Thoughts

Hi all - long time no blog, eh?

No great insights here - just living life. Remaining mindful and aware can be a tremendous challenge in the day to day of a life with a marriage, kids, a budget.

I very much wish that some of the great Buddhist teachers had shared this life, and had commented on it. Even the Buddha stepped away from these visceral issues whilst he sought Understanding.

I love the path I've chosen. I love my marriage, my husband. I love my kids. I love my 2 cats and 1 dog. I love the challenge of my life - I am grateful that I have the opportunity to grow and learn so much. It's all very good, if challenging to my mindfulness, my peace of heart. I'm content with it all.

Chö-kor Düchen

Via the Palyul Yahoo forum, from http://www.pcddallas.org/Tibetan_Calendar_2007.htm

TODAY is Chökhor Düchen July 18, 2007

There are four major Special Buddha Days or "Festivals" (düchen) in a year which relate to the life of Buddha Shakyamuni.

During these days, it is said that the effects of positive or negative actions are multiplied 10 million times, so practice is strongly advised.

...

Chokhor Düchen - Buddha Shakyamuni First Turns the Wheel of Dharma

...

Chökhor Düchen July 18, 2007 (Tibetan Chö-kor Düchen-14th day of 6th lunar month): the "First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma" (first teaching) is celebrated. For the first seven weeks after his Enlightenment, Buddha did not teach. Encouraged by Indra and Brahma, he then gave his first teachings at Sarnath on the Four Noble Truths.

Well, there you are. If you didn't know, now you do.

Little by Little ...

I had forgotten I'd found this ...

Drop by drop, is the water pot filled.
A little at a time, wise people make themselves good.

-- Buddha

Mindfulness, Focus and Real Life

Life is keeping me busy. I've actually managed meditative practice a few times this week, though, which has been wonderful. Pema Chödrön talks of having more room in her mind after Practice, and it is easy for me to understand the analogy.

I could have totally used the time today. It has been hard to be mindful this evening, especially .... Which sutra is it where the Buddha turns to his monks and says something to the effect of "See how happy you are? You have no crops to fail, no animals to husband...."?

Well, I have chosen my path, and it is truly a wonderful one. Time to take a moment to be grateful, and to smile at all the elements in my life, for they are truly all a blessing.