Like spreading bamboo, entwined, is concern for offspring & spouses. Like a bamboo sprout, unentangling, wander alone like a rhinoceros.

When the bamboo is entwined, it doesn’t grow straight and becomes slanted or stunted in growth.

Likewise, when we are weighed down with family concerns, it is difficult for our mind to be free and focus on spiritual practices.

Therefore committed practitioners, renounce their family life to live in monastery, if situations allow and if they are capable of living the austere lifestyle.

If that is not possible, people enter a retreat. It may be 3 years, 1 year, 3 months or 1 month, even 7 days or 1 day.

Such a practice, gives us the opportunity to set aside our daily affairs and concentrate on our practice.

Although we tell ourselves to concentrate on our practice during our retreat, it is inevitable that thoughts of our family enters our mind. Naturally, that disturbs our mind training.

Are they eating well? I wonder what is for lunch today? Did Tom finish his school work? Did I do the laundry?

Therefore, letting go is not simply running away from situations in life.

If we renounce the family life or go into retreat and we can mentally let go and allow our mind to be alone and silent. That is when our practice will be in full focus.

That is why it is important to not miss the point about letting go and lettimg our mind be free from concerns.

So the next time we engage in our formal meditation session or chanting session. Be it 10 minutes or 1 hours.

It is important to let our mind roam like a rhinoceros.

May all be well and happy.