23. Whatever you meet unexpectedly, join with meditation.

This slogan is a reminder that the only path out of my habitual experiences is through them. When I encounter something unexpected, I can let it stop my mind. Then I can notice the moment of bewilderment, astonishment and space and let myself rest in this gap a bit longer. Remember the absolute bodhicitta slogan “rest in the nature of alaya, the essence”? Once my mind starts up again and the storyline resumes, I can practice Tonglen and connect with relative bodhicitta.

Whatever comes up unexpectedly is not a threat or an encouragement – it’s a surprise. These seeming obstacles can be accommodated on the spot, waking us up and becoming part of the path. When I respond with a quality of presence and curiosity rather than reactivity or frustration, I am much more likely to receive the gifts each situation offers me.

Recently I have been reflecting on the meaning of the word “unexpected” in this slogan. I considered two possibilities: First, the case where something happens that I could not predict would occur; for example, someone I don’t know knocks on the front door without my awareness that they were there. Second, the case where something happens that does not align with what I want, although it’s not necessarily unpredictable; for example, a motion-sensitive light does not come on immediately when I enter the room. In both cases I might react habitually to whatever story is activated by the situation – or I could let myself be present to what is actually happening and what I am feeling.

I find the second case very instructive, because it points to attachment to a particular outcome. My habitual reaction is based in my expectation, which results from my attachment to things going the way I want them to. Therefore when I enter the room and the light stays off just like it did the last ten times I went in there, it is a very predictable situation. I still might get reactive, because I’m attached to the idea that somehow this time will be different. I want that light to come on! Maybe what could be different is that I notice the attachment, let myself be with it for even a moment, and let go of any story line that might be activated. Of course I could also adjust the sensor on the switch and try to change the outcome for the next time – and then be curious about what “next time” actually brings.

Original Presentation || Commentary References

Point III | Slogan 16 || CTR 67 | PC 78