Spiritual Leanings ... From all faiths.

[citybutch]

Stillness

I am renewed in the stillness between thoughts.

When I enter into meditation, I may find my thoughts tumbling and stumbling over one another in an attempt to be recognized. The most refreshing moments in meditation are those moments of silence--the serene space of stillness in between thoughts.

To create that space, I acknowledge and recognize each thought, but I do not dwell on my thoughts. I gently release them or set them aside. I honor the healing space between thoughts, the stillness which renews and energizes me. Gradually, that space widens and I go deeper into the silence where I am in communion with the essence of my being, the Spirit within.

For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him. --Psalm 62:5

http://www.dailyword.com/

[gracefaith]

Andrew and City butch,

Andrew please don't think I was rushing you to respond... Sorry if it may seem I was... I didn't know I was...

I appreciate you asking your friend about our conversation about Judaism.

Very interesting what your friend said about the levels of Judaism, Hasidict, Hasidict, conservative, reformed...

I wonder how they figure which one they feel more comforting to belong to...

Oh, about Buddhism, I like what you say how It is tranquil and peaceful - I can relate as I'm feeling tranquil, peaceful with in my pain of loss...

I feel this way, as I've been allowing God teach me through my feeling of a loss... I feel God's inner peace and God's light in my spirit in my chest area as I'm grieving my loss...

Perhaps this tranquil and peaceful that you describe in Buddhism that I feel, however its in the midst of my other feelings that I feel in my loss, I'm realizing now its healing in my loss... Does this make sense?


City butch; thank you so much sharing about speech; so true what you say about Communication is something that happens between people.

I think I need to learn more about this communication is between people as this is my second day that my dad won't speak to me as well as a good friend online won't speak to me...

I'm really feeling a failure in this area of communication;

Speaking about the cab driver I can understand why you felt so relieve when the cab ride was over;

I really like what you say: Certainly we cannot banish ugly words from our lives, but we can choose to not soak in them...

Very good advice... I'll look into this: if I'm soaking in what I hear that's negative.


Thank you City butch and Andrew... I hope you a good evening...

I might be gone for a while as I'm taking care of personal matters... Letting you know this as I've been sharing here...

allowing God teach me in the midst of my circumstances,
Gracefaith

[Andrew, Jr.]

Gracefaith,

You are not rushing me at all. It just takes me a few min. to get my thoughts and ideas together.

I never heard of the Buddist circle. Please tell me more about it.

Thanks!

[citybutch]

Free

Today and every day, I am unbound and unlimited.

I am free, and I choose the responsibility that comes with spiritual freedom. Free to say what I want, I speak words that uplift and support my growth and the well-being of others. Free to think as I please, I hold thoughts of love for myself and everyone.

If a situation arises where my freedom seems limited, I look more deeply. Nothing and no one can hold me in bondage. I am only limited by limited thinking. A consciousness of freedom delivers me from all self-imposed restrictions.

Today and every day I am unbound and unlimited, because no condition or situation can limit the freedom of my soul. Responsive to life and responsible for my choices, I am the spirit of freedom in expression.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.--2 Corinthians 3:17

http://www.dailyword.com/

[citybutch]

4. Right Action

Right Action is the fourth aspect of the Buddhist Eightfold Path. But what is "right action," exactly?

For me, the words "right action" evoke social and environmental activism, and such work can be examples of right action. But "Right Action" in the Buddhist sense also means acting in harmony with the other aspects of the path. These aspects are:

1. Right View
2. Right Intention
3. Right Speech
4. Right Action
5. Right Livelihood
6. Right Effort
7. Right Mindfulness
8. Right Concentration

This means that when we act "rightly," we act without selfish attachment to our work. We act mindfully, without causing discord with our speech. Our "right" actions spring from compassion and from understanding of the dharma. Each aspects of the path supports all the other aspects.
Right Action and the Precepts

Right Action, Right Speech and Right Livelihood make up the ethical conduct part of the path. Most basically, Right Action refers to keeping the precepts. The many schools of Buddhism have various lists of precepts, but the precepts common to most schools are these:

1. Not killing
2. Not stealing
3. Not misusing sex
4. Not lying
5. Not abusing intoxicants

The precepts are not a list of commandments. Instead, they describe how an enlightened being naturally lives and responds to life's challenges. As we work with the precepts, we learn to live harmoniously and compassionately.

Read More: The Buddhist Precepts: An Introduction
Read More: The Three Pure Precepts
Right Action and Mindfulness Training

The Vietnamese Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh said, "The basis of Right Action is to do everything in mindfulness." He teaches Five Mindfulness Trainings that correlate to the five precepts listed above.

The first training involves respecting life. In awareness of the suffering caused by destruction of life, we work to protect all living things and this planet that sustains life.

The second training involves generosity. We give freely of our time and resources where they are needed, without hoarding things we don't need. We do not exploit other people or resources for our own gain. We act to promote social justice and well-being for everyone.

The third training involves sexuality and avoiding sexual misconduct. In awareness of the pain caused by sexual misconduct, we honor commitments and also act when we can to protect others from sexual exploitation.

The fourth training involves loving speech and deep listening. This means avoiding language that causes enmity and discord. Through deep listening to others, we tear down the barriers that separate us.

The fifth training involves what we consume. This includes nourishing ourselves and others with healthful food and avoiding intoxicants. It also involves what books we read or what television programs we watch. Entertainments that are addictive or cause agitation might best be avoided.
Right Action and Compassion

The importance of compassion in Buddhism cannot be overstated. The Sanskrit word that is translated as "compassion" is karuna, which means "active sympathy" or the willingness to bear the pain of others. Closely related to karuna is metta, "loving kindness."

It's important to remember also that genuine compassion is rooted in prajna, or "wisdom." Very basically, prajna is the realization that the separate self is an illusion. This takes us back to not attaching our egos to what we do, expecting to be thanked or rewarded.

In The Essence of the Heart Sutra, His Holiness the Dalai Lama wrote,

"According to Buddhism, compassion is an aspiration, a state of mind, wanting others to be free from suffering. It's not passive -- it's not empathy alone -- but rather an empathetic altruism that actively strives to free others from suffering. Genuine compassion must have both wisdom and lovingkindness. That is to say, one must understand the nature of the suffering from which we wish to free others (this is wisdom), and one must experience deep intimacy and empathy with other sentient beings (this is lovingkindness)."

http://buddhism.about.com/od/theeigh...ght-action.htm

[citybutch]

5. Right Livelihood

Most of us sustain ourselves by working at a job and earning a paycheck. Your job may be something you love doing, or not. You may see yourself as serving humanity, or not. People may admire you for your profession. Or, you may see your profession as being more ethical than Mafia Hit Man, but not much. Does this matter to Buddhist practice?

In his first sermon after his enlightenment, the Buddha explained that the way to peace, wisdom, and nirvana is the Noble Eightfold Path.

1. Right View
2. Right Intention
3. Right Speech
4. Right Action
5. Right Livelihood
6. Right Effort
7. Right Mindfulness
8. Right Concentration

The fifth "fold" of the path is Right Livelihood. What does this mean, exactly, and how do you know if your livelihood is a "right" one?
What Is Right Livelihood?

Along with Right Speech and Right Action, Right Livelihood is part of the "moral conduct" section of the Path. These three folds of the Path are connected to the Five Precepts. These are:

1. Not killing
2. Not stealing
3. Not misusing sex
4. Not lying
5. Not abusing intoxicants

Right Livelihood is, first, a way to earn a living without compromising the Precepts. It is a way of making a living that does no harm to others. In the Vanijja Sutta (this is from the Sutra-pitaka of the Tripitaka), the Buddha said, "A lay follower should not engage in five types of business. Which five? Business in weapons, business in human beings, business in meat, business in intoxicants, and business in poison."

Vietnamese Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh wrote,
"To practice Right Livelihood (samyag ajiva), you have to find a way to earn your living without transgressing your ideals of love and compassion. The way you support yourself can be an expression of your deepest self, or it can be a source of suffering for you and others. " ... Our vocation can nourish our understanding and compassion, or erode them. We should be awake to the consequences, far and near, of the way we earn our living." (The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching [Parallax Press, 1998], p. 104)
Consequences, Far and Near

Our global economy complicates the precaution to do no harm to others. For example, you may work in a department store that sells merchandise made with exploited labor. Or, perhaps there is merchandise that was made in a way that harms the environment. Even if your particular job doesn't require harmful or unethical action, perhaps you are doing business with someone who does. Some things you cannot know, of course, but are you still responsible somehow?

In The Seventh World of Chan Buddhism, Ming Zhen Shakya suggests finding a "pure" livelihood is impossible. "Obviously a Buddhist cannot be a bartender or a cocktail waitress, ... or even work for a distillery or a brewery. But may he be the man who builds the cocktail lounge or cleans it? May he be the farmer who sells his grain to the brewer?"

Ming Zhen Shakya argues that any work that is honest and legal can be "Right Livelihood." I'm not sure I agree with that. However, if we remember that all beings are interconnected, we realize that trying to separate ourselves from anything "impure" is impossible, and not really the point.

And if you keep working in the department store, maybe someday you'll be a manager who can make ethical decisions about what merchandise is sold there.

Honesty the Best Policy

A person in any sort of job might be asked to be dishonest. Years ago I worked for a company that produced educational books for children. Sounds like Right Livelihood, right? Unfortunately, the owner of the company expected me to boost profits by cheating the vendors -- typesetters, freelance artists -- and sometimes even the clients. I left.

Obviously, if you're being asked to cheat, or to fudge the truth about a product in order to sell it, there's a problem. There is also honesty involved in being a conscientious employee who is diligent about his work and doesn't steal pencils out of the supply cabinet, even if everyone else does.
Right Attitude

Most jobs present endless practice opportunities. We can be mindful of the tasks we do. We can be helpful and supportive of co-workers, practicing compassion and Right Speech in our communication.

Sometimes jobs can be a real crucible of practice. Egos clash, buttons are pushed. You may find yourself working for someone who is just plain nasty. When do you stay and try to make the best of a bad situation? When do you go? Sometimes it is hard to know. Yes, dealing with a difficult situation can make you stronger, but at the same time an emotionally toxic workplace can poison your life. If your job is draining you more than nourishing you, consider a change.

A Role in Society

We humans have created an elaborate civilization in which we depend on each other to perform many labors. Whatever work we do provides goods or services to others, and for this we are paid to support ourselves and our families. Perhaps you work at a vocation dear to your heart. But you may see your job only as something you do that provides you with a paycheck. You're not exactly "following your bliss," in other words.

If your inner voice is screaming at you to follow another career path, by all means listen to that. Otherwise, appreciate the value in the job you have now.

Vipassana teacher S.N. Goenka said, "If the intention is to play a useful role in society in order to support oneself and to help others, then the work one does is right livelihood." (The Buddha and His Teachings, edited by Samuel Bercholz and Sherab Chodzin Kohn [Shambhala, 1993], p. 101) And we don't all have to be heart surgeons, you know.

http://buddhism.about.com/od/theeigh...livelihood.htm

[citybutch]

Guidance

In the quiet, I am aware of divine possibilities.

Whether I call it intuition or insight, inner knowing emanates from the spirit of God within me. I know the right action to take and when to take no action at all as I remain open to Spirit for guidance and illumination.

Clearing my mind of any uncertainty about what I can do, I open myself to what God's Presence can do through me. In quiet times of prayer, I receive divinely inspired direction. Free of any doubt or fear, I let divine possibilities flow into my conscious awareness.

Through prayer and meditation, I become attentive to the still small voice of intuition, the "inner teaching" of Spirit. I know when to speak and act and when to be still.

After he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray.--Matthew 14:23

http://www.dailyword.com/

[Sachita]

Originally Posted by citybutch

Stillness

I am renewed in the stillness between thoughts.

When I enter into meditation, I may find my thoughts tumbling and stumbling over one another in an attempt to be recognized. The most refreshing moments in meditation are those moments of silence--the serene space of stillness in between thoughts.

To create that space, I acknowledge and recognize each thought, but I do not dwell on my thoughts. I gently release them or set them aside. I honor the healing space between thoughts, the stillness which renews and energizes me. Gradually, that space widens and I go deeper into the silence where I am in communion with the essence of my being, the Spirit within.

For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him. --Psalm 62:5

http://www.dailyword.com/

I find stillness and truly being in the moment the most connected I can feel. I've walked so many paths and tried so many things that have names and labels. Being one with all, still, in the moment does it for me.

I also have a spiritual experience every time I sit on my porch with a glass a wine, looking over my farm and listening to the waterfall in my fountain.

[citybutch]

Indeed

Originally Posted by Sachita

I find stillness and truly being in the moment the most connected I can feel. I've walked so many paths and tried so many things that have names and labels. Being one with all, still, in the moment does it for me.

I also have a spiritual experience every time I sit on my porch with a glass a wine, looking over my farm and listening to the waterfall in my fountain.

[Andrew, Jr.]

Today I was thinking of the hymn we sing in Mass "The Charity of Christ".

[citybutch]

Empowered

I am energized and empowered as I rest in an awareness of God.

At times I may not feel empowered to do anything at all. Rather, I may feel emotionally drained or unsure of myself. To remind myself of God's power within me, I stop and pray.

Releasing the burden of worry or self-criticism, I allow myself to feel the presence of God. As I pray, I realize that I am a spiritual being. I have powerful and unique gifts to give to the world. I have divine strength and energy to do what is mine to do.

Prayer empowers me. Moments of silence--spontaneous or planned--allow me to reaffirm my oneness with God. I emerge energized and enlivened, ready to face my responsibilities with renewed joy and confidence.

For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you.--1 Thessalonians 1:4

http://www.dailyword.com/

[Luv]

Someone asked me once why I love my Faith..and I answered it this way..
My Faith makes life a little easier,when I have sorrow it gives me comfort and hope, when I think there is nothing left of me and I am devastated, my Faith hold me and will show me the littlest thing to show me that my God cares for me,,like a butterfly landing on my hand and just looking right at me. Its makes it easier to live..gives me hope so its not so scarey to die. Everyone believes on something,,even some believe there is nothing..for me..I would rather believe and be wrong,than not to believe and be wrong. There is always hope..and my hope lies in my faith.

these are the words to my favorite Hymn..its called Because He Lives

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal, and forgive.
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.


Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.


How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives.
But greater still the calm assurance,
This child can face uncertain days because He lives.


Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.


And then one day I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain.
And then as death gives way to victory,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives.


Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone!
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives!

Words: Bill & Gloria Gaither

[Andrew, Jr.]

I wanted to post about the blessings of laughter. Karl Barth once stated "Laughter is the closest thing to the grace of God." How true it is! Joy, hope, humor, and laughter - they are all God's tender blessings.

Peace be with you all.