Balanced Existence

When discussing the life of the Buddha the words ‘story’ or ‘account’ are commonly used. This is because there is no verifiable factual data regarding his life. So the story of the life of the Buddha or Awakened One who realized the Dharma: ‘that which really is’ is all we have. In Indian storytelling tradition the story of his life is portrayed in a series of disconnected incidents, generally including his birth, enlightenment, first sermon, and death. Such Indian stories traditionally acted as a means by which the unchanging nature of the hero is revealed and highlighted. However, is it possible to separate out the account of the Buddha’s life from his teachings?

My meditation practice is simple. I sit and be the sky. This begins with slowing down. Achieved by centering the mind on one physical sensory input. In this case the feeling of the breath at the rim of the nostrils. Breath and mind gradually merge. The calmer one becomes the more refined the breath. The more refined the breath the more one must focus single-pointedly on the ever slighter sensation.