While in the midst of those who hate, to dwell free from hatred is happiness indeed.
DHAMMAPADA v. 197
The teachings we receive from the Buddha and the great disciples can serve to inspire us. Feeling inspired leads to feeling energised. Then we are encouraged to skilfully apply this energy in the process of purifying our hearts and minds from habits of resisting reality. In reality most of us do still suffer from becoming lost in aversion, in sadness, in disappointment. And we probably do still feel challenged by our compulsive tendencies to resist the pain of life. Skilful effort in practice means we are neither in too much of a hurry, nor are we are too tardy. Although it can be tempting to grasp at the desire for difficulties to end, if we wish to follow the teachings of the Buddha, we recollect how he also taught about modesty and patience.
INTENTIONAL ALONENESS: full moon - Sunday 15th December, 2024
Having found no companion who has travelled at least as far as ourselves, it is better to go alone than to accompany those who remain irresolute.
DHAMMAPADA v. 61
It can be tempting to turn the pain of loneliness into an enemy. An alternative approach might be to get interested in the relationship we have with the very feeling of loneliness. When mindfulness is not sufficiently embodied, we tend to following the habit of looking around in our heads for a solution to suffering. The Buddha’s solution is the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, which begins with the body. Can we feel lonely, not just think about how to stop feeling lonely? If we connect with the raw condition of suffering, learning to relinquish our addiction to abstract thinking, then perhaps we will discover we can be our own good friend. Instead of always looking outside for that object, or that relationship, that we believe will give us a feeling of wholeness, we can look inwards. In so doing, it’s possible you might start meeting others seeking the solution to their suffering by befriending themselves.
Q: How To Practice With A Conceited Sense Of Superiority?
(approx. 12 minutes) KEYWORDS: "How to properly understand the Buddha's teachings on not being better, equal or worse than others? I’m especially interested in how to deal with the feelings of being superior to those who do not search for anything deeper in life, who merely pursue immediate gratification of casual desires.” Ajahn Chah, Abhidhamma, Thai expression, ditthi mana, perceptions, up to scratch, balanced sensitivity, afraid of fear, hating aversion, spiritual toolkit, integrity, embodied mindfulness, intentional composure (indriyasamvara), wise reflection, compassion, challenging, enquiry, daring, judging, fear, overwhelmed, anger, indulging, denying, in-breath, expanding, temporary happiness, wellness retreat, selfless happiness, pressure.
Q: Can Tension Be Used Creatively In Practice?
(approx. 11 minutes) KEYWORDS:Q:"You often refer to tension. Can this be a creative, dynamic force, rather than misperceiving the natural tension inherent in life as a negative force. How can this energy be applied within daily life practice as a skilful means?" Affluence, weak, frustration, balance, happiness, wisdom, Dhammapada verse 290, carbon dust, diamonds, transmutation, pressure, two types of suffering, itchy wound, distraction, spiritual faculties, rightly aligned, head, heart, belly, congruent, resilience, strength, tolerating the intolerable, deepening.
ACCUMULATING BLESSING: full moon - 22nd May, 2024
“Blessed is the arising of a Buddha; blessed is the revealing of the Dhamma; blessed is the concord of the Sangha; delightful is harmonious communion.”
DHAMMAPADA v. 194
There is a strong emphasis in our Buddhist teachings on suffering. It’s important we balance this with an appreciation of the encouragement to build up a storehouse of wholesomeness. According to the Commentaries, this Dhammapada verse was spoken by the Buddha on an occasion when he walked in on a group of monks discussing what happiness is. He highlighted what he saw as reliable happiness. On many occasions he taught about the skilful cultivation of happiness. When we are called upon to deal with life’s difficulties, it matters that we have reserves to draw upon. It is wise to not wait until we are feeling overly challenged.