To be awake.

Often we try to be so many things, even in the practice. We try to be compassionate, we try to be loving, we try to listen, we try to be more than we are, we try to be less what we don't want to be.
In truth all we need to be is awake.


It is said that soon after his enlightenment the Buddha passed a man on the road who was struck by the Buddha's extraordinary radiance and peaceful presence. The man stopped and asked, "My friend, what are you? Are you a celestial being or a god?"
"No," said the Buddha.
"Well , then, are you some kind of magician or wizard?"
Again, the Buddha answered, "No."
"Are you an man?"
"No."
Well, my friend, then what are you?"
The Buddha replied, "I am awake."