As I look back at my blogging, I see that I have been using the rubric of Zen(ish) Buddhism to describe to myself many of my recent spiritual experiences, practices , and worldviews (illusions though they may be). This rubric reflects my recent reading material. It could also reflect my current choice of discussion mates, but it doesn't because in Zen we don't talk much.
After experiencing the presence of Fr. Laurence Freeman last night, I realize that to join Christian companions in mystical experiences will be a matter of learning a new language for the same set of experiences I have been having in Zen.
In Zen, to radically accept the impermanence of all things is to relieve oneself of the pain involved in clinging to anything, since change is inevitable. The sitting practice is just that- practice in non-clinging.
In the Benedictine Rule, "conversion" means having a constantly open heart to hear and respond to the Call, which changes with circumstances, personal and spiritual maturity, etc. It means to be converted endlessly from living in the ways of the world to living in the ways of God.
"Obedience" results in relinquishing clinging- for to obey is to override the wants of the ego self. So it will go, I see. What emerges is the truth in Fr. Laurence's statement, that this spiritual seeking is an archetypical experience. It is core to our humanity as evidenced by its eternal re-appearance in our various ideologies and practices. This is a message of great hope to me, as I had turned to worldly silence as the last resort for this part of me which will not be silenced within my spirit.
Showing posts with label impermanence. Show all posts
Showing posts with label impermanence. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Obedience, Stability, Conversion
HUGE day. 5:15 am- arise; 7:30 am- board plane; 12 noon- land and drive home; 1:30 grocery shop; 2:30 cook a week's meals; 4:30 hour and a half long-distance family crisis with drama (cont. from earlier this week); 6:30 attend talk at church by Fr. Laurence Freeman, very celebrated author in Christian meditation. Don't know how I did it.
Fr. Freeman's talk was on the Benedictine Rule (the rules of life in a Benedictine Monastery). Very, very inspiring. Will capture some key words, and then write more tomorrow. Brain full tonight.
1.This post title- the three pillars of The Benedictine Rule. The big AHA! was conversion in Christianity=impermanence in Buddhism, according to the Dalai Lama. Wow! This needs a whole blog entry. Several.
2. A must-see movie recommendation, INTO GREAT SILENCE. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgNj2Sf_mgo
3. The significance of being called to prayer by bells many times during the day: it is inconvenient having to drop everything, but it actualizes your priorities.
4. Small monastic living communities are part of the monastic set-up. Outside the monastery, Freeman says that 7-10 is ideal for a meditation group. More gets chaotic, less is too intense.
5. The meaning of archetype as applied to "the monk." Even as monasteries dwindle in number and size, the contemplative movement (like the diaspora I must add, ref. Jeremiah) continues on because the archetype exists independently of culture within the human spirit and cannot be extinguished. What a powerful thought.
Much to ponder. We left early- tired, but also completely satisfied with the talk, and not seeking any more in the discussion which was to follow. I have taken to doing that recently- savoring a limited amount of content and not getting stuffed and uncomfortable. It can happen with your brain just as with your stomach.
Fr. Freeman's talk was on the Benedictine Rule (the rules of life in a Benedictine Monastery). Very, very inspiring. Will capture some key words, and then write more tomorrow. Brain full tonight.
1.This post title- the three pillars of The Benedictine Rule. The big AHA! was conversion in Christianity=impermanence in Buddhism, according to the Dalai Lama. Wow! This needs a whole blog entry. Several.
2. A must-see movie recommendation, INTO GREAT SILENCE. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgNj2Sf_mgo
3. The significance of being called to prayer by bells many times during the day: it is inconvenient having to drop everything, but it actualizes your priorities.
4. Small monastic living communities are part of the monastic set-up. Outside the monastery, Freeman says that 7-10 is ideal for a meditation group. More gets chaotic, less is too intense.
5. The meaning of archetype as applied to "the monk." Even as monasteries dwindle in number and size, the contemplative movement (like the diaspora I must add, ref. Jeremiah) continues on because the archetype exists independently of culture within the human spirit and cannot be extinguished. What a powerful thought.
Much to ponder. We left early- tired, but also completely satisfied with the talk, and not seeking any more in the discussion which was to follow. I have taken to doing that recently- savoring a limited amount of content and not getting stuffed and uncomfortable. It can happen with your brain just as with your stomach.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Impermanence Actualized
Yesterday was one of the saddest days of my life. After whole days and days of agonizing preparation for travel, changes in tickets, etc., etc., etc. I was all ready to make the big trek to Japan. Got to the airport, and found that I did not have the correct passport. Could not go. Dejection of immeasurable depths abounded. Drove home, cried, sunk into bed.
Today I awake, the sun is shining for the first time since we got here to the island. Beaches await, and soon, the family will arrive. We will spend the day exploring beaches. Japan will wait for another day.
Today I awake, the sun is shining for the first time since we got here to the island. Beaches await, and soon, the family will arrive. We will spend the day exploring beaches. Japan will wait for another day.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Dark Visions
As I became more enveloped in fatigue last night, I lay in bed experiencing the feeling of sinking into a dark black and dangerous void. I felt like sharks were circling me; that very very real danger was surrounding my bed. What was that?
I thought that this must be how Barbara feels when she is overcome by weakness as her body reacts to its recent assault. Or even when she contemplates her attacker- the cancer. There was no getting rid of the feeling I was having, so I tried to just lean into, breathe into it, as I often do into pain. Peer into it. What is this? What is this?
Then I thought I had better not lean any farther. It seemed like Barbara had been holding on to us to keep from sinking in there, and I better keep one strong arm out of the death place, so we all did not fall in together. I pulled my head up and out of the water and swam for my life. For our lives.
Sleep came and I arose, rested. This morning I made a point to let Barbara know that even though the Pink Ribbon Party had been lots of play, I do truly see what a terrifying and exhausting place she is in right now. It wasn't a cheerful thought, but I felt that it was a necessary one.
As I write, I am not so afraid of either cancer or death , only suffering. I have had the time and inclination to ponder death and my body's demise, and am reconciled with the body's impermanence. But I have to say that I think it would be terrifying to be encountering a cancer battle without someone in my life who truly saw where I was. I hope it was a gift to Barbara. It was to me.
I thought that this must be how Barbara feels when she is overcome by weakness as her body reacts to its recent assault. Or even when she contemplates her attacker- the cancer. There was no getting rid of the feeling I was having, so I tried to just lean into, breathe into it, as I often do into pain. Peer into it. What is this? What is this?
Then I thought I had better not lean any farther. It seemed like Barbara had been holding on to us to keep from sinking in there, and I better keep one strong arm out of the death place, so we all did not fall in together. I pulled my head up and out of the water and swam for my life. For our lives.
Sleep came and I arose, rested. This morning I made a point to let Barbara know that even though the Pink Ribbon Party had been lots of play, I do truly see what a terrifying and exhausting place she is in right now. It wasn't a cheerful thought, but I felt that it was a necessary one.
As I write, I am not so afraid of either cancer or death , only suffering. I have had the time and inclination to ponder death and my body's demise, and am reconciled with the body's impermanence. But I have to say that I think it would be terrifying to be encountering a cancer battle without someone in my life who truly saw where I was. I hope it was a gift to Barbara. It was to me.
