Awake

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Trout Fry“Let me respectfully remind you, Life and death are of supreme importance, Time passes swiftly by and opportunity is lost. Let us Awaken! Awaken!  Take heed: Do not squander your life.” Evening Gatha, Upaya Zen Center Jukai Book

We had the Sunday Introduction to Meditation Class at Yoga Bliss yesterday. We continued working with the teachings in B. Alan Wallace’s Minding Closely: The Four Applications of Mindfulness.  We practiced sitting and walking meditation periods attending to the physical and mental “fields” as described by Alan.  We discussed the challenge of observing mind activity – thoughts, memories, imaginings – without getting entangled with them.  Alan even suggests making entanglement the object of attention.
Alan writes that the traditional purpose of practice is to become free:
Freedom is not a reward at the end of a long tunnel to nirvana or enlightenment we can develop it now. . . . freedom is . . . a dynamic process to be cultivated. Experientially, it’s obvious when the mind is in the grip of a powerful emotion . . .  A mind overwhelmed by anger or craving sees reality through a very narrow slit. With a limited perspective, poor decisions are made. At such times we’re not free.
This practice is to maintain mental spaciousness . . . while gradually cultivating a sense of freedom. By recognizing mental afflictions as they arise, we can cultivate antidotes such as loving kindness and compassion. When we are able to act most beneficially for ourselves and others, then we are truly free.
I appreciate these words of encouragement.  Like so many people, my family is going through some challenging and painful experiences.  We find ourselves getting easily trapped in worry and useless thoughts over circumstances beyond our control.  It’s almost as if our minds are under a spell.  My partner and I were blessed with charming moments of freedom this weekend.  We sat by the river and spied the little fish in the picture above – a trout fry – glimmering in the water.  We were swept up by the river of nature surrounding us – enchanted and present.
Like the river, time passes swiftly by.  I don’t want to waste this opportunity.  Coming together in practice with you helps me stay awake.  Many thanks and wishing you nature’s blessings.
Sunday Introduction to Meditation Class 46 Homework