Poem by Rainer Maria Rilke. Translation by Joanna Macy and Anita Barrows, recited by Joanna Macy in her interview with Krista Tippet at On Being.
Showing posts with label mindfulness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mindfulness. Show all posts
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Happy Bodhi Day
December 8th is one day chosen for many Buddhists to celebrate the day that Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment, after spending 8 days in deep meditation, sitting under a Bodhi tree. (a kind of ficus tree) This was in 596 BCE, and it is said that with his enlightenment, came his conception of the Law of Karma, The 4 Noble Truths, and the The Noble Eightfold Path. From that time on, he referred to himself as a "Buddha", meaning in his language, "an awakened one". He then began his traveling and teaching, which occupied his life till his death.
Bodhi Day is observed by many Buddhists- especially of the Pure Land and Zen traditions, in China, Korea, Japan, and in the West. Activities included in the observation often include practicing mindfulness, reading the Dharma, meditation, and performing acts of kindness . There is a website here, which suggests some activities to do with children.
Like other traditions, Buddhism has adapted to regional, cultural, spiritual and religious traditions, wherever it may be practiced, and many sources I have read have pointed out that Bodhi Day seems to fit in nicely with the Holiday season. I think this makes sense. It is a season of light, and celebrating inner illumination adds depth and compliments what other traditions are observing and celebrating this time of year. From a practical perspective, in this season of shopping and rushing to and from so many activities, taking moments to be mindful and still can firmly root us back into our authentic selves, and help us realize the most important things.
Today, the kids and I will listen to a Dharma talk, and look for opportunities to do kind things for others. My favorite Buddhist teacher is Thich Nhat Hanh, and below is a talk he gave to children last summer.
True Presence - Children's Talk from Plum Village Online Monastery on Vimeo.
Happy Bodhi Day!
Bodhi Day is observed by many Buddhists- especially of the Pure Land and Zen traditions, in China, Korea, Japan, and in the West. Activities included in the observation often include practicing mindfulness, reading the Dharma, meditation, and performing acts of kindness . There is a website here, which suggests some activities to do with children.
Like other traditions, Buddhism has adapted to regional, cultural, spiritual and religious traditions, wherever it may be practiced, and many sources I have read have pointed out that Bodhi Day seems to fit in nicely with the Holiday season. I think this makes sense. It is a season of light, and celebrating inner illumination adds depth and compliments what other traditions are observing and celebrating this time of year. From a practical perspective, in this season of shopping and rushing to and from so many activities, taking moments to be mindful and still can firmly root us back into our authentic selves, and help us realize the most important things.
Today, the kids and I will listen to a Dharma talk, and look for opportunities to do kind things for others. My favorite Buddhist teacher is Thich Nhat Hanh, and below is a talk he gave to children last summer.
True Presence - Children's Talk from Plum Village Online Monastery on Vimeo.
Happy Bodhi Day!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
A pause before it begins...
It's Sunday night of Thanksgiving weekend. It's back to the schedule tomorrow, after about a week of holiday relaxation and illness recovery. (the first good cold of the year)
I take a deep, refreshing breath, before putting my head into the wind of the December holiday season. Regular schoolwork. Holiday decorating, baking, and visiting. A dance recital. An exhibition gymnastics meet, and the preparations beforehand, of which my whole family is involved in some way. Holiday concerts, the city's Christmas parade, and learning three-part harmony to the Lester Family's Christmas carols album. Making homemade 2012 calendars. Trying to finish the 2011 family video. Christmas cards? Maybe not this year, but ideas of a dvd card are floating around. The grand finale is holiday traveling to see family 2 big cities to the north.
So I am enjoying my quiet pause, as the dog snores in regular rhythm from the kitchen, children laugh in the back of the house, and carols play softly over internet radio. Tomorrow will begin the busy collage. I vow to make time for many such pauses throughout December, and stay in the present moment as much as possible.
May you have a beautiful, mindful holiday season!
I take a deep, refreshing breath, before putting my head into the wind of the December holiday season. Regular schoolwork. Holiday decorating, baking, and visiting. A dance recital. An exhibition gymnastics meet, and the preparations beforehand, of which my whole family is involved in some way. Holiday concerts, the city's Christmas parade, and learning three-part harmony to the Lester Family's Christmas carols album. Making homemade 2012 calendars. Trying to finish the 2011 family video. Christmas cards? Maybe not this year, but ideas of a dvd card are floating around. The grand finale is holiday traveling to see family 2 big cities to the north.
So I am enjoying my quiet pause, as the dog snores in regular rhythm from the kitchen, children laugh in the back of the house, and carols play softly over internet radio. Tomorrow will begin the busy collage. I vow to make time for many such pauses throughout December, and stay in the present moment as much as possible.
May you have a beautiful, mindful holiday season!
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