We practice zen-cuisine using a different facet of the self than our ordinary linear mind. In the beginning of our practice, we use a function of awareness we call ‘the observer’ to step outside our habitual way of being. The observer opens us to a larger, less self-centered reality. Although we can search and search and search for this observer, we can never really find it. And yet, this observer is who we truly are. In fact, the observer is our awareness. In zen-cuisine, we often describe the observer as being like the clear surface of a pond. We see what is reflected in the still water. The water is simply present, mirroring what passes over it. Likewise, the observer is always there, reflecting the present moment. In zen-cuisine, we practice to be aware of this presence.
The surface of a still clear pond does nothing more than reflect. If an aerodynamic dragonfly passes over the pond’s mirror-like surface, the pond reflects the darting dragonfly. If a perfectly-formed cumulus cloud passes, the surface reflects the puffy mass. The pond remains, in essence, an empty surface, reflecting whatever passes over its mirroring presence. The pond has no emotional response in its replication. In the same way, the observer is aware but without reaction. Like images passing a reflective surface, all things pass before the observer. Neither the pond’s surface nor the observer has any emotion or opinion about what is happening. Awareness simply watches and reflects. Like the pond’s reflective ability, awareness never changes.
Like a calm reflecting pond, the observer doesn’t reject or accept what is arising in the phenomenal world. The observer just observes. Slowly we become aware of the energy, the ‘formless field of possibility’ that manifests in the present moment. We observe our tendency to separate ourselves from our experience. We gently focus our attention on the here and now, again and again. Gradually we are drawn deeply into what is happening. We are more able to let go of preconceived notions, and are willing to let things be as they truly are. We experience life as it is, without illusion. And from this, joy arises.
As we step away from our habitual way of responding to things, we see ourselves more clearly. We move outside our ordinary mind. Zen-cuisine opens us to see what passes before the clear reflecting pond of our mind, to experience what actually is arising in the present moment. With practice, we discover the joy of being mindful and aware. False images of us in the kitchen begin to dissolve, offering insight. We become more aware, more honest and clear-seeing. If the toast is burnt, the toast is burnt; if the pie is perfect, the pie is perfect. Both are invitations to joy…the joy of what is. We touch this joy when we embrace ordinary life—life as it is actually unfolding within and around us—with acceptance and gratitude. In doing this, we manifest the goodness of the energy flowing through us into the meals we make. Happy cooking!
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