Mind has no color,

Is neither long nor short,

Doesn’t appear or disappear;

It is free from both purity and impurity;

It was never born and can never die;

It is utterly serene.

This is the form of our

Original mind,

Which is also our original body.

 -Hui-hai (8th c.)

 Infant research has revealed the complex and sophisticated processes babies have in learning and developing their minds. Identificatory systems take our experience and allow us to create meaning in the world. Our truth and our identity are an evolving experience of insight and realization. The idea of the original mind opens a space in the confusion and despair for us to think about possibilities. This space is utterly serene.  Taking time to sit and bring our attention to the present moment cultivates this space and allows us to think about our experiences, the opportunity for insight and learning diminishes impulsive reactions that can further complicate our lives.