I spent a week at the Zen monastery and there were two activities that I still contemplate upon.

The first activity was moving stones used for the garden. When the master first mentioned to do this, I naturally accepted the simple task, as it was to the benefit of the community, the Sangha. Of course I would help! Like any ordinary person, I quickly had a change of mindset from being a gracious helper, to a tired worker. I had many different thoughts about the mindful to move the stones. Should I focus on the senses of my arms moving the stones one by one? Should I focus on my breathing? Should I focus on the compassion of helping? Should I give up any real purpose and move the rocks just to move the rocks? Does it even matter whether I focus on one, or accept all of them as acceptable? I can definitely say that I was not very happy to be moving the stones. It was heavy. It was hot outside. I was exhausted. I am not convinced as I am now, that I would be happy to do it again. So now I know, there is more happiness to work toward.

The second task was clearing the weeds. Funnily, the master told me today was a day of “personal study”. I was a little bit thrilled. Perhaps I would focus on my meditation or I would read analyze a sutra! No, I shoveled and picked out weeds for hours. I was so determined at this time to be happier than I was moving the stones. I was alone doing the most simple task. It was just me and the weeds. Honestly, this time I really did not even think I was helping anyone. I mean, would I really think there is some great compassionate action to the community pulling weeds. I do think I learned quite a bit about myself in this process. I loved this despite some exhaustion.