Betsy Loeb
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Dear Sue Ellen,
I ditto Anna’s remarks. Clearly you put your heart in this “exercise” and someone will receive such love!
BetsyDear Tracy,
How fortunate that a high school girl might find this beautiful writing.
I know it will be a welcomed delight.
And, how wonderful that you work at a high school.
BetsyI wrote inside a card the following:
“A child’s world is fresh and new and beautiful, full of wonder and excitement. It is our misfortune that for most of us that clear-eyed vision, that true instinct for what is beautiful and awe-inspiring, is dimmed and even lost before we reach adulthood. If I had influence with the good fairy…I should ask that her gift to each child in the world be a sense of wonder…that it would last throughout life…”
By Rachel Carson from the book: The Sense of WonderI put this inside a book that I placed in one of the small “free library” stands in my neighborhood while I was outside walking my dog on a most beautiful day.
Thank you for this exercise. Such delights I think are especially needed during these very troubling times.
I don’t know why, but I don’t seem to have a good example to share for this question.
The only example might be when I was discussing with a few folks about my experience at the Hands-Off protest. None of them had gone. I didn’t ask them why. However, they seem to think that protests don’t make a difference. At times, I have wondered that also. However, I responded with that I think they do make a difference (as other actions matter, too) and that it has been said that the demonstrations during the Vietnam War were the turning point for President Johnson. After my stating that, nothing else was said.
So in some ways, maybe I shut down further exploration on the topic. I could have started with Pacify (to listen, to be patient) and then to see what might have occurred next (magnetize).
Dear Sue Ellen, Thank you for your share. I can imagine that it’s difficult to see your husband with mild cognitive impairment navigate the world…especially technology. Two very close friends had husbands who developed dementia and it became very exhausting for them. I do wish you the best and hope that you are gentle with yourself and call for support when you need it. You’ll do the best for your husband when you are able to do the best for yourself.
Dear Pam,
I can imagine your predicament! I, too, have a dog who just a few weeks ago after having eaten grass (which I wasn’t aware of) vomited on my rug. Fortunately I got to it soon and have a wonderful carpet cleaner that after a few hours wipes away any evidence of the mess. I can appreciate your concern especially while staying at a friend’s house!Dear Sue Ellen, What a beautiful description of this scene. Though you may have difficulties with associating the Buddha families with people, your association of this with the Ratna family seemed to have flowed easily. What a joy that it’s your “happy place”. Thank you for sharing it with us.Betsy
Dear Tricia, Your description is so precise! I appreciate how your dissected different aspects to reflect a few of the Buddha families. I tend to forget that there may be more than one reflected in a scene or within us. Thank you for that reminder. Betsy
This past week Spring has sprung in my yard! Most evident are many clusters of yellow daffodils growing up from the darkened earth (from the rain) and set up against a greener grass than what was during the winter.
It’s easy to see the daffodils exhibiting their bright yellow; they seem to dance with joy in the breeze. (When I was a child, I remember my classmates and I having head-dresses shaped like flowers. I was a pansy. And, we danced on stage in these costumes. This is one of my favorite childhood memories.)
I would suggest that the scene with the daffodils represent the Ratna family. “The color of Ratna is a rich golden yellow.” (from Kevin’s book) Daffodils are so unique that for many children they are the first and easiest of flowers to recognize and name. And, they are one of the first to emerge in Spring. (Though Ratna is associated with autumn, I think.)
Earth is the element associated with Ratna. Upon viewing daffodils, I see the richness of the earth that fosters their growth. I also see that because it is one of the first flowers to bloom, it takes pride in that. I’ve rarely seen just one daffodil. As with the Ratna family, it’s about “excess and amassing bling to prove what a hotshot you are.” (Kevin)
Lastly, Ratna’s wisdom energy is “equanimity”…”we have enough”. (Kevin)
Dear Pam,
What fortunate trees to be in relationship with you and the Heart Sutra! Thank you for your reflections. I, personally, need to strengthen my relationship and appreciation for the trees and the fuller nature that surrounds me.Dear Sue Ellen,
Several things you mention I’ve experienced, too! The chanting with drums; the wonder about bringing in “playfulness and energy”. I find myself needing to remind myself of that during my life experiences off the cushion.
BetsyWhat does this (The Heart Sutra) mean to me?
I’ve chanted the Heart Sutra a few times this past week (as well as a few times in the past). At first, I heard the “words”. And, there was a sense of frustration for not comprehending them all. However, as I’ve listened to Susan and read her wonderful book “Inexplicable Joy On the Heart Sutra” I have come to understand many more.
Another time I felt the history, the lineage, the amazing time of the Buddha and his most intimate followers. I felt in “awe” with the beauty and the confidence of the Buddha to allow the teachings to flow from Avalokiteshvara. It felt like BEAUTY!
Another time, the rhythm was predominant for me. Many years ago when I first heard the Heart Sutra chanted it was accompanied by a large drum keeping the beat. So now when I chant I still hear that powerful drum and feel the power of the message (though without understanding).
Lastly, I’d like to lighten up a bit with it when I chant it next. I think it can be playful and full of delight.
I’d like to reflect also in the reading: “Intimacy is predicated on just such a personal approach and Lady Prajnaparamita seems to respond more readily to the warmth of the inner world than anything academic.” This seems to offer the notion that each time the Heart Sutra is chanted, our inner world has changed and thus it’s as if I’m chanting it for the first time. This also reminds me a bit of what I’m understanding in “On Becoming an Alchemist”.
Anna, I appreciate for relative Bodichitta: your “feeling someone else’s feelings by being brave enough to open my heart”. I never thought of it as “bravery”, but it does require ourselves being vulnerable and to take risks.
And, with ultimate Bodichitta: the mix…the sameness…therefore, boundaries no longer exist.
Thank you for your comments. So helpful.
Betsy“Relative bodhicitta is how we learn to love each other and ourselves, according to Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. The basic principle of ultimate bodhicitta is to rest in the fundamental state of consciousness, before it is divided into ‘I and ‘other.’
Generosity is self-existing openness, complete openness. The ultimate principle of the awakened heart is based on developing transcendent generosity. You are no longer subject to cultivating your own scheme or project. And the best way to open yourself up is to make friends with yourself and others.”I decided to cheat a bit. I copied the above from our reading.
As I see “relative Bodhichitta”, it’s our daily practice in our life experiences of bringing loving-kindness and compassion to self and others. It’s being generous to others. It is ultimate & divine love. It is getting off of the “me-first-train”. It’s thinking of others with kindness as best we are able in the moment.
I believe that “ultimate Bodhichitta” can be best described when a woman first gives birth to her child. (And, I recognize that under certain circumstances not all new moms experience this.) There is no feeling of separation. Just a feeling of how can I be with you in a way that gives unconditional support and love to you for your well-being and ease into becoming a human. In ultimate Bodhichitta there is only “us”.
