with research to be effective interventions that provide new skills to be used to manage the ominous sense of despair and hopelessness. Psychoanalysis takes the deeper step to address the meanings of these very important experiences. The insights gained through links to basic assumptions about the self and others allows the spring light to reveal the true self. The coping skills that have been acquired become an essential part of their identity. There is an integration of joy and sorrow that allows for a balanced and mindful connection to who we are and our place in the world.

 Do not follow the ideas of others, but learn to listen to the voice within yourself. Your body and mind will become clear, and you will realize the unity of all things.

-Dogen

We cling to basic assumptions about ourselves in our daily lives. Our measure of self-worth and competence is often contingent on how others respond to our words and actions. When my clients can think about their thoughts and feelings we create a space for the light to shine. I help them to realize the essential substance which is the basic assumption about themselves. These beliefs remain outside our conscious awareness as we take on the various tasks and conflicts embedded in each day. In my office we take the backward step and find those elusive links that contribute to despair and helplessness. The insight embodies the conversation and reveals our basic perfection. Helplessness gives way to resolve, and the new light transcends despair.

 

 “When you ride in a boat and watch the shore, you might assume that the shore is moving. But when you keep your eyes closely on the boat, you can see that the boat moves. Similarly, if you examine many things with a confused mind, you might suppose that your mind and nature are permanent. But when you practice intimately and return to where you are, it will be clear that there is nothing that has unchanging self.”

― Dogen

In 1223 Dogen, at the age of 23 traveled to China to study with master practitioners of Zen. The journey had a profound impact on his understanding of how he perceives the world. I read this passage and make the association to time spent with my clients in therapy or in psychoanalysis. When we can take a close look at the feelings and thoughts that are bringing a sense of despair or agitation, we can achieve a clarity in that shared moment. In that pause we realize the possibilities that have been shrouded in the certainties of hopelessness and helplessness. Intimate practice is achieved with an open mind and an open heart. We return to the potential opportunities for a balanced and fulfilling life.

 In the evening of a thousand peaks, I close

my eyes.

Among humans, myriad thoughts are trivial.

Serenely I sit on the mat.

In solitude I face an open window.

The incense has burned out and a dark night is long.

The moon has risen over the highest peak.

— Ryokan (1758 – 18 February 1831)

Ryōkan spent much of his time writing poetry, doing calligraphy, and communing with nature. His poetry is often very simple and inspired by nature. He loved children and sometimes forgot to beg for food because he was playing with the children of the nearby village. Ryōkan refused to accept any position as a priest or even as a "poet." In the tradition of Zen his quotes and poems show he had a good sense of humor and didn't take himself too seriously. (Wikipedia)

I work with many people, young and old, whose incense has burned out and they are stuck in the long dark night. Our work together can open that serene space of contemplation and allow us to think about the assumptions and experiences that have contributed to their depression. We engage in the work of understanding and allow the opportunity for insight for change to be realized. We use myriad thoughts to guide us through the long dark light and together we can discover the thousand peaks illuminated by the moon.

 If views of delusion and awakening are done away with and interpretations of turning toward and turning away are cut off, then this mind is as lucid and clear as the bright sun and this nature is vast and open as empty space.

Right where the person stands, s/he emits light and moves the earth, shining throughout the ten directions. Those who see this light fully realize the absolute truth that all things are unborn. When you arrive at such a time, naturally you are in tacit accord with this mind and this nature.

-Ta-hui (1089-1163)

Over the years I have come to appreciate the impact of the here and now experiences my clients have when we are in session. The conversations are typically about what has happened in their life or what they fear will happen in the days to come. Over the course of time a unique relationship develops between us, and I become aware of the patterns of turning away and turning towards the assumptions that inhibit or compel my client’s efforts to deepen their understanding of themselves. When we shift our focus to the patterns and what is being felt in the moment, the opportunity arises to fully realize that all things are unborn, which refers to the eternal essence of life that transcends birth and death. It’s a realization that connects us to the light that shines in all directions. 

 Search out the point

where your thoughts

arise and disappear.

See where a thought

arises and vanishes.

Keep this point in mind

and try to break right through it.

Take up this awareness

as if holding a sharp sword in your hand.

-Han Shan (1545-1623)

Holding the sharp sword of wisdom, Manjushri demonstrates the process of cutting through our assumptions and beliefs that prevent us from exploring our thoughts and feelings. Our world is in a continuous state of evolving, the changes are subtle, like water dripping on stone and it is easy to form conclusions about ourselves and others. We desire a predictable world, and traumatic events can be devastating to our clearly defined reality. The process of searching for that point where thoughts arise and disappear is a fundamental part of therapy and psychoanalysis. We become aware of the subtle and nuanced changes that can deepen our self-awareness, work through traumatic experiences,  and revise our conclusions.