This final chapter focuses on some particular internal, contemplative practices DL recommends for those seeking to live compassionately in the world for the benefit of others. It was hard for me not to think of Living Vision's Tuesday night gatherings throughout this chapter, because literally everything we have done since October has been geared toward these very truths.
The mind is a wild horse so difficult to tame...a small boat adrift at sea, being tossed about by every wave. With this in mind - and, in all likelihood, in your bountiful experience - how do you react to the Tibetan meditator's adage that, "I have only one task: to stand guard at the entrance of my mind."
Looking at the particular disciplines and practices DL advocates. comment on each one, particularly where you have some experience or practice. Or, if you prefer, ask a question about each:
Focused Attention
Present Moment Awareness
Cultivating Equanimity
Rejoicing in the Good Example of Others
Those of us who have explored and been involved with any of the contemplative prayer practices know a lot about the first major obstacle DL talks about - distraction. How have you handled distraction effectively in your own prayer life? What advice or wisdom would you share with the group?
Thanks to Living Vision and Tuesday nights, I have learned and grown a lot in my meditation and contemplation. Practice DOES matter a great deal, and when I'm meditating or praying in the context of the disciplines, I do pretty well. But I am still painfully aware of how hard it still is for me at other times to turn my mind off, to enter the state that Eckhart Tolle calls "no mind." My shrink once told me that I lack an off switch in my brain/mind, and so the horses of my mind can really take over and run wild, particularly at night when I need and want to sleep. Any insights or tips anyone has on this would be appreciated.
ReplyDeleteStanding guard at the entrance of my mind is a very powerful concept, and can really be applied in situations other than meditation: negative thoughts, nagging guilt, thinking too far ahead of the day today. We are told, "do not worry about tomorrow", "don't borrow trouble, there is plenty for today". Living in the moment is so hard. Sometimes, as technology gains speed, I really want to "get off", which is becoming harder, to take time to meditate, pray, think, enjoy creation. I feel envious of those who seem to accomplish this, and everything else they do, and then bump into DLs writings about that emotion. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, Barb - a very powerful concept indeed. The older I get, the more I realize that Eckart Tolle is right - my mind is the biggest barrier to spiritual growth and effective, positive living in this world. So how DO we stand guard at the entrance of our minds? Is it through a constant sort of internal monologue? The last shrink I saw pretty much taught me to question and examine every thought - especially every negative thought - i had, which can, I suppose, create its own sort of distraction and worry...sigh
ReplyDeleteMy mind is so full, it is hard to empty it. We find ourselves going to be way too late, because there is so much input during the day, by the time I try to read to quite my mind before bed, it is later than I want, and then I still find myself commenting to spouse about what I am reading. Give it a break! :)
ReplyDeleteSee I can't even spell tonight. Above comment was about trying to get to bed at a decent hour, and not knowing when to be quiet, not quite.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I hear you on that one. And, just so you know, I - who go to bed reading without a spouse - carry on that same "dialogue" but just in my own head. So it's no "easier" to avoid that trap alone, though many assume that it would be. The mind IS such a wild horse!
ReplyDeleteSpelling doesn't count in this book group! I read it the way you wanted me to. No problem...
ReplyDeleteHow depressing in itself to think you have to examine every negative thought! Go out for a run, literally. Sometimes I feel I can literally run away from dwelling on some of those thoughts, and when I get back, of course I did, I felt better.
ReplyDeleteSo how DO you, Barb, attempt to deal with and fight off distraction in your own prayer life, meditative moments?
ReplyDeleteSometimes when I am walking along the bluff out here, or running, I have seen eagles, several times. What a gift. I will be lifted as on eagles wings.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I miss running. I wish my hips and ankles still tolerated that form of exercise. It is uniquely powerful in a contemplative way. So, distractions?
ReplyDeleteIf I can "catch myself" being distracted, it is easier to redirect. Sometimes we wander in our minds, and it is such second nature, we are quite far away before we realize it. I think focusing on being thankful helps.
ReplyDeleteAmen to that. Gratitude has become my chief spiritual discipline, particularly at bedtime when my mind goes in so many directions. Gratitude can be an anchor, a settling exercise.
ReplyDeleteI would have been a good Celtic Christian perhaps.
ReplyDeleteSay more about Celtic Xns and why you said that? Then, What do you think of DL's notion of focusing/reflecting on the good examples of others? A bit like you were doing with the woman at Sunnybank? That might be a good supplemental "practice" to counting our blessings and being grateful, huh?
ReplyDeleteSo in summary, do we stay out beyond religion, or how to meld faith and secular ethics?
ReplyDeleteYes. Like in that movie "Peaceful Warrior", when Socrates said "there is never NOTHING going on. Observe, reflect, incorporate, act.
ReplyDeleteStarting the new book about Celtic Christianity, looking for the goodness of God in creation, and in God's image found in humanity.
Toby and Barb, I have loved your comments tonite so late because of mommy duties..I think we can meld the two if we have a strong enough community to support us and to fall back on when we feel overwhelmed does that make sense? Julie
ReplyDeleteI think for those of us who are "in" a religious tradition, raised in/nurtured in and benefiting from a religious tradition - ethically speaking- we stay there, continuing the path. But we don't do so in an exclusive or arrogant way. We don't - as I Cor 13 says - "insist on our own way" - but recognize that there are ethical practices and such that ARE "beyond" religion. I think the problem comes when a religious person says (or thinks) "you can't be ethical or good without 'my' God or 'my' religious basis/background.
ReplyDeleteGetting back to your quote from Soc in Peaceful Warrior, Barb, the "there is NEVER nothing going on" really gets at the truth that our vision at any and every moment is SO limited, SO incomplete, SO partial. We truly do see "through a mirror dimly" - another 1st Cor 13 ref - and with that should come ultimate humility about EVERYTHING.
ReplyDeleteYou two still there/here? Are we wrapping up? Final thoughts?
ReplyDeleteToby are you willing/wanting to do another book?
DeleteReading DL's book ..like others I have reaad keep me striving to be a better person and walk in the way of Jesus
DeleteOk, I guess this is goodbye for tonight. This concludes our book group on Beyond Religion...but I sure hope the conversation will continue! Barb, you mentioned another book a while back. Send me that title some time. Good night and thanks for joining me! Hope to see you both on a tuesday eve when/if your schedules ever allow. Grace & Peace - Toby
ReplyDeleteGoodnight. Sent you an e-mail. Thanks for mentoring the study.
ReplyDelete