Attention, Attention

There is a Zen story about a student who said to a master, Master Ichu, “Please write for me something of great wisdom.” Master Ichu picked up his brush and wrote one word: “Attention.” The student said, “Is that all?” The master wrote, “Attention Attention.”

This story seems to follow me around yet surprise me every time afresh. Today I was looking around for something to write about, to think about, something to make me feel better and take me out of the place I was in. It was pouring with rain, I was lonely and had plenty of reasons to be sad. I was lighting the fire (and feeling thoroughly sorry for myself that I had to do it!) when it popped into my mind, “Attention Attention”.

That’s enough. But it isn’t simple at all. Attention to everything that is right in front of your nose, around you and inside you, in one moment, is quite a complex thing. But it always seems to ground me, the simple fact of not trying to be anywhere else. All that energy no longer wasted. And what is there often seems grateful to be noticed. And stops hassling me.

Even the fire, and even how sorry I was feeling for myself. When I noticed it, I relaxed. Shortly afterwards of course I started the whole immense effort of removing myself from my life all over again. But I didn’t forget the moment, and the word “Attention” works as a kind of tug on the leash to bring me back when I stray too far. I am not sure if I feel the great wisdom in it, but there is great comfort and a sense of ease, a kind of expanding and coming right down to earth all at the same time. And if that doesn’t work, there is always “Attention Attention Attention”…