Attachment, clinging, craving, holding on; all these are as natural to me as breathing. As I have conditioned myself over the years and one could argue over the ages in past existences, clinging to the impermanant world is quite a habit.
This comes to mind as I am enjoying my vacation in Sri Lanka and the traps that come with such an experience. Right now I am writing this post from a five star luxury hotel. The atmosphere and service is beyond description. The experience here has been so pleasant that it is beyond tempting to be carried away with it.
In order to truly enjoy something like this I must put it into perspective. First it's not free. I have to pay for this with money I have worked hard to earn; from a job I'm not too crazy about. Second, this is just a temporary thing that is subject to all the things life is subject to. Third, it all comes to an end.
With this in mind I believe that I can cut through the illusions and see this for what it really is and thus be able to enjoy it fully.
Sensual pleasure always comes with dissatisfaction. One teacher described it as "buy one get one free". That will certainly be the case when we leave here. There will be a small part of me that will still want things to remain how they are here.
So, I must let go so that I can be free to enjoy. All good AND bad things come to an end. That being said it's time to enjoy the life I have.
About Me
- Rafael
- I am just trying to make my way in the world without causing any harm while I am here. It is a noble task that I hope to get better at with each passing day. I currently write several blogs. NoThinker is my social activist blog. Running for CRSF is a blog I started when I wanted to track my training for my first half marathon race which I ran in Sept‘08. I also used this experience to raise money for an orphanage in Sri Lanka. My Meditation Journal is where I chronicle my thoughts and experiences with meditation. I hope that something here touches you and enriches your life. I learn best when I learn from others so all comments are welcome.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
In the land of the Buddhas
My first visit to Sri Lanka was two years ago. At that time I was still pretty new to Buddhism so visiting Sri Lanka was quite a spiritual awakening for me.
At that time I wasn't practicing much meditation but since then I have developed a consistent routine. I am looking forward to spending some time at the various holy places and hopefully getting a few moments of practice in while there. These are not opportunities that prevent themselves every day.
This morning I had a good session. I had to sit on the bed because the floor is concrete and I have no mat. My soft western bones are in no way able to handle sitting cross legged on a concrete floor.
I am continuing on the meditation subject of impermanence and non self. "I am neither the same thing nor something different"
Be well and keep sitting so you can keep living.
At that time I wasn't practicing much meditation but since then I have developed a consistent routine. I am looking forward to spending some time at the various holy places and hopefully getting a few moments of practice in while there. These are not opportunities that prevent themselves every day.
This morning I had a good session. I had to sit on the bed because the floor is concrete and I have no mat. My soft western bones are in no way able to handle sitting cross legged on a concrete floor.
I am continuing on the meditation subject of impermanence and non self. "I am neither the same thing nor something different"
Be well and keep sitting so you can keep living.
Monday, December 1, 2008
A new Meditation Subject
Usually my meditation subject has been the sensation of in and out breathing. I have read that one can chose a phrase as we'll for a meditation subject. I have attempted this in the past as an alternative to the breath with little success.
Recently I read something about rebirth that was profound and it has stuck with me. I thought I would give it a try during meditation. So, this morning I thought about this phrase; I am neither the same thing nor something different. The original context was as I mentioned, regarding rebirth. However, close examination shows that this statement has profound relevance to the present moment and the ever changing yet consistent psycho physical organism I call a self.
I will take up this subject from here on out and see where it leads.
Recently I read something about rebirth that was profound and it has stuck with me. I thought I would give it a try during meditation. So, this morning I thought about this phrase; I am neither the same thing nor something different. The original context was as I mentioned, regarding rebirth. However, close examination shows that this statement has profound relevance to the present moment and the ever changing yet consistent psycho physical organism I call a self.
I will take up this subject from here on out and see where it leads.
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