So much appreciation for these explorations and explanations - thank you! In sobriety, more than ever before in my life, I find myself acutely aware of and monitoring everyday karma. If I do a thing - if I even think or intend a thing or bring a certain (usually unspoken, often subconscious) agenda to my words or actions - it always has consequences (whether welcome or unwelcome). Seeing this - and desiring to feel less pain in the form of regret, dread, anxiety, guilt, etc. - has a massive influence on how I show up and what I do if I notice things have gone sideways. Thank you again for your wise teachings!
"I find myself acutely aware of and monitoring everyday karma. If I do a thing - if I even think or intend a thing or bring a certain (usually unspoken, often subconscious) agenda to my words or actions - it always has consequences (whether welcome or unwelcome)."
Awareness is enough much of the time, perhaps all of the time. The teachings, as I understand them, encouraging trusting the mind, trusting zazen (seated meditation). This seems to run counter to a lot of what I (or: we) hear and see about controlling and training the mind. I find that I need to continually reconnect with that trust in part because of my environment.
The same is the case for, as we sometimes say, "acting wholeheartedly and detaching from results." That is so challenging for me and an on-going practice, especially when I am invested a great deal in something (e.g., sobriety).
I love that: "Awareness is enough much of the time, perhaps all of the time." It really is. The practice itself already changes things, I find. I'm still learning (likely will always be learning!) to release my "must do it better" voice. But I have such faith in the practice, the teachings, and in the person I consider my primary teacher (Gil Fronsdal). And sobriety has emerged as another great teacher, for sure.
Thank you Taishin Michael!! You put a lot of effort in your offerings and it shows. I really liked your use of the word ‘orientation’. That just makes sense and resonates perfectly.
Thank you! I started experimenting with the word about a year ago, and it's taken root since then. These days I'm looking for an alternative to "boundaries," which feels infused with aversion.
So much appreciation for these explorations and explanations - thank you! In sobriety, more than ever before in my life, I find myself acutely aware of and monitoring everyday karma. If I do a thing - if I even think or intend a thing or bring a certain (usually unspoken, often subconscious) agenda to my words or actions - it always has consequences (whether welcome or unwelcome). Seeing this - and desiring to feel less pain in the form of regret, dread, anxiety, guilt, etc. - has a massive influence on how I show up and what I do if I notice things have gone sideways. Thank you again for your wise teachings!
I found myself smiling as I read these words:
"I find myself acutely aware of and monitoring everyday karma. If I do a thing - if I even think or intend a thing or bring a certain (usually unspoken, often subconscious) agenda to my words or actions - it always has consequences (whether welcome or unwelcome)."
Awareness is enough much of the time, perhaps all of the time. The teachings, as I understand them, encouraging trusting the mind, trusting zazen (seated meditation). This seems to run counter to a lot of what I (or: we) hear and see about controlling and training the mind. I find that I need to continually reconnect with that trust in part because of my environment.
The same is the case for, as we sometimes say, "acting wholeheartedly and detaching from results." That is so challenging for me and an on-going practice, especially when I am invested a great deal in something (e.g., sobriety).
I love that: "Awareness is enough much of the time, perhaps all of the time." It really is. The practice itself already changes things, I find. I'm still learning (likely will always be learning!) to release my "must do it better" voice. But I have such faith in the practice, the teachings, and in the person I consider my primary teacher (Gil Fronsdal). And sobriety has emerged as another great teacher, for sure.
Fantastic example and awareness of Karma. Very helpful Dana!!
Thanks, Christopher!
Thank you Taishin Michael!! You put a lot of effort in your offerings and it shows. I really liked your use of the word ‘orientation’. That just makes sense and resonates perfectly.
Thank you! I started experimenting with the word about a year ago, and it's taken root since then. These days I'm looking for an alternative to "boundaries," which feels infused with aversion.
Any suggestions?