The End of Searching:
The final contentment comes without things...
Unrelenting Kindness:
This is NOT a temporary state.
It is not based on holiday cheer.
It
is not only demonstrated when things are easy and smooth.
It’s not reciprocation when one has received kindness from someone else.
It is a consistent, unwavering, and unrelenting practice not based on external conditions…
It
is especially powerful when there is difficulty and suffering.
The Avatamsaka Sutra...
Studying the Avatamsaka Sutra (華嚴經) is about expanding the capacity of our minds. However, in practice, it is about opening our hearts.
But because of the heavy weight 0f our attachments, we lose focus and forget the selfless spirit of a Bodhisattva. Selfishness fills up our hearts, leaving no space for the world.
Our hearts are originally
vast enough to encompass all the Dharma Realms. We must train our minds and
hearts to stay open and practice kindness and generosity regardless of causes
and conditions. Then, all universes are created and contained within our hearts, and the karmas arise accordingly.
The Teaching of Impermanence:
Sometimes, it takes great loss to realize how fragile and how precious this life and the people in it are. Even in our most mindful and conscious daily living, we can forget how tentative and temporary all things are.
This can be painful...and... empowering at the same time. We don't want to avoid the feelings or the tenderness of the heart after loss. These are important experiences for the human heart. As painful as it might feel this is the true nature of life. However, this provides us with a potent teaching:
Live and Love fiercely, NOW...
while you can.
Root Confusion:
Beings are confused about the difference between spiritual bypass and skillful engagement. One is disconnecting and checking out, and one is being discerning about how you dial-in. There are times when there are some things you just can't do anything about and you have to be okay with that. Then we can dedicate and focus our energy on solutions and what's possible instead of wasting energy on what's not.
It is actually the practice of "right understanding and seeing clearly". Many small efforts can add up to a great transformation. Just because we refuse to buy into the external chaos doesn't mean that we're not interested in being part of the solution and making a difference.
However, discernment and discrimination are key practices here. Once we assess a situation correctly, then how do we apply that newfound clarity directly to the situation ?
It is not a bypass. It is living wisdom and skillful engagement.
Do not let
the world challenge your integrity or shake your belief in your core values.
Stay clear, stay focused, and stay flexible... And always be kind in the process.
This is the
Transformative Way.
The Way of Presence: ( in life and practice)
“At every
stage, there are some questions...
This is the
way of inquiry. It is the appropriate response to curiosity while seeking
knowledge on the path of self-development.
Then all the questions fall away...
This is the
way of presence. It is the release of seeking.
It is
powerful yet wordless. It is solid yet indescribable. It is palpable yet
formless.
Nonetheless....
Presence is potent, impacting, and formidable. It is the first energy that
arises and the last one to go. It is actually the greatest gift, as it
demonstrates full attention and a commitment to the moment.
When there
is no more attachment to external response one settles. Then there is a
relaxation and a surrender to the moment.
This is the
Way of Presence.
Fundamental Steadiness:
As all things change and fall away, there has to be a fundamental steadiness underneath it all.
This steadiness is powerful as it
is a reliable source of safety.
This is what beings recognize as your true nature and genuine character. It is visible and trustable.
It is a solid example of one’s intention, one’s heart, and the dedication required to make it real in the world.
Then, when steadiness combines
with consistency there is a strength that is obvious and powerful beyond words.
It is rooted in devotion,
compassion, and kindness yet requires strength and loving perseverance. It is
very powerful to observe, and it inspires others to believe in their own
potential and have faith in the fundamental goodness of things. This is very important.
Beings want and need to trust and believe in the goodness of humankind, again.... And so... Steadiness and Goodness need to live together in the same practice.
This is the "medicine " that is sorely needed right now...and always