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Recently I had the rare opportunity to ordain as a temporary Buddhist novice nun. I took on the 10 precepts, donned brown robes, shaved my head bald, had solid food only between dawn to midday and lived in a monastery to dedicate time for practice. It was a personal exploration of what and how my mind reacts and learns in such conditions.
Snails. Humility. Heedfulness.
Recently, I encountered a small but powerful reminder of this while walking to work. A snail was crossing my path, vulnerable to being crushed. Without hesitation, I lifted it gently, placing it safely out of harm’s way. In another instance, my friend Jin Jie and I saw a snail together. This time, instead of moving it myself, I asked him to help.
Common Sense or Uncommon Sense?
Common sense - a familiar phrase that everyone should understand. But looking back, how is it that common sense didn’t arise when the situation was so obvious? It’s only in hindsight that I realize it was actually a lack of common sense then. Has this happened to you before? Something as obvious as day, yet one does something quite contrary to how one should have responded.
Good Luck, Bad Luck…
The fable of Sai Weng Lost His Horse is one I’ve reflected on often, especially during moments when life felt unfair or inexplicable. In the story, an old man loses his horse, and those around him call it misfortune. But the horse returns, bringing with it a herd of wild companions, and suddenly the same people see it as a stroke of luck.
A Moment of Light and Compassion
In that moment, I was able to clearly see a rush of compassion for myself. I saw a younger version of me, frozen in time, clinging to this belief, using it as a lens through which I had viewed my life. This part of me was unknowingly stuck, seeing the world through a filter that had become a constant companion.
Perspectives
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.
Start your journey
A thousand mile journey starts with a baby step. Start yours today!