To Close or Not to Close, That is the Question . . .

     I was reading a book entitled Chinese Wisdom: The Way of Perfect Harmony.  I ran across a description of how to sit in meditation.  It recommends, among other things, that one sits with eyes slightly open.  I don't know about you, but I find that difficult to do.  However, as the writer states,

In ancient times there were eminent monks specializing in concentration practice who always kept their eyes open when they sat.  Ch'an Master Fayun Yuatong also scolded people for sitting in meditation with their eyes closed, calling it a ghost cave in a mountain of darkness.  Evidently there is deep meaning in this, of which adepts are aware.

     I can understand that closing one's eyes during meditation might cause the monkey mind to increase its chatter, but I personally find it hard to not focus on what I'm seeing if I have my eyes open.  What about you?  To close or not to close, that is the question . . .

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