The mind is an interesting creature.  

For a few years, my meals have been pretty standard. Breakfast is the same smoothie with about a dozen ingredients. And coffee. Lunch, more often than, consists of bean soup or chili, vegetables, and a tangerine or two. Dinner is a salad, a sweet potato, one of a few light entrees, some fruit, and often popcorn. Very simple, nutritious, and pleasant.

Now I'm diligently staying at home. Those weekly trips to the grocery store? A distant memory. And suddenly, my mind is rebelling. "Boring! You expect me to eat the same thing today I ate yesterday? I need variety! And what's with all the healthy stuff. Where's the chocolate, for Pete's sake!" 

I clearly have a mini rebellion on my hands. And just as clearly, I need to discern the middle path that lies between indulgence and deprivation. An equation that so far comprises increased levels of anxiety, social interaction limited to emails and texts, no face-to-face interaction with anyone other than delivery people, concern for all those less fortunate than I, and the personal need to remain productive. 

At a time unlike any that we have experienced, we need that middle path more than ever. We find it by calming our mind so that we'll be able to find the right place between diligence and gentleness. Diligence to keep doing the right things like taking care of those we're responsible for. Meeting work responsibilities if we're fortunate enough to have them still. Chanting Amituofo and studying the teachings daily now that we finally have the time. Doing everything possible to remain physically distant to save other's lives. 

And then there's gentleness as we realize that no matter how much we understand about cause and effect, the reality that we see all around us will render all but the most awakened anxious and fearful. And so we are gentle with those around us. And with ourselves.

So be diligent. Be gentle. (And buying some extra chocolate wouldn't hurt.)

Others being wasteful . . .

“Why is that Buddha statue fat?” 

This familiar statue, with a big happy smile and an even bigger tummy, seen in Chinese Buddhist centers (and restaurants!) represents Maitreya Bodhisattva and is modeled after a monk called Budai. When offered alms, the venerable would put them in his cloth bag, or budai. With his bag always with him, he became known as Budai.

When someone asked him what Buddhism was, he would smile and put the bag down, indicating that Buddhism teaches letting go.

When asked what one should do next, he lifted the bag to his shoulder and walked away. A sign of taking up the helping of others.

So Buddhism teaches one to let go of everything and to help others. Just before he passed from this world, Budai revealed that he was a manifestation of Maitreya. Since then, in China, the image of Maitreya has been modeled on Venerable Budai. His broad smile reminds us, “Want to learn Buddhism? Be happy and greet all with a smile!” His big stomach symbolizes great tolerance and equality.