Most of us need to spiral inwards into calm and silence, to root ourselves in strength and steadiness, before we send out new tendrils of interest and activity. The 15th Tibetan scholar Tsongkhapa recognized the importance of this, using the analogy of a tapestry hung in a dingy, unlit room. If you have a “radiant, steady lamp,” it will be easy for you to examine the tapestry, and to study its various images. But if your light is too dim, or the wind causes it to flicker, you won’t be ale to see the hanging properly. To do this, you nee heart-felt commitment and sustained, focused attention: skills that Buddhist training can provide. ~Christian McEwen
this quiet is deeply needed this time of the year, and yet we find it most elusive…..may a little of the magic and sparkle of the season invite in a reverie….a deeper dream…..
climbed the blue staircase up to sky
climbed where the roses were opening
where roses were speaking
heard nothing- nothing to hear
heard silence
I climbed where the roses were singing
where the gods were waiting
blue staircase up in the sky
but heard nothing- nothing to hear
heard silence- silence
~Huichol people
The spirit, by its very nature, is Slow.
~Carl Honore