To give your sheep or cow a large, spacious meadow is the way to control him

To give your sheep or cow a large, spacious meadow is the way to control him

Shunryu Suzuki, a renowned Zen master and teacher, often used simple and profound statements to convey deep spiritual truths. One such statement is, "To give your sheep or cow a large, spacious meadow is the way to control him." At first glance, this may seem like a paradoxical statement. How can giving something freedom and space be a form of control? However, when we delve deeper into Suzuki's teachings, we begin to understand the wisdom behind this seemingly contradictory statement.

In Zen Buddhism, the concept of control is not about dominating or manipulating others. Instead, it is about creating the conditions for natural harmony and balance to emerge. Suzuki often emphasized the importance of letting go of our preconceived notions and allowing things to unfold organically. In the case of giving a sheep or cow a large, spacious meadow, it is about providing the animal with the freedom to roam and graze as it pleases. By doing so, we are not imposing our will upon the animal but rather allowing it to express its natural instincts and behaviors.

This idea of control through spaciousness can be applied to our own lives as well. In a world that is often filled with busyness and distractions, we can benefit greatly from creating space for ourselves to breathe and reflect. By giving ourselves the freedom to explore our thoughts and emotions without judgment or restriction, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.

Suzuki also teaches us that true control comes from a place of inner peace and mindfulness. When we are able to cultivate a sense of calm and presence within ourselves, we are better equipped to respond to life's challenges with grace and wisdom. By letting go of our need to control every aspect of our lives, we can open ourselves up to the infinite possibilities that exist in each moment.