“When I was a novice, I could not understand why, if the world is filled with suffering, the Buddha has such a beautiful smile. Why isn’t he disturbed by all the suffering? Later I discovered that the Buddha has enough understanding, calm, and strength; that is why the suffering does not overwhelm him. He is able to smile to suffering because he knows how to take care of it and to help transform it. We need to be aware of the suffering, but retain our clarity, calmness, and strength so we can help transform the situation. The ocean of tears cannot drown us if karuna is there.

That is why the Buddha’s smile is possible.” – Thích Nhất Hạnh

In speaking about the awakened mind, Dōgen says, “Coming, going, the waterbirds don’t leave a trace, don’t follow a path.”

And though, there are many ways to interpret this passage – to me, it represents the true nature of understanding.

Indeed, as Dōgen suggests, we might move effortlessly through out thoughts – just as the bird gracing the waters, unencumbered by the complexities of our emotions.

Likewise, our thoughts may run more deeply, like a plow to the earth – leaving only an upturned, roughened path in its wake.

Perhaps, in a sense, the bird represents our liberation from fixed mind, and the inevitable suffering which is caused by our attachments?

And, reminding us, that it is only through our letting go that we may finally begin to know the waterbird’s freedom.

In The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching, Thich Nhat Hanh discusses the essence of non-attachment – encouraging us to climb the mountain and look at the whole, without being bound by one side or the other.

There’s something really poignant in this image of looking out from the mountaintop –  without regard to where our feet may be ‘planted.’

Such is the power of an unlimited perspective, that it may provide us the means to transform even our greatest suffering.

So, how do we maintain such stillness of mind in an often unforgiving world?

To quote Sister Pine, by letting go and keeping in mind that which you really want.