When you slow down...
Buddhadragon
Ehipassiko & Carpe DiemSamsara Veteran
This is a tiny selection from the book "From The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down: How to Be Calm and Mindful in a Fast-Paced World," by Korean Buddhist monk Haemin Sunim.
I find it captures basic Buddhist notions in a lyrical, poetical way???
1
If I had to summarize the entirety
of most people’s
lives in a few words,
it would be endless resistance to what is.
As we resist, we are in constant motion
trying to adjust,
and yet we still remain unhappy about what is.
If I had to summarize the entirety of an enlightened
person’s life in a few words,
it would be complete acceptance of what is.
As we accept what is, our minds are relaxed
and composed
while the world changes rapidly around us.
2
When you lower yourself, the world elevates you.
When you elevate yourself, the world lowers you.
When you arrive at the peak of enlightenment,
you will understand:
Your peak is the same height as your neighbor’s.
At the peak, you see everyone’s holiness.
3
For spiritual practitioners,
relationships are the final test.
Even if you have awakened to your enlightened nature,
there is still further to go in your spiritual journey
if you’re not living harmoniously with others.
Comments
Many thanks
Exactly right.
Stillness allows increased perception
Holiness in others
Peeks beyond peaks
I'll have what he's having ...
Acceptance of what is is a good first step beyond the doorway of stillness. For me, I find that I need to go further than that, to actively and deliberately embrace what is with joy. It is possible, maybe even likely, to accept - or to believe that you have accepted - while still harboring a lot of negativity.
The bad crap, I think, must be greeted with the same energy and enthusiasm as the good.
I don't know if it is the effect of age mellowing me, or years of practice kicking in, @Fosdick, but I feel the same way: I cast aside all negative judgement when affliction sends me a curve and simply embrace the situation at hand, wether it's positive or negative? ? ?
He's just having a moment @lobster ....one of many
It may be illegal in your country.
One can only hope.....
The world charges past, dukkha comes and goes, yet we remain poised in the eye of the storm, in an attitute of acceptance of reality as it is.
"Is it the world that's busy, or my mind?"
I bought this book on the strength of the highlight that @DhammaDragon posted above. I've been reading it over the past couple of days and it is excellent.
I have it ordered too @DhammaDragon
Thank you so much for sharing!!
❤❤??
I am happy to hear that, @Traveller and @Hozan
This book is a constant source of inspiration and practical Buddhadhamma.
Slowing down teaches you how fast or slow you need to go. I cannot speak for the rest of the world as it too is also in the process of learning how fast or slow to go.
>
Jesus had very similar words as this, how cool it is to see this lesson echoing throughout different faiths!
The whole excerpt though really fills me with hope.
I'm going to print this tape it next to my desk.
Thanks for sharing @DhammaDragon
Slow, decrease, relax and let go.
I was sent today, an angry but hopefully pertinent 'rant' about Grenfell Towers ...
Anger articulated and in a sense dispassionate is I hope relevant ...
Comfort zones, nice, kind, reasonable people. Easy.
Sometimes the wrathful, the voiceless have something worth hearing. This is why we have to go deeper into our wisdom practices.
Front line dharma. Change the world. Witness the storm ...