Thursday, December 17, 2009

Be a Scared Buddha

I tell Gil about the fear, that I felt this morning, while sitting. Big fear, causes unknown, more intense with the passage up and down of each breath. We talk about my relationship to it. How I have these opinions about fear, as something not good, to be rid of. That's how I feel deeply . . .

Gil's answer: "Be a scared Buddha."

9 comments:

  1. I remember a time in my life of emotional turmoil... I went through waves of grief, anger, confusion, fear... and somewhere in the middle of all that I "got" that there was no problem. That these were all just waves, neither bad nor good, and I could just surf them. That was such a liberating experience.

    Thank you for sharing so honestly...

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  2. As Genpo Roshi says, if you feel something or think something, don't try to get rid of it, BE it fully.

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  3. Yes, you are both so right. At the same time, between understanding and realization, can be years . . . To face and accept that place of non acceptance is where I had to go today. Having teacher give me 'permission' to be scared Buddha was very powerful.

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  4. That's so powerful. Thanks for sharing.

    I've always been caught up trying to be stronger, harder, tougher rather than rest in just being. Being scared is all part of the experience.

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  5. Thank you. Yes, indeed, very powerful. I am finding I have to walk fine line when reading Buddhist texts. The head can get all twisted around portrayal of samsara states such as as anger and fear . . .

    Love that, "rest in just being" . . . with breath as our steady friend :)

    deep bow,

    marguerite

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  6. Thank you for this teaching, it resonates with me deeply. I especially appreciate you passing on Gil's wise words. I live in Canada and have listened to his talks for years via audiodharma; you are so blessed to be near him.

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  7. Oh! Tara, I am so glad this resonates with you. Do you have a sangha near where you live? a teacher, close to you?

    I wish you best in your continued practice.

    deep bow,

    marguerite

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  8. You are indeed the Sacred Buddha. There really is no way that it could be otherwise.

    ~Seiho

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