Dear Sangha,
As we enter another year, may we continually see ways to realize our boundless joy and express eternal gratitude for this gift of life.
Sounds simple. Not always easy.
The divisiveness that has been plaguing our communities over the last years continues with no relief in sight. Apparently forgotten is our shared humanity and our interdependence with a collective consciousness to honor our Earth and all sentient and insentient beings on it.
Fear, anger, sadness, shock are what I heard the day after the Presidential election in the United States. And then I listened again and heard happiness, cheers, relief, hope. The vicissitudes of life, the whole catastrophe of living as human beings right here, right now…
In the middle of all of this, I gratefully remembered a lesson from my chaplaincy training: Be sure to know when it’s time for CPR – Compassion, Presence, and Resilience.
The time is now.
Compassion … for ALL beings as we practice and live our Bodhisattva Vow
Presence … in Pure Awareness, Clear Deep Heart Mind, listening without an opinion. Knowing we care deeply. Finding the wise, compassionate response and action.
Resilience … returning to the cushion over and over, to be the peace we want to see in the world.
As life continues to rock your boat, anchor back and find what sustains you – nature, family, art, music, friends, pets, pithy quotes, laughter, love, sangha. And then we go on.
Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible
– His Holiness the Dalai Lama
As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.
– Nelson Mandela
For the rest, entrust yourself and your [so-called] enemies to the great Mystery of life that has assigned us such different – and often opposing – roles, and that will see us through if we play our part with love.
– Brother David Steindl-Rast
Deep Gassho,
Reishin
Interim Executive Director
