Spiritwalk
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Spiritwalk Newsletter Number 1 January/February 1998
Spiritwalk Meditation: No Preferences
The Great Way is not difficult for those who have no preferences. When love and hate are both absent everything becomes clear and undisguised. Make the smallest distinction, however, and heaven and earth are set infinitely apart.
~ Seng-tsan, the Third Zen Patriarch
Spiritual Exercise Preferences are the function of the discriminating ego-mind, the source of suffering according to Buddha. No preferences ~ No suffering ~ Peace and contentment ~ As they say, "don't sweat the small stuff." But is this possible? Ultimately, probably not. According to Krishnamurti, "you need an ego to get on the bus." We are human after all. Difficulty is part and parcel of the human condition. Suffering is the methodology to our awakening; liberation from suffering opens us up to salvation. Transcendence is possible, at least temporarily. Unfortunately, it is a lot of work. Here are some questions to consider as you navigate though the rigors of your daily life. What is it that you would really prefer to have or not have in your life? How does the maintenance of these preferences affect you in your daily life? How do you handle personal difficulty? Could there be a different or better way of regarding and approaching these situations? Can you effect these changes in your life? Will you choose to do this? What happens within your spirit life when you make these adjustments? Can you experience deep Peace? As we become aware of the strain of ego relatedness, of referential and preferential thinking, let's work to identify, understand and let go of our preferences. You might even keep an accounting of this in a journal. Let's endeavor to accept the minor annoyances that cumulatively serve to disrupt our daily peace. This will free us to make choices uncontaminated by desire and fear. The secret is the attitude of wu-wei ~to act without concern for the ultimate end of our actions; to do only that which is indicated by our natural mind. Right attitude is the avenue by which we participate cooperatively with the Universe, with God. Sometimes, often, or more likely, usually, things do not go according to our desires or plans. This can be totally o.k. ~ or ~ this can be a major problem (or somewhere in between). How it ultimately ends up is entirely up to us. It largely depends upon our attitude and the perspective that we choose to adopt in reference to these experiences. Peace is available at will. ("I can choose peace instead of this".) Remember that "it’s all small stuff." Release your attachments NOW and "go with the flow." With any kind of luck, some kind of "bad news" is certain to come our way soon. When this happens, let's endeavor to handle this with the elegance of the sagacious one. Take a deep breath, center yourself...then evaluate the situation and create a measured response (if one is indicated.) Keep focused upon your higher purpose and attentive to your inner guide as you decide. Will this action bring me peace and enhance my well-being? Does it contribute to the peace and well-being of others? Does this action feel right? Act with equanimity; stay detached from the result. As they say in 12 step programs, "acceptance is the key to my serenity." Now, focus (Be Here, Now)… READY…On your mark (on center)… Get SET (with equanimity)…and GO (courageously) ahead. Live your life with compassion, awareness and mindfulness. Ah, Peace!
The Art of Peace All life is a manifestation of the spirit, the manifestation of love… All things, material and spiritual, originate from one source and are related as if they were one family.
The past, present and future are all contained in the life force. The universe emerged and developed from one source, and we evolved through the optimal process of unification and harmonization…
All the principles of heaven and earth are living inside of you. Life itself is the truth, and this will never change. Everything in heaven and earth breathes. Breath is the thread that ties creation together…
Now and again, it is necessary to seclude yourself among deep mountain and hidden valleys to restore your link to the source of life.
Breathe in and let yourself soar to the ends of the universe; Breathe out and bring the cosmos back inside. Next, breathe up all the fecundity and vibrancy of the earth. Finally, blend the breath of heaven with that of your own becoming the Breath of Life itself.
~ Morihei Ueshiba
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