As we gaze upon this wonderous immeasurable expanse, know we are a part of the expanse. We are stardust, we are the measueless universe which we view fim his tiny marble - our Earth.
At times I've had long stretches without work to occupy my days and find myself at the computer all day. What I've done is make sure I'm breaking the time. Every hour I'd make sure to get up and do something else for at least 5 minutes. Something simple like vacuuming or dusting, which often winds up being longer, just getting up and starting being the hardest thing. I'd also do other, more healthful activities like doing an hour of yoga or going on a long walk, even getting up and walking around while I read is helpful for my mood.
Also, digital interaction with people isn't psychologically the same as real time interaction.
Today I’m coming to the conclusion that most of my interactions on forums are very much about comfort and fellowship, and not so much about learning about the spiritual life, that it is more about knowing that I have an effect on the world.
Maybe I should try a week’s digital detox, just to see whether I miss it.
Back in the days when my knees still worked, I practiced Tai Chi. Now Tai Chi informs my every movement and every step I take is Tai Chi. The practice has been very beneficial, and in ways I had not anticipated.
All my devices measure my “screen time” and tell me every Monday morning what the daily average was over the past week. I found it a little bit shocking this Monday.
It occurred to me yesterday that not only games are virtual environments, but so are smartphones, tablets and computers. A web browser is a virtual environment, a forum is a virtual environment. Looked at it that way I still spend a lot of my time on virtual environments. Especially if you also add reading, which I mostly do on my iPad.
So I was wondering how this speaks to spiritual practice. If I think of other things to do, I could try my hand at mindful gardening, or some form of volunteering, probably helping out some spiritual organisation. I could start going for regular walks in the woods. Or I could start outdoor swimming. I wonder if I would be happier, more joyful, more free…
The age old argument of intention/karma or determinism/fate.
In the realm of samsara or causality, intention is all important. What you experienced was the result of past causes. What you do now will determine your future. All a matter of cause and effect.
If you can keep your mind pure instead of allowing anger and hatred in, you break the cycle of abuse and violence.
Of the utmost importance is the company you keep. To avoid foolish people and to associate with the wise is one of life's great blessings.
Mind precedes all mental states. Mind is their chief; they are all mind-wrought. If with an impure mind a person speaks or acts suffering follows him like the wheel that follows the foot of the ox.
Mind precedes all mental states. Mind is their chief; they are all mind-wrought. If with a pure mind a person speaks or acts happiness follows him like his never-departing shadow
"He abused me, he struck me, he overpowered me, he robbed me." Those who harbor such thoughts do not still their hatred.
"He abused me, he struck me, he overpowered me, he robbed me." Those who do not harbor such thoughts still their hatred.
Hatred is never appeased by hatred in this world. By non-hatred alone is hatred appeased. This is a law eternal.
Dhammapada
"Not to associate with the foolish,[5] but to associate with the wise; and to honor those who are worthy of honor — this is the greatest blessing.
To reside in a suitable locality,[6] to have done meritorious actions in the past and to set oneself in the right course[7] — this is the greatest blessing.
To have much learning, to be skillful in handicraft,[8] well-trained in discipline,[9] and to be of good speech[10] — this is the greatest blessing.
@Jeroen said:
Building one’s own organisation, is that not a source of attachment? I would certainly feel that with any organisation I built. There are a lot of avenues through which it might generate a sense of achievement, pride, satisfaction at expounding one’s own vision, at generating a change in the world.
Ultimately attachment occurs in the mind, the "source" isn't out there. Certainly engaging with things like that will stir up attachments. But if the risk of negative emotions arising stopped all well intentioned people from building structures in the world would the rest of us wouldn't have anything good in this world.
Though it is good to be aware of the risk in order to mitigate it. For example, Tibetan teachers bow to the seat they're about to sit on as a reminder to keep their pride down.
Building one’s own organisation, is that not a source of attachment? I would certainly feel that with any organisation I built. There are a lot of avenues through which it might generate a sense of achievement, pride, satisfaction at expounding one’s own vision, at generating a change in the world.