Slogan #48

Train without bias in all areas. It is crucial always to do this pervasively and wholeheartedly.

The previous slogan defined a complete meditation practice as the harmonious integration of body, speech, and mind. Slogan #48 expands on this basic premise to include all lived experiences as practice opportunities.

Let’s operationally define the key terms of this slogan:

Without bias means no excuses, hiding, or determining that there are areas of our lives that are off limits. Our defensiveness, entitlement, resentments, self-absorption, and judgements are clearly examined with compassion and kindness.

Pervasively is both constant and unconditional. Zen Buddhist practitioners are encouraged to practice as if they are with friends of great integrity who are inspired and inspiring when they are alone and to practice as if they are alone when they are with others so that every facet of life becomes practice. What social identities do you call your own? How do the interaction of ability, mental health, race, fertility, age, sexual orientation, religion, education, physical health, ethnicity, and political affiliation impact the way that you see the world and the way that the world sees you?

Wholeheartedly refers to communicating with all the wisdom and compassion that resides in our hearts, including the tendrils of truth, tenderness, engagement, and accountability that are woven into its core. Letting be rather than reacting, letting go of distractions, and letting in love. Wholehearted love is open, limitless, and free. Wholehearted love does not flourish in conditions of discrimination, division, and prejudice. Pema Chodron asks the following question: “What would it take to be able to have my enemy hear what I’m trying to say, and what would it take for me to be able to hear what he or she is trying to say to me?”