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Have you ever come across a famous picture that has two people arguing about the number in between them? One argued six, the other argued nine. As we are looking at the picture itself, in that instant, we have come to the middle ground as an observer. It dawned upon us that it is all about perspectives. Therefore, both will conclude they are right because that is what they see and experience.
New Year vs New Mind: Change of View, Change in Perspective
Do we really need a new year? And if we could delay or escape it, would we? Of course, no one of sound mind would seriously entertain such questions; they seem absurd because they address something beyond our control. The year is larger than us, something we all inevitably “enter” as it approaches. It comes, unyielding and inescapable.
“You Do Your Job, I Do Mine”: Life Lessons in Special Relationships
When I first began my journey in meditation, I was drawn to the simple wisdom of “they do their job, I do my job.” Yet, this clarity faded when special relationships came into play. His job became my job. My responsibility was to set him straight, guide him, and keep him from going astray. It seemed justified, right? After all, I was just helping. What could be wrong with that?
I Fold My Palms
In the stillness of the morning, before the world stirs with its ceaseless hum, I fold my palms.
Not merely as a gesture, but as a bridge – a quiet meeting of the seen and unseen, the finite and the infinite.
One Noble Intention Daily
In this whole month of November, I have aspired to follow in the footsteps of my inspiring teachers to dedicate an intention to doing a noble deed daily. Having tagged along on several of their merit-making missions, I have picked up many ingenious ideas and neat tips on how to go about it in a way that hits the right spot for the spirit within. However, as I stared at a blank new page on my notepad, I saw my mind quickly filled with many thoughts of endless possibilities.
“I Don’t Know”
When I began my journey into meditation, I learned that its purpose is to address the defilements. Unlike the common answers we often hear—attaining peace, wisdom, detachment from worldly turmoil, and ultimately, reaching the bliss of enlightenment—the essence of meditation is sweet and simple: to address the defilements.
I Will Always Be Alone
Since I began this journey 5 years ago, I have grown to understand more about myself and how I relate to my body and the world at large. Previously, it always seemed like problems and challenges were happening to me. Whenever I tried to do good, get closer to another or help when necessary, it seemingly backfired and somehow created more problems or issues that did not seem to resolve.
Separation and the Journey towards Wholeness
I've been reflecting on verses from Rumi and recently came across a story that resonated deeply with what we’ve been learning through our teachers. It beautifully echoes the teachings of Hor Tuck Loon, who emphasized that "we are all part of nature, not separate from it." Rumi’s wisdom speaks to this very truth, illustrating the profound connection between the self and the larger whole, reminding us that our sense of separation is merely an illusion.
Misidentification
When we say, "I am intelligent" or "I am angry," we are, in truth, identifying with particular mental processes or emotional states, not with something essential or unchanging. In reality, intelligence is simply the functioning of a specific mental factor that discerns or reasons, just as anger is the manifestation of aversion in response to a perceived threat or injustice.
Crossroads
A crossroads in our mundane comprehension represents a pivotal moment in life where a significant decision or choice must be made. The choices we make at this juncture can lead to different paths and outcomes, shaping one’s future. Being at a crossroads evokes a sense of uncertainty and the gravity of potential outcomes.
Growing Wisdom Through Right Understanding
When someone instructs me to do something without providing clear information or direction and uses a demanding tone, it often triggers a negative response in the mind. However, when another person gives the same instructions with patience and provides Right Information, the mind remains calm and attentive, reducing confusion and anxiety.
Experiencing or Understanding Suffering?
`I don’t like what is happening in my space.’ From targeting the outside, it is now aware of its own internal happenings. Aversion and intense discomfort are experienced. The wanting to push them away is so strong.
In the End
How often do we think we know what is best for us and sometimes even for others? I dare to say most of the time. We seldom or never pause to consider if what we think or know is true, to begin with.
Just Another Life Episode
There was a strong sense of curiosity to experiment, despite it all, in order to find out what might come out of it and also interest to try something different as an opportunity for learning if it is beneficial for my meditation practice. So I decided to just do it. What is the worst that could happen, right?
Outcome is Certain
I had the meaning that potential, though possibly inherent, necessitates deliberate harnessing before it becomes evident. Yet, there was no certainty surrounding the outcome, viewing potential more as a possibility with varying degrees of probability.
Transcending Preferences
When I first came to understand about dualism and how this principle influences our tendency to operate from a state of preference, I was taken aback by the realization that I had been incessantly wishing for circumstances to be otherwise. I felt compelled to address this pattern. Little did I anticipate the findings that ensued.
What Does 2024 Hold?
It can hold little, much, abundant, or nothing. It all depends on which juncture your mind is at. Time forward has much to do with the mind state happening at this moment. It is a bridge to what is in store for the future. If you feel lousy now, the future may look bleak or meaningless. If you feel excited about it, surely there must be something you are looking forward to.
A White Christmas
Something special is working and I observed more intently. There was a thought that reminded how each moment lived is just a memory now. It was an understanding of how it had had to happen the way it did because of how I lived before that. It was perfect as it was and could not have been otherwise.
The World as a Learning Classroom
The convergence of the Covid pandemic and advancing technology has transformed my room into a home retreat space over the past three years, courtesy of Zoom. While I initially believed my mindfulness practice was progressing well, it wasn't until my relocation to Saigon this year that things changed.
Hassles – Spiritual Hazards?!
Have you ever experienced spontaneously reaching out to help but was deterred by a thought of inconvenience? Have you noticed how often our good intentions are derailed by the fear of hassles? Perhaps we know these thoughts of hassle and inconvenience do limit our potentials but we do not realize the extent of this seemingly insignificant menace.
Start your journey
A thousand mile journey starts with a baby step. Start yours today!