For the past month, since I started this blog, I have been looking for a visual to describe mindfulness. Not easy. How do you capture such a subtle experience? I tried to think about what I see when I sit, and close my eyes. The darkness, and light also, and the mystery. But those three don't an image make . . . Just when I was about to settle for a smiling Buddha, I found what I was seeking, right outside my window, this morning. Thanks to Blogger editing capabilities, it has now become the header image for this blog.
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Very nice- right outside our window. If we need to look for it, it it real?
ReplyDeleteBlessings-
Tommy from @RockOm
Thanks Tommy. It really is a matter of 'Seeing', isn't it?
ReplyDeleteHi Marguerite.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe we have to seek what's real. Everything is real! And that's good! What is happiness... I would call it deep appreciation. Heartfelt appreciation for one's life, including obstacles and desires.
My Buddhist practice (I chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo) helps me to manifest the life-condition of Buddha we all are innately endowed with. And thus, even when confronted by the most serious problems, we can realize the enlightened aspect of it (for that is always there as well), and move through our life with freedom, unencumbered by suffering.
I used to think that meditation, spirituality meant eradicating desires and trying to convince myself that things were a certain way, or just "not as bad" as they seemed. But I don't believe that anymore. We cannot avoid problems, but we can deeply transform how we experience them. The four sufferings, as Buddhism teaches, are Birth, Aging, Sickness and Death. They are aspects of life that no one can escape, no matter what circumstances one is born in. So, to live the richest, most profound existence doesn't mean to try and eradicate the desires and circumstances that are by their nature unavoidable (although we try to live mindfully, wisely, the "Middle Way"), rather, I believe that if we can use our practice to manifest profound appreciation for all our circumstances -- as opportunities for us to overcome our weaknesses, to face our fears, to develop our humanity, to encourage others -- then those "obstacles" become BENEFITS.
How profound!
Best wishes to you,
Marilyn
Thank you so much Marilyn! I just listened to your -very soulful - music. Thank you for our connection.
ReplyDeleteFor me, appreciation yes, and also acceptance of all, outside and inside, with the wisdom to know which seeds to cultivate, and which ones to set aside.
May you be happy!
marguerite