The present moment
contains past and future.
The secret of transformation,
is in the way we handle this very moment.
Thich Nhat Hahn, Understanding Our Mind
Author: Karl Duffy
This is a Mindfulness Practice Blog written in Laois, Ireland, containing reflections on meditation practice, psychological growth, spirituality and wellness which hopefully may encourage and benefit others as they reflect on their lives and seek to develop a more balanced, mindful and conscious approach to it.
Getting closer to real meaning
May my silences become more accurate
Theodore Roethke, American poet, 1908 – 1963, Words for Young Writers
photo richard outram
Gatekeepers
The words of the tongue should have three gatekeepers:
Is it true?
Is it kind?
Is it necessary?”
Sufi Proverb
A sea of light
The more a man enters the light of understanding, the more aware he is of his own ignorance. And when the light reveals itself fully and unites with him and draws him into itself, so that he finds himself alone in a sea of light, then he is emptied of all knowledge and immersed in absolute unknowing
Simeon the New Theologian, 949–1022
Simply being aware
When you meditate, do not try to have good thoughts, do not try to keep away bad thoughts,
do not try to stop thoughts, and do not try to go after them.
Rather, rest in a state of being aware of the thoughts as they arise.
Kalu Rinpoche
We never fully arrive
Jizo asked Hogen, “Where are you going?”
“I just wander aimlessly” replied Hogen.
“What is the nature of your wandering,” asked Jizo.
“I don’t know,” replied Hogen.
“Not knowing is the most intimate,” replied Jizo.
And at this Hogen experienced great enlightenment.
Zen Story
One Zen story states, “Not knowing is most intimate.” I understand this to mean that what is most essential is not understood through the filter of our judgments, past knowledge, or memories. When not-knowing helps these to drop away, the result can be a greater immediacy – what some might call being intimate. This practice of beginner’s mind is to cultivate an ability to meet life without preconceived ideas, interpretations, or judgments.
Gil Fronsdal
