instruction on the Six Preliminaries, he starts with
Cleaning the Place of Practice, the First Preliminary.
He mentions that as far as good places to practice,
a traditional cave that has in the past been used by great
mediators is the best! How I would love that! Imagine
traveling to Tibet and being allowed to meditate in a
spot where some of the wisest lamas have sat! If you have the opportunity, a retreat cabin is wonderful, but just as good is any quiet place in your own home.
As I have mentioned before, I love the symbolism associated with many of the physical acts of practicing Buddhism. When cleaning the space you will use while meditating, His Holiness suggests that you imagine our entire world being thus cleansed and purified. He offers this verse for one to recite while cleaning:
May all the world become free from
All harsh qualities, such as thorns.
May it become as smooth as lapis lazuli
And as tender as the palm of one's hand.
How truly lovely. This verse encourages us to link the act of purifying the site with our personal goal of creating our own Buddhafield after enlightenment. (To find out more about a Buddhafield, go to: www.answers.com/topic/buddha-k-etra.)
Already, one can appreciate that there certainly is more to the idea of cleaning the meditation area than just a cursory glance would provide. So deliberate. So much concentration. So "Now". Mindful. One can begin practicing mindfulness, or paying close attention to what we are doing in the "now", with the outwardly simple task of sweeping away the dust.
His Holiness also explains how reflecting on the act of cleaning can be a contemplative exercise on the Four Noble Truths! Who would have thought! Let's get into that tomorrow.
By the way, French Silk Pie recipe on Friday. No blog entries on the weekends!
Abide in peace and joy, Cynthia
All harsh qualities, such as thorns.
May it become as smooth as lapis lazuli
And as tender as the palm of one's hand.
How truly lovely. This verse encourages us to link the act of purifying the site with our personal goal of creating our own Buddhafield after enlightenment. (To find out more about a Buddhafield, go to: www.answers.com/topic/buddha-k-etra.)
Already, one can appreciate that there certainly is more to the idea of cleaning the meditation area than just a cursory glance would provide. So deliberate. So much concentration. So "Now". Mindful. One can begin practicing mindfulness, or paying close attention to what we are doing in the "now", with the outwardly simple task of sweeping away the dust.
His Holiness also explains how reflecting on the act of cleaning can be a contemplative exercise on the Four Noble Truths! Who would have thought! Let's get into that tomorrow.
By the way, French Silk Pie recipe on Friday. No blog entries on the weekends!
Abide in peace and joy, Cynthia
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