Often, the Monks and Sensei participate in the ‘pigeon flight’ meditation technique.
There is a warm, cosy barn behind the Monastery that has high beams and is stocked with fresh hay. Many pigeons live there. Once the monks enter the barn, they sit on the hay, close their eyes and concentrate on the sound of the pigeons as they fly from one beam to another.
As the pigeons soar spontaneously around the barn, their wings produce beautiful sounds of flight and energy. The monks hear a magical uplifting music as the pigeons soar and fly. When the pigeons rest, there is a sudden silence and the monks get a chance to hear their own heartbeats. This meditation technique is so charming that the monks beg Sensei to allow them to practice it every day.
Describing the process, Sensei says, “The pigeons fly effortlessly. When effort is natural and without a gain, there is a natural, beautiful energy that spreads all over. Do your karma effortlessly and shower positive energy around yourself.”
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