Ten whole days of silence here on Jademountains which has not been matched by ten days of quietude! Defined as a state of peace and quiet. However now and then there are moments, deliberately extended to five or ten minutes, when I pause for reflection. Then a sense of quietude overtakes the imperative to keep moving on to the next thing, what ever that might be. So, busy times with much demand on my energy. Not a complaint or an excuse simply an explanation of why I’ve been silent on Jade.
And in my next breath I have to say that quietude is not lost in the cut and thrust of daily living, just lost sight of, and perhaps that is how it must be. Just as it is with the sun. When it ‘comes out’, as it has done recently, we appreciate it all the more for it having been obscured by clouds.
This week-end I’ve been part of the team of monks introducing a group of people to our practice during an Introductory Retreat. It is inspiring to have contact with people fresh and eager to learn about meditation and bringing that into daily living when they return to their homes and work.
It is so easy to lose sight of ones original intention and excitement at discovering a direction to ones life, as was the case for me, when I came on my first Intro. Retreat. Oh and sometimes a retreat has a slow fuse. Years might pass before one knows the impact of having a meditation practice has on life and its direction.
This post is for those who have been here in the Northumberland Moors for the week-end. May your going on in life be fulfilling and your time here inspirational.
Just a passing thought that periods of such calm are, to me, like semi-colons in the narrative of life; they provide slight pauses between the busy rounds of existence that help us take stock. Lovely, and timely, post. Cheers.
Love the thought Gerry. My Master Rev. M. Jiyu Kennett was a professional musician before becoming a monks. She once talked to us all about the importance of punctuation in terms of the rhythm of a written piece. Yes life is ‘punctuated’ and the shorter the paragraphs the better I’d say. Time for a day to hang out. When I instruct around ceremonial I use ‘punctuation’ to help people to understand some of the bells and gonging. Often there is a gong to start something – the capital letter – and some final bows at the end of a ceremony. The full stop (or period in American English). I’ll remember to mention the semi-colons next time I talk about ‘pausing’. So thanks for this Gerry. I do hope you are all settled in and the ‘ink is flowing from your pen’.
It was lovely and enlightening to meet you and the other monks this weekend. I thank you for the insight into your world. The stillness and calm remains within me and now how to keep polishing that precious Gem. Your teachings were invaluable and remain forever in my heart.
Ps cory also picked up his clothes and offered to do chores when he got home. Also this has been good timing to learn the sitting as he has his first GCSE exam today.
Much love
Oh thanks Victoria. I’m glad the week-end worked for you and Cory. Good luck with the exams C. And glad the retreat left a lasting impression in the practical every day living department too!
Victoria, and I have to say your retreat, all of you present, have a special place in my heart. It was a special week-end with special people. Thank you.
Such a joy to return to Throssel Hole.One of those places in life that remains in your heart.Such a joy to meet you.As impressive as the physical development of the Abbey is from it’s origins,it is the continuing thread of pure teaching that is it’s essence.They are of course mutually supportive.
The one lesson I have always found useful is always return to basics.Keep trying to make sure your foundations are secure and that you haven’t wandered off track.Take refuge in the correct refuge.Good luck to everyone who attended the weekend with your future training.
No snowflake ever falls in the wrong place.
Ian – thank you so much for leaving this comment. Where one encounters the Dharma has a special place in one’s heart. We both fell here around the same time I believe.