Sunday - The Perfections (2)
1. The Perfections (2)
ENERGY
“Energy
needs single-minded, one-pointed direction in order to get any results.
To meditate takes a surprising amount of mental energy: the only energy
in this universe. Everything physical is an outcome of mental energy.
When meditation becomes skilful the expended mental energy is no longer a
strain. On the contrary, the opposite happens. New energy is absorbed
through meditation.” - Ayya Khema
PATIENCE
Impatience
is heavily connected with Ego. We want things to happen now, instantly,
regardless of the fact that this may have implications for others.
Impatience is really about craving and grasping after things whose time
has not yet come. With patience we realize that plans can be made at any
time but that we understand that a myriad of things may interfere with
their fruition.
There is an acceptance of change. We do not cause more
suffering to others and ourselves by being disappointed and stressed at
the slow progress our plans are making.
Patience needs to be directed at
us and toward others. It is quite different from complacency. With
patience we remain aware of the work to be done and resolve to do it -
for the benefit of all sentient beings.
Along the way we work with
compassion and equanimity when things do not happen quite as we hoped
they would. This is particularly necessary when considering our
meditation practice.
TRUTHFULNESS
Seeing the validity of the Four Noble Truths. Truthfulness
refers not only to observance of the Fourth Precept - speaking
truthfully - but also to establishing inner honesty.
Not allowing ourselves to be deceived by the games we all habitually play. It also means seeing what is true -
being totally honest about the nature of all
phenomena. Not ’sweetening’ things by always looking on the bright
side. Not becoming cynical and depressed by failing to see the joy and
happiness that are also aspects of life. Being accurate in our
assessment of situations.
DETERMINATION
Without
determination we accomplish nothing. The development of a meditation
practice and a spiritual life is a slow process. There will be rocky
patches that we will need determination to overcome. Determination grows
out of an understanding of the validity and importance of the
buddha-dhamma and the unsatisfactoriness of living unskilfully. If we
are determined to work in a balanced but rigorous way we will succeed.
LOVINGKINDNESS
We
have worked with mettΔ as a brahmavihΔra meditation. When we look at it
as one of the Perfections we expand its effect into every aspect of our
interactions with others.
Every transaction in which we participate can
be informed by unconditional lovingkindness.
The love that we are talking about here is selfless - it can be shared with all. It expects nothing in return.
Our meditation practice
will help us develop this but we can also make a conscious decision to
act with kindness to all we meet. We can also exercise lovingkindness
for ourselves - giving credit where it is due, recognising our needs.
EQUANIMITY
Equanimity
is also the final Perfection. We can work to extend this quality to all
with whom we interact in our lives. Treating everyone with balance. Not
choosing one over another. Seeing them for what they are. Seeing their
non-separate nature -
the interconnections between all beings. Just
as… So too… in all aspects of our lives. Living considerately, with
fairness and maintaining objectivity. Bringing the qualities we value
into our relationships with others unconditionally.
https://course.org/campus/mod/page/view.php?id=203
Contemplation - Day 65
387. Sun
shines by day;
the
moon by night.
The
warlord shines in armour;
meditating
the brahmin shines.
But
the Buddha shines resplendent
for
all of every day and night.
388. Having
discarded evil,
he
is a brahmin;
living
in peace,
he
is a samana;
abandoning
impurity,
he
is a renunciate.
389. One
should not strike a brahmin,
nor
should a brahmin retaliate when struck.
Shame
on one who strikes a brahmin;
greater
shame on one who retaliates.
390. Nothing
is better in a brahmin
than
that he weans his mind from what is dear.
Suffering
subsides
when
the will to harm ends.
391. Not
doing evil through
body,
speech and mind;
restrained
in these three ways,
him
I call a brahmin.
Last modified: Thursday, 12 January 2017, 7:10 pm