THE FINAL STAGE SERVICE

THE FINAL STAGE: SERVICE

Ozmo Piedmont, PhD

In the scripture “The Most Excellent Mirror – Samadhi” one reads the following:

The retainer serves his lord the emperor,

His father does the child obey,

Without obedience there is no filial piety,

And if there is no service, no advice.

Such action and most unpretentious work

All foolish seem and dull,

But those who practice thus this law continually

Shall in all worlds,

Be called Lord of Lords unto eternity. 

            To live as if our lives were our own, is to make a big mistake that causes much suffering in the world.  Our lives should be an offering to the Infinite, beginning when we are children serving our parents, then later to our school teachers.  We then enter the stage of service to our spouses, partners and our families.  At the same time we serve our bosses, our employees, all those we share our lives with.  Finally, a very sacred kind of service may emerge, that between a spiritual teacher and a student.  This service is of great importance, and can transform the lives of each in the process of its development. 

            Spiritual practice is the process of learning how to obey the signs and signals from the Infinite, which requires a certain good judgment, humility, and the ability to listen to the wise counsel given in a multitude of ways, whether in the form of the teacher, one’s partner, a friend, and even through our feelings and intuitions of the body and the mind.  When we are able to listen to this advice from the Infinite, we are more effective in helping others in the world.   In fact, this attitude of giving and helping is the fifth and highest stage of spiritual development.  This stage begins after one has directly experienced the Reality and Truth of the Infinite in every aspect of our lives.  Then begins the work, represented by the Bodhisattva, an individual awakened to his or her mission in life of service, symbolized by a return to the market place in the center of town.  To others, this being appears just like any other person.  However, his commitment to serve and guide others to find the Infinite is of paramount importance.

            In order to carry out this commitment, the teacher serves the Cosmic Buddha, listening to His advice of how to best help the student.  In turn, the student begins his or her learning by serving the teacher, dedicating his and her time, attention, questions, and economic support.  Unless the two are ready to serve the Infinite, the teacher to the Cosmic Buddha, and the student to the Infinite in the form of the teacher, neither of the two will be able to access the ultimate treasure.

            The student needs to trust the teacher in order to eliminate the obstructions and obstacles to progress, including self deception and delusion.  Therefore, the student ought to follow the advice and teachings of the teacher, who has more experience on the path of spiritual practice.  The teacher, likewise, should eliminate his own egoism in order to be able to her and serve the Infinite, and so that the teachings may flow through him.  Of course, the student should not force him or herself to accept any teaching which he or she is not ready to believe.  Nevertheless, the student should not be closed minded to the possibility of considering new concepts and recommendations.   

            The challenges that arise in each moment of our lives may seem insignificant and without any special value.  If one thinks, “Even though I know the precepts, for example, ‘Don’t be angry’ or ‘Do not talk badly about others’, I am still going to continue with my old habits, since no one will know or notice these unimportant events.”  But this is sad, since one loses the opportunity to break the chains of suffering which are based on our own self created patterns of delusion and the accompanying poisons of desire and frustration.  No only that, but one loses the opportunity to discover the Buddha Nature inherent in each one of us, which expresses itself in compassion and benevolence, represented by the symbol of the Bodhisattva working in the market place helping others to find the road to Nirvana and the liberation from suffering.  The result, the light of the Infinite shines a little less, and the world is a little poorer.    

            The work of the teacher and the student can seem very strange and foolish to those that do not understand that happiness is not found in momentary things.  Everything changes, everything is impermanent.  At times we ourselves do not value the opportunity that each moment brings to practice spiritually, applying the precepts in our lives, serving humanity, and what is most important, serving the Infinite.  But those who continue in their practice, day after day, in every insignificant moment, serving the Infinite in whatever form they can, will discover the true treasure of joy and peace everlasting.

Bibliography

Morgan, Daishin.  Buddha Recognizes Buddha. Throssel Hole Press: Northumberland, United Kingdom, 2010.

Shasta Abbey.  Zen Training.  A Special Issue of The Journal of Shasta Abbey. Vol. XIII, May-August 1982.  Mt. Shasta, CA., 1983.