After almost exactly a year to the day i left my month long retreat in the temple in Thailand, i have started meditating again. Sitting, legs crossed, it feels like slipping into a worn and familiar pair of shoes. I pray and acknowledge my motivation to empty my Self of the momentary noise that fills my mind, to be empty that i may receive. Receive? Be filled by the gift that we all share, namely the Holy Ghost.
Buddha, "the Awakened One", chose to actively attain enlightenment, the long climb out of suffering to behold that which is beyond, freedom of suffering. There are no short-cuts. One must walk this path alone being fully aware of ones motivation. God might do it for us if we beg enough, pray enough, give enough, but me thinks we are all expected to walk the path to happiness in this mortal life, changing our lives and those around us. He guides. He comforts. He speaks when we beg, pray or give and even speaks when we least expect it. He lets us know that the path we choose is true. In fact, if we are open to Him, He's everywhere and in everything.
If we are open. Is my cup already full of daily stress, noise, responsibilities, vanities or Self concern? Or do i purposefully create space in my heart and mind for Him? Going to mass helps. The other sacraments can help. Being aware of God's Laws can help. Faith and grace and hope can help. Meditation is a tool that helps me.
Buddha's goal was simple, namely to let men free themselves of their suffering. He said a lot more, too, but the essence remains the same. Parable upon parable. And while civilisations built religions around his words, the simple method is True. He never explained nirvana precisely, but rather invited each man to go and see for himself; do not waste time on discussing that which cannot be described in human words, but seek that which must be individually experienced; by seeking, by traveling that route of inner preparation, enlightenment shall be at hand. Before the Christ, mankind knew of God. And some realised that our time here is short and precious. And some were not blinded or thrown into despair by all the suffering they witnessed. They saw love and sought it out ... sought Him out.
And still do.
Enlightenment is surely looking upon the face of Love, and having seen Him and understanding Him, returning to daily life with all it's pains and joys, laziness and passions, grieving and noise, to serve and love?
Oremus:
I pray for daily direction in my actions and thoughts that these may be less selfish. I pray that my heart and mind can be open to all those around me, that i might not pass any opportunities to share. I pray for the strength and courage to be aware of my motivations, that i might better walk in the light of the footsteps of our Teacher, the Son of Man, the face of God. Amen.
Deo gratias.
Buddha, "the Awakened One", chose to actively attain enlightenment, the long climb out of suffering to behold that which is beyond, freedom of suffering. There are no short-cuts. One must walk this path alone being fully aware of ones motivation. God might do it for us if we beg enough, pray enough, give enough, but me thinks we are all expected to walk the path to happiness in this mortal life, changing our lives and those around us. He guides. He comforts. He speaks when we beg, pray or give and even speaks when we least expect it. He lets us know that the path we choose is true. In fact, if we are open to Him, He's everywhere and in everything.
If we are open. Is my cup already full of daily stress, noise, responsibilities, vanities or Self concern? Or do i purposefully create space in my heart and mind for Him? Going to mass helps. The other sacraments can help. Being aware of God's Laws can help. Faith and grace and hope can help. Meditation is a tool that helps me.
Buddha's goal was simple, namely to let men free themselves of their suffering. He said a lot more, too, but the essence remains the same. Parable upon parable. And while civilisations built religions around his words, the simple method is True. He never explained nirvana precisely, but rather invited each man to go and see for himself; do not waste time on discussing that which cannot be described in human words, but seek that which must be individually experienced; by seeking, by traveling that route of inner preparation, enlightenment shall be at hand. Before the Christ, mankind knew of God. And some realised that our time here is short and precious. And some were not blinded or thrown into despair by all the suffering they witnessed. They saw love and sought it out ... sought Him out.
And still do.
Enlightenment is surely looking upon the face of Love, and having seen Him and understanding Him, returning to daily life with all it's pains and joys, laziness and passions, grieving and noise, to serve and love?
Oremus:
I pray for daily direction in my actions and thoughts that these may be less selfish. I pray that my heart and mind can be open to all those around me, that i might not pass any opportunities to share. I pray for the strength and courage to be aware of my motivations, that i might better walk in the light of the footsteps of our Teacher, the Son of Man, the face of God. Amen.
Deo gratias.
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