If you remember back to our study of the third Transcendental Virtue of Diligence, we discussed the three ways we support our spiritual practice: Study (learning), Contemplation (reflection), and Meditation (application).
We can look at Study as the accumulation of knowledge needed to help us on our spiritual path.
Contemplation and reflection on that knowledge we have gained, both inside and outside of our meditation practice, leads to deeper understanding and confidence in the path.
Meditation is the tool that leads to wisdom, allowing us to recognize our habitual patterns and see things as they truly are. Seeing the true nature of our experiences in daily life and seeing our connection with the other beings in our world enables us to have an even deeper understanding of our previous knowledge and to have a sense of equanimity with whatever we encounter in life. This leads to less suffering in our life and the ability to interact with others in ways that support their growth and reduce their suffering as well.
Wisdom stems from our true nature, our innate clarity and compassion. Recognize that true nature is not something we can force or “make happen.” One teacher has said that, “Awakening is always an ‘accident’, but meditation makes us more accident prone.” So, the practices that we have been working with encourage the mind to relax, fall completely open, and rest at ease; without having to continually recreate and prop up the world defined by our ego. Resting in that basic space of awareness, we are aware of thoughts and sensations arising and dissolving in that space, but we are not “caught” in the thoughts. We are not feeding the storyline by giving the thoughts and feelings our attention. When we rest this way, we can see the insubstantial nature of thoughts and feelings as they arise and dissolve.
By learning to maintain mindfulness during our daily life, we can begin to become aware of which thoughts are wholesome and lead to greater well-being and which thoughts are unskillful and lead us into more suffering. Just being aware of what is arising keeps us from being caught in habitual patterns of thinking and gives us space to respond in more skillful ways. Knowing our mind, with all its different parts and patterns, we can meet all our experience with equanimity, acceptance, and compassion.
Here are some words from the Insight Meditation teacher Tara Brach, from her book, Trusting the Gold: Uncovering Your Natural Goodness.
In the moments of remembering and trusting in this basic goodness of our Being, the grip of “something’s wrong” dissolves and we open to happiness, peace, and freedom.
The realization of [being good] enough is right here in the fullness of presence, the tenderness of an open heart, in the silence that is listening to this life. These are the moments when the glow of gold (our true nature) shines through.
Reflection:
Pause and let yourself sink into this moment, into presence, into your heart.
Gently say to yourself, “There is nothing to do. This is enough… I am enough.”
Feel the fullness and peace of coming home.
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