Love, Truth & Light
In the practice of Tai Chi Chih, after each movement, there is a posture known as “resting position.” One of my teachers commented that “it's all resting position, the movement is just a different version.”
In our practice a similar jewel: “it's not that there is meditation and then not meditation, the noise and the busyness are just different forms of the silence.” In the bible, Jesus tells us to pray without ceasing, also a pointer to understanding that this is all our practice.
From a time in stillness, silence and darkness comes clarity. A deeper understanding that there is not a lack of time to meditate because we are always in meditation. There is not a lack of silence there are simply different forms of silence. There is not a lack of order, just a different version than what we have in our head. When we drop the stories and embrace reality there is an amazing opening. We know this because when you argue with reality you experience anxiety and frustration. Any thought that causes stress is an argument with reality, all such thoughts are simply wanting things to be different than the way they are - the definition of suffering. You see it always hurts when you argue with what is. Byron Katie says: “Reality the way that it is, exactly as it is, in every moment, is always kind, it's our story about reality that blurs our vision, obscures what is true and leads us to believe that things are wrong with the world. When we believe that any suffering is legitimate we become the champion of suffering and the perpetuator of it in ourselves. A clear mind does not suffer... it's not possible.
In this season of love and light it is a powerful practice to fall in love with reality, to love what is, whatever it looks like and however it comes to us... our arms are open. Even in a time when there is great sickness, economic hardship, social unrest and loss, we can still celebrate love because we are celebrating the love of truth, waking up to the dream of thought and realizing that it is we who create our own suffering and it is we who can free ourselves and this is very good news...news we can sing merrily on high!
I wish you all blessed holidays!
May all beings be well.
Victor
Gathas for Christmas
Advent - In this season of holy longing, with the help of all beings, may I rest in the equanimity of practice.
Solstice - As the days begin to lengthen and darkness recedes, may I honor the rhythm of rest and gestation the earth teaches me.
Giving a gift - In this season of high expectations, may I lovingly offer what is truly needed.
Visiting/Welcoming - In this season of hospitality, may I seek that of the divine in all encounters.
Lighting a candle - I honor the wisdom of my ancestors and teachers. With the help of all beings, I vow to open my heart to illumination now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.