Betsy Loeb
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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”.
Dear Sue Ellen,
Yes…tax time. So complicated! I appreciate how much you delved into where are your investments? And, where and how you spend your money. I know nothing about living in Alaska but it seems that there is an added challenge there.
Best to you as you sort through all this. And, I hope you’ll be gentle with yourself and see so much of this is a life long process.Dear Tracy,
Oh, my! You are experiencing a lot of hard stuff!! In the midst of all of this, I wish you gentleness and self-care and speedy healing.
BetsyFor me, “right intention” is a big challenge. However, it’s hard to separate it from “right view”. Somehow “right intention” seems endless given that it aligns with “right view”. Do I really behave in a way that deeply appreciates the ever-changing, fragility of life? When I interact with others, do I have that intention to appreciate who they are and that our lives together are fleeting? I don’t think I do. I assume that I will see my loved ones tomorrow (they’ll be here forever and so will I.)
I think in order to grasp the fleeting nature of life, I’d be much more appreciative of the little things in life and less focused to getting what I want.
As a grandmother who LOVES dearly my 3 grandsons, do my intentions with them reflect the preciousness of their human birth? I think so. However, I can also be “assuming” that our relationships will be forever.
Thank you for reading this.
BetsyFor me the 4 Reminders seen so sharp for me in 2 areas (as others have mentioned).
As an elder, I grapple with this stage. I have a mixture of feelings: appreciation for my good health, fear of impermanence and that too soon I’ll die and fear of what that aging and dying experience will be (will I be disabled, lose my memory, be in pain, etc. etc…). Currently, on good days I’m enjoying the luxury of being capable physically, mentally & emotionally to connect with family, friends and this Sangha.
For me, embracing this stage with others would be so beneficial as the Sangha has been so beneficial in its connecting to many life experiences.The other arena is the political destruction of our “fledgling” Democracy. Again, I’ve been very privileged in my life and I know for too many others hardships have been for them their entire life. I worry and fear for everyone…most certainly my children & grandchildren. The future is unknown, of course, the answers are yet to be revealed and I’m grateful for our discussions in the OHP.
Dear Anna, So much of what you express resonates with me, too. The political upheaval is beyond what I believed would ever happen. And, so as you state from a Buddhist perspective
“a Buddhist sense of uncertainty, of coming to terms with the fact that we don’t know what will happen and that there’s maybe room for us to intervene.”“you act the way in which you would like all of society to act – thereby “prefiguring” (anticipating, trying out) how it might be in a better future.” This reminds me of “Be the change you’d like to see in the world.” by Gandhi. It feels like the times are asking that of me/us.
Thank you for your reflections. Betsy
Dear Sue Ellen, Your essay is beautifully written, I feel the emotions and the sense of connection that you have with your husband and the clarity of your own self-reflection. I, too, am an elder and find the quote, “Getting older is not for sissies” reflects my feelings. Best to you and your family. Betsy
Dear Amy,
What an intimate “conversation” with Thich Hat Hans. Your words reflect your heart-felt desires to mix your mind with his. To hold his teachings in your heart, to guide you on your path. Your “do you feel hopeful?” is my question, too. And, what a loving response: “sweet one,….and will ever be.” Thank you for your insights through your writing.Dear Sue Ellen,
What a beautiful and powerful “conversation” with your grandfather. I never knew my grandparents (they died before I was born) so imagining how valuable your time was with him is so lovely. And, your words of description of his teachings “debris field after a shipwreck” and “The ship was no more, but the shore was still there, the water cleared.” are all so poetic, beautiful and firmly held in your heart. Thank you for sharing your grandfather with me.
