What disturbs you?

Peace...

Hello my friends... I’m soon to leave, but a sweet friend reminded me of all those who enjoy my words and offered the topic “attaining peace.” Oh not too big a topic ha? It's ok, I’ll offer my opinion and all will do with it as they please...

Peace, what is peace? For me it is attaining balance, for where balance is achieved many of the items that disturb our peace will have been dealt with... but it’s a bit more difficult than words lead us to believe, for peace of mind is the cornerstone to peace in general, for we may have all the practical, physical things all in order yet still be disturbed, very disturbed.

So what causes these disturbances? I have come to the conclusion it is our perpetual evaluation of all that surrounds us and our equally perpetual dissatisfaction with what has arisen, the things we call our lives. So how do we change this?

First we need to take a close look at what we desire in order acheive satisfaction. let me ask "what will satisfy you?" Next look at that list to see if what is listed are items that truly satisfy; are substantial and lasting, or are we placing our hopes and expectations on shifting sand? (best to not expect anything, just live)

The next item is our mind, the state of it and our clear view of what it is viewing and what these views generate in our mind. This is best done via a simple mediation offered to lessen the reactiveness of our minds, this reactive state is what keeps us unhappy, disturbed, for things we don’t like, have aversion to, are all a part of the stream of consciences that passes each of our noses every moment of the day.

This is a general idea of what to do. While sitting watching these arisings, we let them pass without evaluation, by doing so we find we need not follow every leaf that floats down the stream, just see them, recognize their appearance, and let them pass. This practice builds the ability to walk, drive, sit, play or make love in the moment, no projecting, no evaluating, just living, in this moment, this slice of life, knowing all is well.

If we are breathing well, are without pain, then all is well, even if we are not, seeing these so called negative things clearly, accepting their existence, and as such, the way things are, offer us peace... try it..

If you or your group desires instruction in mind training I offer a secular version of a combination of both Japanese and Tibetan Buddhist strategies for working with mind, finding peace, knowing one self... If you’d like me to speak to your group, offer instruction, etc. I am available based on an hourly rate + expenses... I also offer private instruction.

subtlethings@bellsouth.net

http://www.subtlethings.com

http://changeyourmindchangeyourbody.blogspot.com/

Time Well Spent

Let's trust ourselves... Be brave.

Hello my friends...  I'm a practicing Buddhist. One who is open to hearing from many sources. While practicing I've been exposed to practitioners of all sorts, seeking knowledge they studying the dharma, meditate and consult with their teachers and "space". The are those who study little, instead perpetually dive off the springboard of the foundational truth “space is information” believing there is no need to learn what others know, that it is best to learn for oneself though communicating with "space" on ones pillow (in meditation).

Now it is said, all is empty, everything composite is illusion and that we live and swim in an impermanent soup of perception composed of a composite of all things manifest, a soup which has no reality in itself demostrated by the fact it does not last, falls away the instant it has manifest, and as such is unreal. Also unreliable in the next moment. 

This is all good, but to what end is this information to be used, and how much of it is needed in order to live this life well and to do the work of a Buddha; an awake compassionate human being?

To think too much about something which has no fundamental reality (if you believe it is so) is a waste of our precious lives, time better spent living the life of a bodhisattva (a compassionate being whose intentions and actions are aimed at relieving suffering, that of their own and others) for to know and not do has little worth, and to do without knowledge will bring little positive results. We need to find balance.

So who can answer this question of balance? Well certainly not me for you, instead we all have this responsibility to find balance between compassion and wisdom, doing and knowing, and the time spent in these activities, for our lives are short, our time precious, and the needs to be met great.

I encourage all who are “on their way” to use their minds, to not be like lemmings who jump to their death following what’s in front of their nose whether it be true or not because of their fear of not knowing, or possibly “doing it wrong.” My friends once you have found your way to the silence found in communing with space trust in what arises before you, be fearless in your actions, and do good.

This way of living will never betray you, for all gurus, lamas and roshis know they have received from the source of all knowledge and would point you there. Run from any who would point to themselves. Go there today and harvest your bounty. Eat it and give it away in a loving hug to all sentient beings...

Warm smiles...gi

http://www.subtlethings.com/