mac

/|\

Today, I would like to offer you a simple, yet effective practice of 'Giving and Receiving' —


a prayer and meditation practice known as 'Tonglen' —


a powerful, transformative gift from the Tibetan Buddhist wisdom teachings —


a gift to help align and attune all of us who practice it regularly and diligently with the vibrational frequencies of gratitude, generosity, empathy, lovingkindness and compassion (all facets of Pure Love).


Sincere, heartfelt, diligent practice of Tonglen (lit. 'giving and receiving') can help awaken and activate the virtues of Pure Love.


Regular practice of Tonglen can assist in re-cognizing the machinations of the acquired, conditioned, separate sense of self —


transmuting dissonant, disharmonious e-motions,


while planting seeds of lovingkindness, compassion, empathy and peace.


You could say Tonglen is, in a way, a practical training exercise in learning to “love our enemies” —


a teaching found throughout recorded history in many different times and cultures,


including ancient Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Hindu, Sufi, Buddhist, and Daoist teachings (among others),


but perhaps most iconically recognized in the West as a teaching of Yeshu’a an Nasiri Ihidaya (i.e. 'Jesus of Nazareth, whose Aramaic-speaking disciples called "Awakened One").


So today I welcome you to join me in the cultivation of Tonglen,


as we look deeply into our experience of suffering —


and then respond in heartfelt lovingkindness, compassion and empathy in prayer and meditation —


offering aspirations, intentions and actions of goodwill, generosity and benevolence to all who may suffer likewise —


all our brothers and sisters —


all our relations —


all with whom we share this planet


and this manifest experience of Life.


Not two.


But before we begin, perhaps a little caveat —


this is a simple practice,


but it is not an easy practice.


Simple is rarely easy.


For to free dive the depths


and look deeply into the nature of the suffering we carry in our incarnational experience,


while gently and reverently holding and embracing that suffering —


as a kind mother —


a benevolent father —


would hold and embrace a child who suffers —


requires great courage —


But that being said, if you would perhaps like to join with me in a short, guided practice of Tonglen, though there are many ways to practice, here is one simple way to get started:


Preparation

Sit on the edge of a chair or bench.

Sit on the edge, so as not to cut off circulation through the legs.

Place your feet firmly on the floor, place your hands on your knees with your palms in contact with the kneecaps, lengthen the spine so that it is tall and long —

not slouching and rounded, but not stiff and rigid either —

just naturally upright and centered.

Awareness

When you are settled in this sitting posture, turn your awareness to your breathing.

Notice...

What is happening with my breath?

What are the qualities of my breathing?

Is my breathing rapid?

Shallow?

Erratic?

Am I breathing through the mouth?

Am I holding the breath?

Notice what is happening with your breathing and give a moment or two to simply sit quietly, feet on the floor, hands on your knees with your palms in contact with the kneecaps, observing the breath.

Heart-Mind Coherence

Now gently place your non-dominant hand over the Heart Space and allow your inner gaze to lightly rest there —

the area in the middle of the sternum (the large bone in the middle of the chest, where the ribs attach).

As you rest both your hand and your inner awareness on the Heart Space, see if you can feel a sensation of the breath flowing in and out of the Heart Space, as the lungs expand and contract with the movement of the diaphragm and abdomen.

No trying.

No contrivance.

No force.

Just rest,

observe,

listen,

and

feel.

After a minute or two, receive a full, yet unforced, breath (to about 70% of your capacity),

hold it for a brief moment —

enjoy a little sliver of Eternity —

and then,

on the exhalation,

let go —

releasing the breath with an audible 'Ahh!” sound (pronounced more like "Aww").

To get the feeling of the way this should sound, imagine that if after after eight hours of climbing in the mountains,

you now ascend the summit, —

exhausted and yet elated.

You drop your backpack and sit down on the peak, where you rest, basking in the magic of the moment —

no worries, no cares, no obligations —

nothing —

just this —

pure Presence —

pure Awareness —

the warmth of the sun as it kisses the skin,

the sound of the gentle breeze,

the plaintive hunting cry of an eagle soaring effortlessly on the thermals overhead,

and the breath-taking beauty and wonder of the blazing empyrean —

a vast, expansive celestial pavilion —

stretched out to the horizon in every direction as far as the eye can see.

And there in the pure childlike joy and wonder of the moment, as you soak in the sights, the sounds, the smells, the sensations,

you whisper,

“All good!

Yes...all good!”

There, in that calm, relaxed and natural state…

you

smile.

Smile to the Heart and breathe!

Breathe in —

deep into the belly —

feeling the abdomen expand —

holding the breath for a moment —

and then

release the breath

with an audible ‘Ahh! sound —

as if letting go all the cares, worries and challenges

watching them carried off on the crest of the wind.

Feel the Heart Space opening up a little —

like the pure white lotus

as it opens and expands

in the bright, clear light and warmth

of the morning sun.

Do this 3-9 times.

Breathe in gently —

hold the breath for a moment or two —

and breathe out —

simply letting go of the breath with an audible 'Ahh' sound —

releasing inner and outer tension.

Re-lax (Inner Dissolving)

With every round of exhalation,

feel the tension and constriction in the body —

the resistance of the heart-mind —

dissolving —

the body becoming more relaxed and at ease,

and the heart-mind become more clear, calm and expansive —

like the openness and spaciousness of the bright, blue sky.

Feel the face relax —

the brow, the area around the eyes, the jaw and the area around the mouth.

Feel the neck and shoulders relax —

letting the neck and shoulders become loose —

shoulders naturally dropping away from the ears.

Feel the arms and hands relax.

Feel the chest and upper back letting go.

Feel the abdomen and lower back loosening up.

Feel the hips, buttocks and perineum opening up —

letting go of any tightness and constriction.

Feel the legs and feet relax.

Feel the entire body —

from the crown of the head to the soles of the feet loosening up —

relaxing —

letting go of tension, tightness and constriction.

Ahh!

And as you bask in the pure, simple childlike joy of be-coming, bring your awareness back to the heart space and smile once again to the heart —

not just your physical heart, but your Heart of Hearts –

your

True

Heart.

Feel the heart open and spacious, bright and clear, vast and expansive —

radiant,

luminous

iridescent

as ten thousand rays of the sun.

The Practice of Tonglen

Remain in this calm, relaxed and natural state, alert, aware, centered, rooted and grounded in the Power of Now —

this sacred, syzygetic, syncro-destinous I AM experience —

as we move into the practice of Tonglen.

Watch

Notice how you are feeling in your body.

Is there any physical discomfort?

How are you feeling physically?

Is there any pain, tension, discomfort or numbness —

a place in the body that feels 'stuck' —

a place in the body that feels empty or ‘dead’ —

a place in the body that just does not “feel right?"

How are you feeling emotionally?

Is there any emotional unease, or discomfort?

What are you experiencing?

Maybe you feel the mental-emotional formation of fear and anxiety?

Perhaps you feel the mental-emotional formation of frustration and/or anger?

Or perhaps yet you feel the mental-emotional formation of melancholy, despair and despondency?

If nothing is standing out right now, see if you can re-call a time recently when you experienced some form of pain or suffering — perhaps pain in the body, an insurgence of unpleasant e-motions, an unhealthy habits or pattern of consciousness, or a negative, unhealthy belief.

Choose one instance and allow your self to experience the pain, unpleasant emotions, unhealthy habits, patterns or beliefs.

You may find yourself wanting to withdraw or avoid feeling the emotions and physical sensations that arise from the Pain Body.

But rather than withdrawing or avoiding, try to open yourself to all whatever arises —

whether thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, memories or imaginations.

Welcome whatever arises —

like a benevolent father —

a compassionate mother —

holding a distraught child.

Even if you find yourself experiencing thoughts of condemnation, comparison, criticism, classifying (labeling) and complaint —

observe the mental-emotional formations and physical sensations as they arise and abate.

Neither accepting

nor rejecting anything.

Simply bearing witness to your own experience of Life.

As you breathe in, breathe in the experience —

whatever it is.

(If it is sadness, for example, breathe in the sadness.)

Then, as you let go of the breath —

see if you can feel the Heart Space open up —

just

a

little

—

opening up

loosening up

—

as sadness is transmuted

to

joy.

Connect

As you do this, imagine that you are connecting with other Selves on the planet who may also be experiencing what you are experiencing right now.

If it is sadness, breathe in sadness for yourself, but for your brothers and sisters as well.

If you are a visually-oriented person, you might try to imagine that sadness as a grey mist.

Purify and Transmute

Breathe in to the heart space and feel the suffering purifying and transmuting.

If you are visually-oriented, perhaps visualize the grey mist of sadness transforming into pure golden-white light —

in the alchemical fire of your Pure Heart.

Release the breath —

exhaling compassion, healing and reconciliation for yourself and all who are suffering as you are.

Breathe in the suffering, and breathe out lovingkindness, compassion, healing and peace.

As you breathe out, you may also want to add an affirmation, such as

“May all manifestations of Life who suffer be reconciled.”,

or

“May all my beloved brothers and sisters be free from suffering.”

Even a simple word watchword, such as

"joy,"

“healing,”

or

“peace,”

can be a vehicle for your Pure Heart’s intention.

Repeat

Continue breathing in and breathing out —

giving and receiving —

in this manner for just a few minutes.

Watch with your inner vision, as the grey mist transforms into pure, golden-white light —

shining out to all who share your own particular experience of suffering.

With every breath, feel pain and suffering purifying and transmuting within the alchemical furnace of your Pure Heart —

be-coming brighter and clearer.

Feel lovingkindness, compassion, empathy, and joy radiating out from you in all directions.

Feel that you are deeply connected and co-creating with the Bright, Benevolent Compassionate Heart of the Universe in the alleviation of suffering and the reconciliation of All Things.

Allow a simple, smile of compassion to naturally express itself in your Heart of Hearts.

Close the Practice

When you are ready to finish, let go of any visualizations or images in your mind and return fully to your body.

Smile once again to your Heart.

Gently massage the upper chest, just over the heart space.

Notice your body.


Feel your body connected to your environment.


Feel the soles of your feet physically touching the ground.


Feel physically present and grounded in the moment.


Now take three more deep, full breaths and once again release each exhalation with a long “Ahh!” sound.


Rest for a while in the gentle ebb and flow —


the gentle arising and abating —


of the Breath —


enjoying a little sliver of Eternity.


Allow a gentle smile of gratitude and goodwill to come to your heart and your lips.


Then bring your hands together in front of your heart, in a hand gesture of prayer, and offer a few words of benediction —


perhaps something like...


“Today, may all my brothers and sisters —


all my relations —


all manifestations of Life —


realize true happiness and contentment,


health and well-being,


peace and tranquility,


insight and wisdom,


prosperity and abundance.


May we all awaken and re-member our True Nature —


our


True


Essence.


If you like, consider closing the practice by massaging your face and head, and then arising — shaking and stretching out any stiffness or sluggishness in your body.


Return to your daily activities with a re-newed sense of openness, trust, joy, love, gratitude, and reverence for your family, friends, neighbours, colleagues, coworkers,


and all with whom you share this planet


and this manifest experience


we


call


"Life."


Not two.


May your every breath be peace, light and love.


/|\

The wisdom inherent in the universal precept known sometimes as

the Law of Projection

is a fundamental Law of Life —

holding within its energetic vibrational frequency

the latent potential

to re-awaken our innate intuitive innerstanding —

that in perceiving the macrocosm of Reality

through the anamorphic lens of the acquired, conditioned, conceptual sense of self,

it is, seemingly paradoxically,

as if looking into an obscure microcosmic mirror of shifting shadows —

in which we reflect

and project

in-formation

outward from within

and then back again

in a kind of feedback-feedforward loop.

In other words,

we receive in-formation —

interpret, analyze and evaluate that information through the distorted lens of subjective, perceptual, conceptual reality  —

through the experience of,

what is known in the teachings of spiral dynamics as

vMemes —

the aggregate worldview formed by incarnational acquirements, conditioning and the interpretation of lived experiences —

personas,

i-dentities,

senses of self,

(mis)perceptions,

beliefs,

ideologies,

stories and narratives about our Selves,

other Selves

and our experience of Life —

and then superimpose and project

our own (distorted) mirror reality

back to our selves,

as well as to the collective field of consciousness —

of this planet

this star system

this galaxy

this universe.

For instance, every time we affirm kind, compassionate, positive and beautiful things about our Selves,

other Selves,

and our experience of Life,

consider that we are re-membering and re-cognizing

facets and virtues of our True Nature

as incarnate manifestations of Pure Love —

beauty, wonder, kindness, compassion, beneficence, pure potentiality and positivity —

reflected in the mirror of the heart-mind —

but we are projecting that in-formation

not only,

seemingly outward,

to the macrocosm—

but paradoxically back to our selves —

the microcosm —

as well.

Our perceptions of the world mirror the condition of the Heart-mind.

Then we are able to express True Lovingkindness to other Selves with authentic, heartfelt kindness,

not simply because we have been trained or conditioned to be nice, courteous, moral and polite,

but because we have experienced True Lovingkindness from within.

We are able to offer Deep Empathy to others only when we have innerstood and re-membered Deep Empathy for our selves.

We are able to offer True Love to others only when we have encountered a profound, intuitive inner awareness —

an innerstanding —

of True Love

from within.

We are able to unconditionally accept others only when we have first truly fathomed the wondrous joy and freedom of Unconditional Acceptance for our selves.

Likewise, consider that any dissonance and disharmony we project into the world —

distorted, disharmonious, dissonant thoughts, intentions, words, actions and deeds

is not helpful or beneficial to any one,

including our selves.

It is a obfuscated, anamorphous, illusory mirror image

of an incoherent, insular reality

that we our selves have created —

in which we perceive our selves as separate, isolated and remote —

disconnected —

dissociated —

from our very own Source connection —

and all manifestations of Life —

with whom we share this planet  —

this vibrational density of experience.

Yet, as the saying goes,

"Appearances can be deceiving."

Indeed, the great ocean may appear,

on the surface,

as innumerable, incomprehensible, individual events or expressions we call "waves" —

yet in reality,

every wave is a mutually arising manifestation of the ocean itself —

giving and receiving —

ebbing and flowing —

surging and subsiding —

arising

flourishing and frolicking for a time

and

then

abating

—

returning once again to its source —

the

nature

of

all

things.

The wave is the ocean.

The ocean is the wave.

Not two.

May your every breath be peaceful and harmonious.

/|\

“When you give, you also likewise receive.”

Giving and receiving are seemingly distinct, yet mutually arising complimentary expressions of the same Harmonious Unicity.

When we give to others —

whether in helpful or harmful ways —

we are also giving to and receiving from our Selves.

What does this mean?

It has been my observation and experience that it is quite common, that when considering giving and receiving, thoughts of physical acts of kindness, goodwill and benevolence (generosity) arise, such as when we give or receive financial assistance, material goods, physical assistance or kind words.

These are indeed benevolent (generous) gifts that we can give and receive from one another, but we can also give and receive, what we might perceive as, less tangible gifts such as: lovingkindness, compassion, empathy, acceptance, forgiveness, goodwill, hospitality (welcome), friendship and peace.

Likewise, we can also give and receive malevolent, harmful acts: hatred, scorn, criticism, rejection, unforgiveness, violence, and abuse (whether spiritual, mental/emotional or physical), which perpetuate great suffering in the world and in our selves.

For when we give —

either benevolently or malevolently —

either with the intent to heal or to harm —

we also receive in kind.

The spiritual Law of Flow is intrinsically interwoven with the Law of Projection, and many of us both needlessly give and receive suffering because we are unaware of our innate power to both create and destroy — 

to heal and to harm.

For instance, if we give negativity, we not only bathe those in our circles of influence in the stagnant, filthy water of negativity, but we also bathe ourselves in that same stagnant, filthy water — reinforcing negative mental-emotional patterns and processes in ourselves, and hence perpetuating further suffering.

Our pervasive, unguarded, discursive thoughts, (mis)perceptions, limiting beliefs and expectations become the seeds from which untamed fields of great harm, chaos and destruction grow, and whether or not that harm, chaos and destruction is ever projected outward to others —

whether we choose to primarily direct those negative energies inward to self-harm and self-destruction —

ironically we become both the giver and the recipient of those powerful negative energies.

Siddhārtha Gautama Buddha taught us,

“Your worst enemy cannot harm you as much as your own unguarded thoughts.”

Likewise, if we give peace and harmony, we not only bathe those in our circles of influence with the fresh, clean, pure water of peace and harmony, but we also bathe ourselves in the fresh, clean, pure water of peace and harmony — reinforcing the positive power of peace and harmony in our own experience of Life, and hence contributing to the alleviation of suffering.

And if we react to tyrrany and injustice with more tyranny and injustice —

even if we say we are working for the sake of “equity", “peace" or “justice” —

we must comprehend that we are really acting out of tyranny and injustice —

and hence we plant the seeds of more tyranny and injustice.

But if we respond in Pure Love, when encountering tyranny and injustice, we transmute the situation through compassion (the desire to alleviate another’s suffering) and mercy (the action taken to alleviate suffering), hence sharing the benefit of that alchemical transmutation with all our brothers and sisters —

all our relations —

with whom we share this planet

and this manifest experience of Life.

Medicine.

For all who suffer — 

for all wounded, ragamuffin souls —

and healing our selves in the process.

That being said, one simple practice I incorporated into my life many, many years ago, and still practice today, is to set an intention at the beginning of every day, that wherever I go and whomever I meet, I will offer them a gift.

The gift may be something as simple as a smile, a compliment, a helping hand, a word of encouragement, a blessing or a prayer for their benefit and highest good.

In the morning, I set an intention that every time I meet someone —

whether face-to-face, online, on the phone, or in a text-based conversation —

I will silently wish them health, happiness, and peace or some other appropriate blessing.

Even as I prepare to post this reflection, I silently hold this intention in my heart —

offering this reflection for your health, benefit, well-being and highest good.

For when we open our hearts to others with generosity, we fundamentally join in the primal cosmic dance of the Universe, encouraging the exchange of openness, trust, goodwill, gratitude and reverence for all manifestations of Life.

Likewise, just as I practice giving simple gifts, I also remain open to receive all the gifts that Life has to offer me —

perhaps the bright, clear light and warmth of sun upon my face,

the sensation of the wind upon my skin,

the beauty of evening snowfall,

the sound of birds singing or water flowing,

the sight of children at play,

relaxing under the shade of a tree on a hot summer afternoon,

the taste of a fresh piece fruit or vegetable freshly plucked from the vine,

the invigoration of an afternoon thunderstorm,

or the wonder-filled splendour of the moon and stars shining brightly in the sky at night —

opening the Heart

to receive the Gift of Life

in all of it's infinite variations and myriad manifestations.

Then in the evening, before I go to sleep, I give a few minutes to review the day in gratitude, bowing my Heart before All Things — 

bowing my Heart before the vast, infinite web of relationships — everyone and everything —  that has somehow, and in someway allowed me the privilege of be-ing 

right here — 

right now — 

in this incarnate form —  

in this wondrous body —

to enjoy the measure of safety, health, well-being, and the many comforts and conveniences I have experienced —

for the sweetness of life —

as well as for the many challenges, difficulties and even the pain and disappointment I may have experienced — 

for the bitterness of life — 

for through reconciling with them, I activate my own innate self healing ability —

realizing the fullness and freedom —

the true joy and wonder of Be-ing

in the simple experience of giving and receiving —

the in-breath 

and the out-breath.

Not two.

May your every breath be peace, light and love.

/|\

Giving and receiving are distinct, yet complimentary, expressions of the same Harmonious Unicity.


How might you recognize the interplay of these energetic forces at work in your own experience of Life today?


Better yet, how might you participate in the interplay of these subtle energetic forces, silently at work in your own experience of Life today?


Here is a simple practice you can experiment with, to enter into the dynamic flow of giving and receiving today:


Wherever you go, and whoever you encounter, try to offer them a gift.


The gift may something as simple as a smile, a compliment, a little hospitality, a helping hand, a little money, a meal, a word of encouragement, a blessing or a prayer,


or simply your full, undivided presence


as you listen in present loving awareness to their story.


In the morning, before you begin the work of the day, set an intention that every time you meet someone —


whether face-to-face, online, on the phone, or in a text-based conversation —


you will silently offer them a benediction of health, happiness, and peace or some other benison, as you are inspired.


For when we open our hearts to others with generosity,


we fundamentally join in the primal dance of the Universe,


encouraging the mutual exchange of creativity, lovingkindness, compassion, empathy, acceptance, joy and abundance.


Likewise, just as you practice generosity, see if you can also remain open to receive all the gifts that Life has to offer you —


perhaps the warmth of sunlight upon your face,


the sensation of the wind,


the sound of birds singing or water flowing,


the sight of children at play,


relaxing under the shade of a tree on a hot summer afternoon,


the taste of a fresh piece fruit or vegetable freshly plucked from the vine,


the invigoration of an afternoon thunderstorm,


the joy and wonder of the first snow of the season,


or the splendour and majesty of the moon and stars at night.


Open your heart to receive gifts from other Selves as well,


whether it be in the form of spiritual, energetic or material gifts.


Then in the evening, before you go to sleep,


give a few minutes to review the day,


offering gratitude and respect


to every one that allowed you the joys, sorrows, privileges, comforts and conveniences, challenges and opportunities for growth you experienced today,


no matter how common or insignificant they might have seemed.


For they are all essential movements of learning, growth —


involution and evolution —


in this wondrous dance


we


call…


“Life."


Not two.


May your every breath be peace, light and love.


/|\

When you rise in the morning,

give thanks for the Light

and for this experience of Life.

Give thanks for your food

your body

your breath

and for the joy, wonder and beauty of Life.

If you see no reason to give thanks

enter into the Great Silence,

look deeply within

and there re-discover

all that prevents —

all that obstructs —

the river of gratitude, joy and wonder

from

flowing

freely.”

*— a literary adaptation of a teaching of Tecumthé" ('Tecumseh,' meaning 'Shooting Star') of the Panther clan of the Kispokotha (Kispoko) sect of the Šawanoki (Shawnee) tribe, early 19th century leader of the North American Šawanoki and inter-tribal confederacy**

It is commonly accepted (be-lieved)

that gratitude arises from a state of happiness and contentment —

but what if happiness and contentment were likewise

born from a cultivation of gratitude?

Even if we do not follow a particular spiritual tradition,

a natural progression of growth and maturity in the journey of Life,

*(which is innately, incontrovertibly spiritual in Essence)*

is the cultivation of gratitude —

regardless of socio-cultural roots, religious background, personal beliefs or ideological biases.

For it is in the practice of training our selves to mindfully re-cognize, re-member and realize (i.e. re-actualize — to embody or manifest in physicality)

our innate natural state of joy, wonder and beauty

'without'

and

'within' —

*(though in Reality there is no "without" and "within," we only call them "without" and "within," but that is a reflection for another day perhaps),*

and to give thanks for the gift of Life

in all of it’s myriad manifestations

and infinite variations —

that an increasingly progressive, perpetual, elevated inner state of happiness and contentment

begins to naturally, effortlessly and gracefully arise

from the thalassic depths of our Be-ing

and our experience of Life

becomes firmly rooted and grounded

in what the first century Hellenist Jewish philosopher, theologian, scholar and teacher, Saul of Tarsus described as:

"The Infinite Indescribable, Unfathomable Peace that transcends all rational comprehension."

But often this takes time and intentional cultivation —

particularly in seemingly turbulent, tumultuous times and seasons.

Like any farmer, crofter, or gardener knows,

planting a seed in the ground

is not the beginning of the journey to harvest —

the work begins far before the seed is ever planted —

the conditions must be right to receive the seed —

the soil must be prepared first.

And likewise, there are no shortcuts to the cultivation of gratitude

or any other spiritual virtue —

it often takes awareness, vision, openness, trust, honesty (inner veracity), courage, patience, perseverance and time

to reap the benefits.

So, if you would like to begin or perhaps re-invigorate the cultivation of gratitude,

here is a little spiritual exercise

you can easily incorporate into the natural flow of your day.

**A Simple Practice Of Gratitude**

This exercise centres around the practice of mindful eating.

The next time you sit down for a meal, give your self an extra 5 minutes, either before or after the meal, for this practice.

As when we begin anything new, the exercise will take a little longer at first, so give some extra time to really experience this without undo force, tension or constraint.

It does not matter what kind of food you have or how much.

The meal can be simple or elaborate.

It can be made at home or taken in a restaurant.

The food could have come from a garden, a shop, a farmer’s market, a local food pantry or from a kind friend or neighbour leaving a box of groceries on your doorstep.

It does not matter.

What matters is the quality of your state of present, loving awareness

and a willingness to open your heart in gratitude.

The practice can be done as you are preparing your food,

before taking a meal or even after eating a meal,

but the time often most natural and effective for many is just before a meal.

Experiment and see what works best for you.

As you sit down to a meal today, take five minutes to sit in silence and relax.

Do not just sit down and heedlessly, mindlessly begin to eat.

Stop.

Relax.

Close the eyes.

Enter into the Great Silence —

into the Power of Now.

Enter into a state of present, loving, awareness.

Bring conscious awareness to your body.

Notice the breath.

Inhale and exhale slowly, deeply and fully three times.

Breathe deep into the core of your body —

into the physical and energetic centre of your body —

by allowing your diaphragm to relax and naturally descend,

your belly to expand

and your lungs to fill with air in a calm, relaxed and natural way.

Now, activate the physical senses.

Savour the aroma of the food as it wafts around you.

Hold a plate or cup

and feel the warmth or coolness of the food

rising from the plate or cup.

Feel the saliva in your mouth begin to increase

as you anticipate the food you are about to eat.

Now look at the food in front of you —

look at it’s colours, shapes and diversity —

visualize the life and vitality in each seed, nut, grain, herb, vegetable, piece of fruit, or morsel of flesh.

Next, begin to trace back the roots of the food you are about to eat.

Where did it come from?

Who were the people who had a hand in preparing the food and who had a hand in bringing it to your table?

Starting from the plate in front of you, give thanks for this sacred, syzygetic, synchro-destinous moment which you are experiencing.

Give thanks for this incarnate experience of Life,

which in and of itself is a truly a gift,

whether we perceive it or not.

Now, in engaging the power of your imagination —

as if watching a movie in the theatre of your mind —

trace back the journey of the food as it came to you —

imagining all those who might have been involved in bringing it to you.

Imagine you, your partner or your children preparing it.

Give thanks to your self.

Give thanks to your partner and your children.

If you are eating with others, give thanks for the companionship of family, friends and the other Selves with whom you are sharing the experience of communal eating.

Give thanks to them for the companionship.

If you are eating in a restaurant, imagine the serving staff who brought the food to you. Imagine the cooking staff preparing it for you.

Imagine the restaurant owners whose vision and business savvy has provided this restaurant experience.

Give thanks for and to them.

From there, continue to trace backwards.

Imagine the cashier who helped you at the check-out counter.

Imagine the stock person, the grocer, the butcher, the baker or any other people you can think of.

Give thanks to and for them.

Continue to go back further.

Imagine the pilots, truckers and material handlers who transported the food.

Imagine the factory workers processing the food.

Imagine the workers, harvesters, farmers and ranchers raising and growing your food.

Give thanks.

Imagine the produce in the gardens and fields, the fruit on the tree, the animals in the pasture, and the fish in the lakes and oceans.

Imagine this nurturing, resilient Earth and all of her myriad manifestations —

mountains, forests, fields, pastures, oceans, lakes and rivers, clouds and rains, minerals, plants, animals and humans be-ing —

all healthy, rich, abundant and faithfully helping to produce and provide water and food

day after day,

month after month

and year after year —

for us all.

Give thanks to them and for them.

Trace back further.

Imagine the sun, moon, planets and everything in our solar system, our galaxy, and our galactic super-community,

comprised of billions upon billions of galaxies all whirling and spinning

in a perfect synchronistic, synergistic celestial dance —

all celebrating the gift of Life —

and in the very process of acting according to their own innate Nature,

generating and sustaining this experience of Life

as we know and en-joy it.

At each stage, as you trace further and further back, give thanks for the vast web of relationships that has allowed us this wondrous, synchronous moment and all of the privileges, comforts, conveniences and resources we en-joy.

Give thanks for the gift of Life.

Give thanks for all manifestations of Life —

your brothers and sisters

with whom you share this planet

and this incarnational experience of Life —

all

our

relations.

Finally, finish up your journey of the imagination

by giving thanks to That which is the very Source of All Life —

the Very Wellspring of Life —

from which all manifestations of Life arise

and inevitably return.

Now one last little tip before your food gets too cold —

it is helpful, if you can not only imagine or visualize,

but that, as you become more and more adept in your practice of this exercise,

to open your self —

to allow your self —

to *feel* gratitude arising within you.

Feel gratitude in your body.

Feel gratitude in your heart.

Feel gratitude in your mind.

Feel the sensations of gratitude permeating body, heart-mind and spirit.

Oh, it’s ok if you can not right away.

Just stick with it!

Keep practicing,

and over time,

with practice and perseverance,

you will soon begin to notice little affirmations

that something indeed is changing.

Perhaps over time,

you will even begin to notice

just how much more happy, content and grateful you are be-coming.

May your every breath be

peace

light

and

profound

gratitude.

Not two.

/|\

Even something as seemingly jejune and mundane

as the experience of eating

can be a spiritual experience —

a sacred act of joy, gratitude, wonder and reverence –

of

Pure

Love.

As we prepare our food

*(or as we wait for our food as it's being prepared for us),*

we can enter into this practice

by simply offering our selves

to the innate joy, wonder and beauty

of the present moment —

offering the simple gift

of present, loving awareness

as we prepare —

or as we sit and wait for —

the

food.

When we are ready to eat,

we can take a few moments to close our eyes

and trace back the path

our food has taken

on its journey to us.

We can offer a sincere smile of gratitude

to the little,

seeming unremarkable,

bowl of fibre and flesh

we hold in our hands —

breathing deeply —

mindfully —

as we contemplate the vast web of relationships

that have co-conspired

to allow us the privilege

of this very moment —

the wonder-filled joy and privilege

of nourishing our bodies —  

the many elements,

such as the sun,

the rain,

the earth,

the air,

the plants,

the animals,

all of our brothers and sisters —

all our relations —

whether element, microbe, mycelia, plant, animal, human or some other manifestation of Life

who have lovingly offered their vital life energy

to nourish the food

we are about to take into our own bodies.

In fact, if we take the time

to look deeply into the food,

rather than heedlessly consuming it —

without reverence or regard —

we might even get a glimpse

of how the entire universe has co-conspired

to support and sustain

our incarnational experience

right here —

right now —

in this very sacred, syzygetic, synchro-destinous confluence of space-time.

Yes...

even something as seemingly mundane and jejune

as the experience of eating

can be a profound spiritual experience —

a sacred experience of communion —

a sacred experience of pure love —

in which our hearts open and expand

like a beautiful flower

opening and expanding

in the youthful bloom of morn

—

with joy, gratitude, wonder and reverence

for

all

manifestations

of

Life.

Not two.

May your every breath be peace, light and love.

/|\

gratitude /|\

gratitude /|\

The Great Way is not difficult for those unchained to preferences.

Attach to the smallest preference, however,

and Heaven and Earth are set infinitely apart.

To set up what you like against what you dislike

is the dis-ease of the (conditioned) mind.

The Way is perfect

like the vast infinity

of time-space

where nothing is lacking

and nothing is in excess.

When the heart-mind abides

undisturbed in the Way,

no-thing in the world can offend,

and when a thing can no longer offend,

it simply —

naturally —

of its own accord —

ceases to exist in the old way.

So just let things be —

in their own way —

and there will be no

“this” or “that” —

“black” or “white” —

“good” or “evil” —

“right” or “wrong” —

“coming” or “going.”

To fathom the indescribable mystery of this One-Essence

is to be emancipated from all entanglements —

all

suffering.

When all things are perceived clearly —

without distortion —

the

timeless

boundless

Heart-Mind

is

awakened.

No comparisons or analogies are possible

when we return to the Origin —

where we

ironically

have

ever

and

always

been.

To come directly into sympathetic resonance

with the Fundamental Reality (Truth) —

whenever you find yourself confused

or mired in doubt —

remind yourself…

“Not two.”

In the realization of

not two

we

awaken —

as if from a dream —

and

remember…

nothing is separate —

nothing is excluded.

Nothing is missing.

Nothing is broken.

Perfect Integrity.

Perfect Equilibrium.

Perfect

Peace.

And as we awaken

to this fundamental law of Life

we likewise awaken

to our own Innate Integrity —

our own Innate Purity —

and

naturally —

without force

or contrivance —

manifest

(embody)

the

Truth.

And the Truth is beyond extension or diminution —

beyond

space

and

time —

in it a single thought is ten thousand years.

What more can I possibly say?

Words are truly inadequate —

for the Way

is fundamentally beyond language.

In it there is no yesterday

no tomorrow

no today.

Just

this…

not

two.

/|\

— a literary adaptation of select verses from Xìn Xīn Míng 信心铭 (The Heart-Mind of Absolute Trust Sutra), a gāthā of Sõsan Sêng-ts’an, 6th century CE Ch’an (Zen) Buddhist monk, abbot and spiritual teacher, based on works by Osho, Anil Singh-Molare and Stephen Mitchell