How Do Surfers and Waterpeople Utilize Zen Ideas Honestly? Part 2

Author Studying Buddhism in the Barrel!

Zen for Surfers and Water people. How Do We Utilize Zen Ideas In An Honest Manner?
By Dr. Len Barrow (Asian/Polynesian Religion Specialist)

Note Please Read Part One as this Article Is Prefaced by It

Part 2

The historical Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) noticed and elaborated on a linguistic mismatch between how reality is described by language and how reality actually manifested. As an example he noticed that a chair is not actually a chair even though it was represented by the word- ”chair”. The chair was just a linguistic convention, a common referent, that everyone agreed upon (in common language convention) to call this otherwise random “pile of wood”. The Buddha rather saw the chair as it was in the ultimate reality of inter-being or emptiness which is explained in part one of this series.

(Note: A chair is used as a approximate example for explanation purposes)

Buddhist Logic reveals the following. The chair is actually an amazingly vast ecosystem of sorts. The chair included parts of the tree that it was made from. The tree itself, from which the chair was made, needed the nutrients of the earth for it to grow. The nutrients needed the geology of the whole earth to manifest! The tree also needed the sun to grow. The tree needed a woodsman and a craftsman to make the chair and all their ancestors to bring the craftsman to be hence the chair into being. The sun needed other stars to hold it in perfect position (via gravity) to shine on the tree. The list of inter-relationships, ecosystems,social ecosystems and interbeing are endless. In this manner the Buddha rather saw the chair not as a chair but rather as "interbeing" or as what is called emptiness.

The Buddha was careful to point out that chairs do indeed exist on a conventional level (as we sit on them in conventional reality) but asked us to look beyond the linguistic convention of the chair to the whole universe of inter-relationships behind it (ITS ULTIMATE EXPRESSION) which is termed inter-being by the great Vietnamese Monk Mr. Han and emptiness by his holiness the Dalai Lama.
It is important to note that in this this argument there exists absolutely no “chair substance” that exists in the chair to make it an individuated, individual chair. This is a key point as we progress to Buddhism’s analysis of the self.

Just as the chair manifestation elicited linguistic problems the historical Buddha noticed and elaborated on a similar linguistic mismatch between how the self is conventionally viewed by language and how the self actually manifests in reality. So let us look at this issue like this. We conventionally refer to each other as selves. We have linguistically agreed with each other via shared language that we will call this pile of flesh and bones and so- on a “self”. One must ask if this is a logical view of the self.

Well if a self truly existed on its own power, by itself (as conventional western reality has it), it would have to have a type of “self-substance “; which would allow us to exist as individuals. This is the philosophy of the Westerner Renee Descartes which we blindly accept today. It is summed up “I think therefore I am”. In short this is the philosophy of “individualism and dualism” which is held in such high regard in western society. The self is set apart from nature as an individual on its own power which controls nature and others through manipulation, force and sometimes violence. If you have any doubt about this, look at what western culture (among other cultures) has done to its environment and its tragic history of wars. All cultures (whether Asians or whatever) fight but the westerners took it to another level in WW1 and beyond. This follows the Western philosophy of individualism and dualism. As surfers we have a better chance to see through this profound ignorance which is termed “Avidya” in Buddhism. If this is irritating you, you should stop reading this now as here is where the Buddhist philosophy gets very profound and truly mind blowing.

Buddhist and many hard core surfers like myself find the argument of individualism and dualism to be extremely flawed and a source of great suffering. I suppose Zen Buddhists notice something while meditating while surfers notice some different reality by surfing. Let us take a Buddhist argument of how a self exists in its ultimate logical manifestation.

If I am Len in individualism and its related philosophy, a Len substance or soul must permeate my body in acccepted model of the theory of Renee Descartes. In individualism where the individual cannot be divided, and dualism following the Philosophy of Renee Descartes which we blindly follow; ” what is in my body is called Len” and “what is outside of my body is not Len”. Yet is this reality possible?

Let me do a funny thought experiment to analyze the above question. Let me take my liver or "Len's" liver (My first “Name” is Len) Do the cells have little labels on them that say Len’s Liver? No; that is ludicrous. Does my liver have a little soul or self-substance that exists in it. No. No one has ever found one. In fact the liver can be transplanted into another individual. Let us say that that liver gets transplanted into “Fred”. Does it become Fred’s liver (for it is his body?, or is it?!). Do little signs appear on the transplanted liver cells saying ‘this is now Fred’s liver”? No. Does the Fred’s liver, attain a new Fred’s liver self-substance or soul. No. No one has ever found one.


Thus the liver completely and totally lacks a self or self-substance and can be transplanted into another individual. The kidneys lack a self, soul or self-substance and can be transplanted also. Arms have been transplanted! Arms lack a self and a self-substance or individual soul. IN FACT NO PART OF THE BODY HAS AN INDIVIDUAL SELF SUBSTANCE; THUS A SELF IN AN INDIVIDUALISTIC AND DUALISTIC VIEW (AS HELD MY WESTERN MATERIAL REALITY) IS COMPLETELY IMPOSSIBLE. This is Buddhism’s basis of the idea of Anatta or no self.


In the end we find the self is made totally of non-self-components. Our selves are an inter-being of proteins, minerals, carbons among other amazing nonself things and forces! How exciting. This is amazing to me. Not one part of us can be said to be made of our own self element. We are empty. It is that simple. We are empty as we are filled with everything in the entire universe!


As surfers, I think we can notice this in the ocean. Have you ever been floating in the water and gotten a feeling of complete unity with the universe in the ocean. The self simply disappears into interbeing. This is honestly one of the reasons why I surf. My Roshi (Zen Teacher); the eponymous Zen Master Aitken Roshi once told me “you have some understanding…….because you surf” Maybe? Could it be so? Let’s take our sport and really try to understand what we are doing in a Zen manner. More importantly let us let what we learn in Zen and the surf influence how we treat nature and other humans even if they seem different to us! In the end, let us be honest, kind, devoid of greed and harm. The other alternative is violence against Mother Nature other humans and the like. What kind of world would you like? Look in the mirror.


What I am getting at is very abstract and complex yet really quite simple. I will stop here to keep things at least partially understandable. There is still more to come. Stay tuned for part three in a few days! If you are a bit shocked at the above analysis, don’t worry. I still blow my mind to this day when I think of this matter.


Dr. Len Barrow (Polynesian and Asian Religion Specialist)
Occasional Letters, July 22, 2013

Surfing and SUP Meditation part 1 and 2 by Len Barrow

How to Meditate While SUP and SURFING: Part 1

Surfing and SUP riding can give us a great chance to calm our mind-body. Despite this, some of us surf with a consciousness that is out of balance. We sometimes become scatter-brained and defocused. Thoughts of work problems and other issues chatter away in our minds incessantly. By allowing or consciousness to be “out of control”, we ruin our surf session and can become frustrated.

The following article will give us tools to counteract our agitated minds, which in turn will allow us to enhance our enjoyment of the surfing experience. These techniques can be traced back from the modern world to the time of the Buddha and have been used to great effect by hundreds of generations of meditators. Even today, modern science is documenting the positive effects of meditation as it relates to both physical and mental health. We will start with very basic techniques and proceed to apply these techniques to our surfing.


1. Breathing Meditation Introduction


Concentration and mindfulness is a natural activity of our minds. One may use it in many different ways without even thinking about it. We may watch a loved one, use a word processor, or read. These are all due to the minds natural capability to be mindful.


Sadly, in our modern day and age of hyperactivity, cell phones, texts, and multi-tasking, we erode the minds natural ability to pay attention or to be mindful. The result of this is a type of monkey-mind. This mind bounces around from one thing to another. It is as if we are on an out of control horse, heading to the nearest cliff. We are not in control. Our actions become reactive, not reflective? Due to this, we often get ourselves into trouble. This may lead to depression, excess anxiety and a poor state of affairs.


If you want to get out of this negative situation, you must develop a motivation or commitment to climb over a treacherous mountain. The rope that will allow you to traverse the mountain is meditation and mindfulness. You must understand that in order to climb a rocky mountain (in other words, our "rocky" minds); one cannot do it in a few steps. You must develop a strong motivation to want to climb the mountain and understand that only a sustained and consistent effort will allow you to reach the peak and get back down.

The carrot on the end of the stick is a happier and stable mind that is able to enjoy life! Would that not be nice? For our purposes as surfers, mindfulness can greatly improve our technique and enjoyment of the sport.


2. Breathing meditation: What is your real motivation?


Begin your meditation by finding an environment that is quiet and calm. Turn off your cell phone (yes, it can be done!) and dedicate at least ten minutes to your session. This time will be increased as your capacity to concentrate is increased.

You must start you session by developing a motivation. For example state “I am going to meditate in order to generate in my mind concentration to benefit my family members, society and my ability to surf”. Do not forget this motivation as it will allow you to drive forward fearlessly against the delusive thoughts of the mind. Meditations based on compassionate grounds will always be more powerful.

It is important to note that if you are meditating purely for personal gain, it simply will not work. The goal of meditation is to diminish the self into concentration so we can be free, compassionate people, not greedy beings. This is very important to note as American society can be overtly individualistic.

3. Starting Up

Now you will learn how to focus the mind on your breathing. Begin by finding a comfortable position. You may sit down cross legged (or a Half or Full Lotus for those with Yoga training) or in whatever position you find most comfortable. The most important feature of any position that you have is a STRAIT SPINE. This is key; as it will help you pay attention to your breathing. If there is any tension in your body, let it dissolve by relaxing the area of tightness.


Now focus your attention and mind on your breathing. Breathe in. Then count your exhalation as 1. Repeat this process. Count up to 10 and start at 1 again.

Notice the subtle sensations of the breath as it passes through the tip of your nostrils. Pay attention to the rising and falling of your abdomen. The idea is to make the breath an OBJECT of your meditation. Look at it from every direction and every single manner while keeping your attention on only the breath. It is an odd thing to say, yet your breath alone will get you through any crisis

Don’t be intimidated! If you can read this article, you are already proving that you can do this. When you are reading, the OBJECT of your attention is the words on the page. Don’t be afraid to meditate as you have been born with the tools to do so.


Invariably, as you are counting your breaths, thoughts will come into your mind. These thoughts can manifest in any form. “Jon owes me money”, “I need to call my work”, “I hope no one sees me meditating”.....any thought is possible. The key thing to understand is to just go back to your breathing as the object of your meditation.

If you concentration gets interrupted at number 3 breath exhalation, just return back to 1. Don’t worry if you cannot get past 2 or 3. As a novice your mind may be very “jumpy” moving from one thought to the next. When I was beginning my meditation many years ago I could not get to 10 for over a month! This is proof that most of our minds are in disarray. This state only produces a type of “scatter-brained effect” that will lead us to be reactive in behavior not reflective in manner. In this confused mode of being, we may develop anxiety for ourselves and trouble for others among other things.




It is a scary thought to realize that many of us are not in control of our own minds and actions. This fact should provide us with ample motivation to meditate as to do so would be to move towards happiness, control and calmness. Would this not be nice?


For our purpose as surfers and SUP participants, an agitated mind can only lead to a bad session. This frustration will inevitably affect our technique and progress in our sport.



4. Keep meditating consistently

Don’t give up. Meditating can be the hardest thing to do. Most importantly, to get the positive effects of meditation one must keep up a consistent regime of practice. Meditating is like surfing. You will not get good on the first day. If you quit due to frustration with your mind you will be like a beginner surfer who has given up on his first surf session. To become a good surfer, or a good meditator you must “surf/meditate” for years. Even when you attain a certain level of proficiency in both surfing and meditation, there exists a billion ways to improve your practice. For this reason it is important to keep our practice up.

5. Surfing/ SUP Meditation


The next portion of this article will show us how to transfer our abilities gained in meditation to the ocean. In this we will explore ways to use SUP and surfing as objects of our meditation practice. This is not unusual. The Zen folk of old stated that Zen is an everyday activity. One should pay attention while gardening, walking, washing the dishes and the like. Why not create every day into a magical experience? So, dear reader, please begin your meditation practices as described above and don’t give up.



Part 2: Surfing and SUP Meditation

Objects of Meditation: A Wave Meditation



SUP and surfing can be used to great effect to calm the mind. This is very important for our discussion as we live in a hyper-active world of e-mails, cell phones, face-book and multi-tasking. Our ability to pay attention is degraded by the fast pace of our modern world. This may lead to anxiety, depression and a poor state of affairs. To be happy we must pay attention and meditation is the key to this end.

Surfing and SUP can be an important tool to focus our concentration to improve our technical form and selves. Our sport provides us with many objects of meditation. One of the keys in meditation is to select an object to focus on; or immerse our concentration “ into”. The previous article focused on our breath as the object of our meditation. This article will use the ocean’s waves for object of meditation.



The swell

The ocean is filled with many things to be mindful of. Ocean waves are magical to look at and can serve as objects of our meditation. Start your meditation on your board with the following practice. Focus your attention on your breathing (as described in the previous article) and count two sets of ten breaths. This should be sufficient to calm the mind. After this turn your mental focus (or attention) attained in breathing meditation to the swell in the water. Sit (or stand) on your board and face the ocean. Pick a single swell out with your eyes (the wave can be 20 to 30 yards out but should be directly in front of you) and immerse your concentration in to it. Ask yourself the following questions. Is the swell coming strait in, or at a slight angle? As the wave approaches you, is it turning at an angle towards or away from you? Is the wave the combination of two swell directions?

As the wave comes under you, feel the swell lift your board up and then slowly turn your head and follow the progress of the swell as it moves away from you toward the inside. How does the wave move as it” feels” the bottom. Does the swell focus or defocus on a certain area of the reef? Does the wave “dissolve” as it fans out into the channel? Any observation is valid as long as you are concentrating. If you get distracted by thoughts in your head, just go back to concentrating on the swell just as you would go back to your breathing in normal sitting meditation.

The swell as the object of analytic meditation
Another form of meditation that is widely used by Tibetans and others is called analytic meditation. For our purposes, it is especially useful. One focuses on the object and analyzes ”what” is the wave (or object of the meditation)? Questions you may use to start your analysis are numerous. Does the swell have a name? If it does not, why do I have a name? Is the phenomena of this wave related to any other phenomena; a storm off of New Zealand perhaps? Does the gale have a cause and condition like the suns radiation?

What is important is to reflect on is the wave’s interdependence with many other factors. To do this is to realize that the wave is truly a “dependently originated” miracle. Logically the wave has the whole universe behind it (or in it)! What a joy it is to surf.

I will leave you with a type of Koan (Zen riddle). A wonderful question to ask your-self is: “Am I like the wave?” Do I have many causes and conditions that are an integral part of my-self? Does a wave die and similarly do I die?

With these thoughts we may come to a deeper awareness and appreciation of nature, others and ourselves. Would that not be nice?

Aloha,

Len Barrow Ph.D.

January 12, 2011