Contemporary use of this phrasing often alludes to engaging in a certain experience with a calm state of attentiveness, guided by intuition rather conscious thought or effort. It is also interpreted as the activity itself allows a practitioner to achieve a calmed state by engaging in the activity. While the Western interpretation of Zen may be more of a mix of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism influences, it’s roots first sprouted in Zen Buddhism in the 5th century CE. Zen Buddhism focuses heavily on the use of meditation to achieve enlightenment and understanding “the meaning of life”. Many tree climbers experience a state of peace and tranquility when they are high in the branches above. Having a calmed state of mind when sitting in the top of a tree lends itself to practicing mindfulness and meditation. Given meditation involves clearing the mind, the climbing process itself can provide a point of focus, resulting in one’s mind letting go of the everyday worries and concerns that plague our thoughts in our daily routine. Therefore, some people see climbing as meditative in its nature. The Path to Enlightenment In their simplest forms, “The Zen of”, Zen Buddhism, and any of the branches or schools of Buddhism are focused on reaching enlightenment; or attaining the full comprehension of the true nature of all things and life itself. The original Buddha put forth that life is filled with struggle & suffering, which occur when we harbor desires, are guided by our ego, or behave in immoral ways. He went on to present a path we can follow to reduce suffering and find ultimate happiness and inner peace. This path is the noble Eightfold Path. Through following the behaviors in the Eightfold Path, one can escape the suffering associated with the human experience. Escape suffering, reach nirvana, become enlightened. Zen Buddhism emphasizes the practice of meditation as being the key to reaching enlightenment, whereas meditation is just one of the 8 steps put forth by the Buddha. The 8 components in the Eightfold Path include having the right:
Upon considering “the Zen of Tree Climbing”, I find a natural how the philosophical principles in the Eightfold Path are manifested in the tree climbing process. Climbing the Eightfold Path RIGHT VIEW: Having the right view refers to having the understanding that your actions have consequences, which can lead to suffering. Therefore, you should pursue the knowledge that will help you see and understand things as they really are as this will help you steer clear of suffering. If you can picture yourself standing at the base of a tall tree, looking up at the branches high above, it’d likely strike you that climbing the tree could result in injury. Most of us are not as carefree, or oblivious to consequences as we were as kids. Knowing there is risk involved is usually enough reason for many people to not even consider heading up. With a little training and knowledge however, we can learn what we can look for and how to read subtle details to determine if a tree is suitable for climbing. We can also use this knowledge to make determinations on how to climb the tree while minimizing our risks for injury. It also helps to know that there is specialized equipment and how it can be used to climb tall trees and minimize the associated risks with being at-height. I’m sure you don’t need to have climbed a tree to imagine it being far more enjoyable and rewarding if we do so without injuring ourselves. Having the knowledge and understanding of how to determine if a tree is suitable for climbing can help minimize your exposure to risk of injury & suffering. RIGHT THOUGHTS/INTENTION: When it comes to fostering the right thoughts or having the right intention, we are looking at cultivating healthy thoughts as they determine our state of mind. One of the biggest obstacles and hindrances new climbers encounter is comparing themselves to others. It appears that that some people are inclined to judge themself by comparing to others, yet how someone else is doing has no bearing on how you will do. It makes no difference if he is doing better than you or if she is climbing faster than you, your path is up your rope, not someone else’s. If your thoughts are focused on how other people are doing, especially if those thoughts are envious or negative in nature, you will lose focus of what is most important - your own progress & success. To reach your goal, you will need a positive mindset and your focus should be on your technique and driven by your motivations. Further, it appears to be reflex for some people to start right off the bat saying, “I’m not good at this” or “I can’t do it.” It’s been said, “whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re exactly right.” That’s the power of thought. Positive thoughts cultivate a healthy mindset. RIGHT SPEECH: Right speech refers to refraining from divisive and abusive speech. Words of praise and encouragement have a positive impact on others who are headed up on their own journey. Such words can lift a person’s spirits and bring them joy. Whereas using words of criticism and judgement have the potential to negatively impact their psyche and performance. Think back to the idea above; how another person is doing has no bearing on whether you achieve success of reaching your goal. We can either use words of positivity or negativity, keeping in mind that your words also impact your mindset. Abusive language towards others will negatively impact your own well-being. Maintaining positive thoughts and verbalizing them has a synergistic and karmic effect on your own state of mind. RIGHT ACTION: Right action is to refrain from unwholesome & harmful behavior. Instead, behave in accordance with truth and for the goodness of others. During a climb, we are interacting with the tree and other climbers. Given our reliance upon the condition of the tree to keep us safe, common sense tells us to respect the tree and refrain from causing injury or harming the tree for our own sake. Likewise, our actions should not be such that they cause harm to others, whether they are enjoying the area and tree from the ground or in the branches alongside us. This also goes for the animals and organisms that rely on the tree for food and habitat. RIGHT LIVELIHOOD: Right livelihood refers to avoiding occupations that directly or indirectly harm others, in essence, provide for your needs in a way that is moral and respects all life. Climbing higher takes energy and therefore we often take breaks to catch our breath and rest our muscles. Once we stop on a branch for a breather, we are able to look beyond the branches and leaves that envelop us. Our field of view has expanded far beyond that which we could see from the ground. This elevated perspective lends itself to a broader understanding of where you are in relation to the ground below and where the tree is situated in relation to its surroundings and the community. Viewing the broader picture, we have the opportunity to see how everything interacts and is connected to something beyond just itself. Each individual has influence on everyone else, and it is in your control to be a positive influence on those you interact with and those who are impacted by your actions. RIGHT EFFORT: Putting forth the right effort means that we should refrain from unwholesome thoughts. At the beginning of a climb, it is common to have a sense of apprehension. If you are overwhelmed by negative thoughts and emotions, you’re probably not going to leave the ground. Once you start your ascent though, your focus turns inward – your body and mind is fully engaged and focused on your climbing technique, the situation and the perceived risks you are putting yourself in, and the wide range of emotions you encounter. Any one of these challenges could become a distraction and a hindrance, and ultimately could have you heading back to the ground. Successfully reaching your goal and having a rewarding experience is very much dependent upon your ability to maintain a positive state of mind by keeping negativity from encroaching. RIGHT MINDFULNESS: The idea of right mindfulness involves actively contemplating sufferings in your body, feelings, and mind. Reaching the top of the tree, your efforts have brought you to your goal. As you sit up there taking it all in, your heart rate decreases. You can reflect on everything you encountered along the way. You are aware of obscure muscles you may have never realized where there. Sitting in the branches high above the ground, those types of thoughts eventually fade and you are able to sit, take in the view, and appreciate being where you are. You have the opportunity to appreciate all of the aspects you encountered along the way, everything around you, and yourself, without judgement. Having a cleared mind and being in this special spot elevated above all else is conducive to letting your mind enter a state of contemplation and mindfulness, where you can gain insight into your true self. Tree climbers refer to the time spent in this state of peace as “tree-time”. RIGHT CONCENTRATION: Right concentration involves bringing awareness to ways in which you can address hindrances to your clearing of the mind and bring all aspects of the 8-fold path in harmony. Each of them supports and relies upon one another. You encounter a variety of thoughts and emotions during the ascent, from fears and feelings of unease being out of your comfort zone, to self-doubt. You can reflect upon each challenge you faced and how you dealt with them. If your focus remained centered on positive actions, thoughts, and words… …sitting with a cleared mind, you have the opportunity for active assessment in how you might be able to adjust different aspects of your technique and mindset in order to improve and strengthen the impact of your climbing experience or practice. Awakening Your True Nature The tree-time state of mind is calmed and quiet. Being in the moment, brings clarity of mind. Stay up there long enough and even this state of bliss and wonderment might begin to subside. Your physical, mental, and emotional states of well-being are in harmony. All is well, everything is perfect. You have the opportunity to experience total peace of mind and self. With a mind freed from desire and unwholesome thoughts, you can enter a state of perfect equanimity and wakefulness.
Climbing into the treetops can be a life-altering journey, one that might lead you to a state of samadhi and enlightenment. Even if you don’t experience that deeper state, most people walk away feeling a deeper connection to the natural world and quite possibly, insight into their true self.
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AuthorAs a G.O.T.C. Recognized Master Instructor & Facilitator, I.S.A. Board Certified Master Arborist, and T.C.I.A. Certified Treecare Safety Professional, Curt has spent over 30 years dedicated to the study and care of trees. Categories
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May 2024
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