Be vigilant at all times (Lk 21:36).
Sound advice. Buddha gave the same advice on ethical conduct in the Eightfold Path, right speech, right action or conduct and right livelihood. These prescribed behaviours are meant to reinforce our intent and fortify our motivation. It's common sense, actually. Lying and swearing and inflating our ego with words can only weaken ones resolve to be mindful. Being a prostitute of whatever trade is daily distraction from our intent on inner peace. And causing violence, acting selfish or behaving in a way as to distract others from a righteous life hurts ones own progress. How many times a day do i catch myself speaking out of line or hindering others because of my own selfish actions?
Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap (Lk 21:34-35)
Christ gives us advice. It is up to us to act upon it. He knows how the mind wanders, temptations abound and our vigilance can slacken. We are easily distracted but all the lights and sounds and sensations of the world: we choose to follow easier paths, take the advice from those we think have an easier life, forget the anguish and pain we have survived only to repeat it again and again and again. Indeed, our hearts and minds do become drowsy from daily life.
Be vigilant at all times. If i am mindful of my words, thoughts and actions i can choose what to do and what not to do. My motives for acting can become clearer. The mind, however, does not stop. It reacts to everything, ever sensation, ever movement, ever emotion that floods the body, a constant play of cause and effect. Some call it 'the monkey mind'. When trying to focus in prayer or meditation, notice how often the mind wanders. Vigilance. I like that word, especially because it reminds me why i must be vigilant:
...pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man (Lk 21:36).
Oremus:
I pray that we have vigilance in our thoughts, words and actions so that we may better honour Christ and our neighbour with our love. I pray too, that if i catch myself having stumbled, that i correct the error, gently forgive and be wary not to repeat it. Ever vigilant to the faith we have in God's grace. Amen.
Deo gratias.
Sound advice. Buddha gave the same advice on ethical conduct in the Eightfold Path, right speech, right action or conduct and right livelihood. These prescribed behaviours are meant to reinforce our intent and fortify our motivation. It's common sense, actually. Lying and swearing and inflating our ego with words can only weaken ones resolve to be mindful. Being a prostitute of whatever trade is daily distraction from our intent on inner peace. And causing violence, acting selfish or behaving in a way as to distract others from a righteous life hurts ones own progress. How many times a day do i catch myself speaking out of line or hindering others because of my own selfish actions?
Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap (Lk 21:34-35)
Christ gives us advice. It is up to us to act upon it. He knows how the mind wanders, temptations abound and our vigilance can slacken. We are easily distracted but all the lights and sounds and sensations of the world: we choose to follow easier paths, take the advice from those we think have an easier life, forget the anguish and pain we have survived only to repeat it again and again and again. Indeed, our hearts and minds do become drowsy from daily life.
Be vigilant at all times. If i am mindful of my words, thoughts and actions i can choose what to do and what not to do. My motives for acting can become clearer. The mind, however, does not stop. It reacts to everything, ever sensation, ever movement, ever emotion that floods the body, a constant play of cause and effect. Some call it 'the monkey mind'. When trying to focus in prayer or meditation, notice how often the mind wanders. Vigilance. I like that word, especially because it reminds me why i must be vigilant:
...pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man (Lk 21:36).
Oremus:
I pray that we have vigilance in our thoughts, words and actions so that we may better honour Christ and our neighbour with our love. I pray too, that if i catch myself having stumbled, that i correct the error, gently forgive and be wary not to repeat it. Ever vigilant to the faith we have in God's grace. Amen.
Deo gratias.
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