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If you struggle with keeping focused and moving forward in a pleasingly orderly way you are not alone. This Mindmap, which came in a long letter received well over a month ago, caught my attention as I prepared to responding to it. But that I had been more orderly in my work habits I’d have answered the letter much sooner!
Efficiency isn’t everything of course and I for one find myself oppressed if I get too populated with ‘to do’ lists. The part of the map which speaks of creating rituals and habits is good. Yes and up there top right is Morning Quiet and part of that is….meditation. A very good way to start a day.
On days of sorrow I live in complete sorrow
On days of happiness I live in absolute happiness
I have walked step by step with simplicity and diligence
so now a hint of truth is in my view
Nobody lends a hand if you do not find it by yourself
This travel on a narrow path has been difficult but
I have a glimpse of an unbroken world.
With gratitude Jukich Yagi
Last evening at the Lancaster Meditation Group the donation was wrapped up in a sheet of paper. This morning taking the offering out of the Alms Bowl and unwrapping it I found this translation of a poem.
The unknown translator of this poem from the original Japanese wrote the following notes: The lecturer (on Philosophy of Education) told us that it was necessary to concentrate on the sadness/sorrow and it was important not to change it into grumbling or hatred or any other emotion. Without realizing it, when we are sad, we might end up complaining bitterly about something which actually should not be the issue. Nobody will be able to cure your soreness in your heart however at least you can give a cry. You can express yourself. The best thing is that you remain ‘clean’ and ‘pure’ in your own heart, which in itself might move someone. Keep your mind concentrated. Don’t (allow yourself to) be bothered by what your other emotions are saying. The most wonderful thing you can do for people is to really be one in yourself.
As much as anything I simply wish to keep up the collective offering of merit to Lee. The Dave he refers to in this post is our very own Dave who reads and comments here.
Today, this afternoon. Jill’s Funeral. And then the interment of a portion of her cremated remains. It is hard to let go of good friends, a good sangha friend. Attaching and detaching flow together through out our entire life. (Quote attributed to Zen Master Dogen). Knowing this to be true does not make living it any easier. It does show that we are human.
Here words at the end of the interment of the ashes spoken on a windy hillside in Northumberland.
We pray that the Pure Mirror of Wisdom will share its light with you and that the True Wind will cover you with the coloured halo so that you can be enlightened in the Garden of the Bodhisattvas and work in the Waveless Sea that is Immaculacy Itself. We pray that you may receive our offerings as we say farewell to you, Jill, within the clouds that hide the heavens from our sight. We bow before the Holy Bodhisattvas and we offer incense to them.
Looking up. Pointing to faith. Bowing to the Bodhisattvas. Grateful that the rain held off long enough for us to all get indoors and have a cup of hot tea. And chat. This is all letting go, moving on.
Always an honour to officiate on such occasions.
Practice Within The Order of Buddhist Contemplatives
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