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Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Intention: Cultivating Equanimity

 

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RIGHT INTENTION Cultivating Equanimity Whatever you intend, whatever you plan, and whatever you have a tendency toward, that will become the basis on which your mind is established. (SN 12.40) Develop meditation on equanimity, for when you develop meditation on equanimity, all aversion is abandoned. (MN 62)  The manifestation of equanimity is the subsiding of attraction and aversion. (Vm 9.93) Having smelled an odor with the nose, one is neither glad-minded nor sad-minded but abides with equanimity, mindful and fully aware. (AN 6.1)

Reflection Equanimity, the fourth brahma-vihara, or sublime way of abiding, is defined here in terms of its manifestation—how it presents itself in experience. Equanimity manifests as the absence of the two extremes of attraction (greed) and aversion (hatred), which so often rule the mind. Equanimity is the still center point on a continuum between the two, where the mind neither draws toward nor tilts away from an object.     Daily Practice Equanimity can be practiced with any of the sense modalities, and here we are invited to engage with the practice in the sensory realm of smelling odors. Practice lingering in the presence of an obviously pleasant or an intensely unpleasant odor and see if you can manifest the attitude of equanimity. You can experience pleasure and displeasure and not automatically want more or less of it. See what this feels like, and then sustain the non-reactive attitude toward feeling tones.  Tomorrow: Refraining from Frivolous Speech One week from today: Cultivating Lovingkindness Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media #DhammaWheel Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.

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Via Daily Dharma: Appreciating Complexity

 

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Appreciating Complexity I see real love as the most fundamental of our innate capacities, never destroyed no matter what we might have gone through or might yet go through. It may be buried, obscured from view, hard to find, and hard to trust . . . but it is there. Sharon Salzberg, “Real Love” CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

​​ Putting Spirituality First Interview with Reverend Ken Yamada by Frederick M. Ranallo-Higgins In this conversation with Reverend Ken Yamada we explore the life and teachings of Kiyozawa Manshi, a controversial Jodo Shinshu Buddhist and Higashi Honganju priest who emphasized spirituality over worldly concerns. Read more » The Wisdom of Equanimity in Global Crisis With Lama Karma Tibetan Buddhist teacher Lama Karma offers a dharma talk on equanimity as a facet of primordial wisdom, and the basis for an authentic response to both personal and global challenges. Watch now »

Via Writing as a Spiritual Practice

 

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Learn to Write from the Heart in our newest Online Course!

Do you enjoy creative writing? Are you hoping to or do you already use writing as a tool on your spiritual path? Perhaps you don’t have any experience with writing but are interested in learning how to utilize it on your path to expression and flourishing.  If any of that resonates with you then our newest online course might be the perfect fit! We’re thrilled to introduce our newest Tricycle online course beginning March 25, 2024, Writing as a Spiritual Practice led by Zen teacher Sallie Tisdale.  Learn more and enroll » What does writing as a spiritual practice mean?  First it means learning to write from the place in which spiritual work happens. This means cultivating an attitude of open heartedness, curiosity, wonder, and fearlessness.  Second it means creating work that brings expression to those qualities. Human beings have always found ways to express the path of seeking and wonder and these expressions often have much to teach. This class includes a number of examples of spiritual expression and prompts for creating your own. This course will offer you the chance to:  Bring more creativity to your path Confront deep questions and celebrate fragile beauties Overcome self-censorship by using writing as an act of liberation Seek wholeness in self-expression and open to the joy and freedom that follows Share and celebrate your work with like-minded people Receive feedback and guidance on your work from teacher and expert guide Sallie Tisdale  Learn more about the course to see if it’s right for you! Enroll now »

Via GBF: "Navigating Missteps in Our Relationships" with René Rivera

How do we bring our practice into the difficult moments of relationships with others? Can we learn from these and approach them with curiosity and presence as an opportunity to grow?

René Rivera looks at the ways our practice can help us become more aware of when our words or behaviors generate conflict. He shares his approach to mend these transgressions, including: 

1. Be present with ourselves. Pause and focus on the sensations and emotions we feel when we make a mistake, such as shame, anger, or frustration. 
2. Open to the other person. Turn with curiosity to understanding the other person, such as acknowledging what has been said and being open to feedback.
3. Seek to repair the damage; make amends sooner rather than later. 

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Listen to the full talk on your favorite podcast player or our website:
https://gaybuddhist.org/podcast/navigating-missteps-in-our-relationships-rene-rivera/

 

Via Ram Dass - Love Serve Remember Foundation \\ Words of Wisdom - February 11, 2024 💌

 

Either you do it like it’s a big weight on you, or you do it as part of the dance. When you understand the thought is the thought of the thoughtless, your singing and dancing is no other than the voice of the dharma. Singing and dancing - insurance, savings accounts, jobs, responsibilities - Shiva’s dance of life. Do you do from ‘ugh’ or do it like ‘ah?’ Do you surf through it all, or do you carry it around like it's a load? 

- Ram Dass -

From Ram Dass Here & Now Podcast - Episode 23 - Shiva's Dance of Life

Via Daily Dharma: Transforming Through Discomfort

 

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Transforming Through Discomfort If we never work with uncomfort, we can never transform. Scott Tusa, “Cultivating Boundless Equanimity”  CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE FULL TALK

​​ It’s Not Too Late Rebeca Solnit in Conversation with James Shaheen and Sharon Salzberg Rebeca Solnit is determined to change the narrative of despair in the face of the climate crisis. In this piece, Solnit explores the dangers of hyperindividualism, the spiritual power of renunciation, and why she believes that beauty is an essential piece of activist work.  Read more » The Wisdom of Equanimity in Global Crisis With Lama Karma Tibetan Buddhist teacher Lama Karma offers a dharma talk on equanimity as a facet of primordial wisdom, and the basis for an authentic response to both personal and global challenges. Watch now » Follow Us Forward today's wisdom to a friend »