I also found the description of the field of merit very clear. Although I’ve heard it described many times, this time it ‘clicked’ that it’s all the beings who have ever become enlightened. Thank you.
I founded this email very important to me. Realizing that: Refuge means ‘taking clear direction.’ When we prostrate we are saying ‘this is the direction I am taking. In the Buddha as a model of who I wish to become.
Is really important. Thank you so much.
I gave a talk last Thursday and I talked about you fantastic work at the Mindful Safari, your books and the help you give around there.
So glad you got this message, Rossy. It is, indeed, the meaning of prostrating!
And thank you so much for your generous support by mentioning me in your talk. What we do, however, is a collective effort, which I could never do without you and my other generous subscribers. Warmest wishes.
I love cats, so when you write stories about cats, it warms my heart, as this story did. I loved "The Dalai Lama's Cat." A friend of mine just had a birthday, and I gave a copy to her.
Because I have a cat with an inner Buddha nature, I particularly enjoyed this story. My cat serves as my reminder to be present and connect with my own Buddha nature when I am meditating. She sits on my lap, and it almost spooky how quickly she discerns when my thoughts wander - and to remind me, she jumps off my lap. Thank you, Soxie (my cat) and thank you David - so very much!!
Like Chris I appreciated the explanation of bowing to certain statues. I recently purchased a lovely brass- casted Green Tara, whom I am particularly drawn to. I now see stopping to give a brief bow is acknowledging her enlightened status and acknowledging my desire to glean her wisdom and incorporate it into my way of being.
I resonated with your comments about cats being choosy/discerning. I've had several recent experiences of needing to let go of certain friends because we are not a match in a spiritual sense. I realize I prefer to spend time with folks who are on the Path, so to speak. Life is short and time is precious! Previously I might have self-criticized for being too picky. I now see it as choosing those who are fellow Travelers on the Path.
Many thanks, Brenda. Some of the texts tell us to avoid 'childish people' - i.e. those who are completely preoccupied with mundane things, espeically in a negative way. As you say, life is too precious to be spent on unhelpful diversions!
Being thoughtful about what we take refuge in....wow! Great backdrop of having Lynn scrolling through her phone. 😃
Your discussion about bowing and prostrating was very, very helpful. I had known Buddhists were not bowing to the statue, but the deeper levels of bowing we not known to me. "Thou shalt not have any graven images before me" is deeply implanted in ny childhood memory. Thank you, as always.
Thanks David. A straight forward explanation for a practice I have wondered about. That we all have a Buddha nature seems a bit like the christian concept of all being created in god's image. To me your explanation means that we could really prostrate ourselves anywhere, anytime. Doesn't have to be in a temple. Alas, I have plenty of layers to work through to reach my true nature! Thanks again for another pointer!
Glad you liked it Chris, and certainly Buddha himself wouldn't have prostrated in any temple! Don't worry, we all have plenty of layers to work through!
Thank uou once again! I so enjoy your stories about the Dalai Lama's Cat. I like the mouse-size as I can only ingest small amounts at one time. Although I also adore your books as well!
It’s that cat on high again taking it all in! I am a little more humble in my outlook on the methodology & reasoning behind bowing, be it singularly or multiples times. It’s little wonder I have been travelling on my own for many years. I have very precious like minded friends but few & those few if were to start punching on the mobile wouldn’t be asked a second time without warning. Our time is running out & so much to achieve & see leaves little time for such. Thanks David & why haven’t I googled this Boeing before??
Discerning! How absolutely perfect David. Not only to provide HHC with a delightful alternative to words such as “arrogant” but also to offer us human-suits another way of identifying our choice to walk/travel this journey with some and not others.
I also took refuge with Lama Yeshe Goyshsal and and am blessed for being able to do so. I have a connection with him which is above all understanding and I wish I could see him once more before I die. He is my holiness.
I have always believed that we own a dog and they appreciate us beyond words. We can do what we like and they will still come over and love us when we come home.
A cat owns us if they drain too. They expect nothing but unconditional respect in return. They do not love us but are prepared to put up with this show of affection but only for so long.
They are the most beautiful creatures in the land and they are a pleasure to be owned by. I love my two cats beyond words.
I have also heard the words of hear visitors to the holy land snd to me in this life I lead. I had s born again Christian ask me why we now before an object. I said it was because we believe and thank him for his word ms of wisdom that he spread and the wonderful thoughts he provoked.
The person went on about us praising a graven object. I said that we respected his teachings and showed honor to them.
I said why do you have a dead guy on the cross and pray to him. They said because we believe in their teachings. So I said what is the difference, you believe in a dead guy on a cross and I believe in a person born over 2000 years ago who
brought words to
Me which make sense and I believe in them. What is the difference.
I also found the description of the field of merit very clear. Although I’ve heard it described many times, this time it ‘clicked’ that it’s all the beings who have ever become enlightened. Thank you.
Very glad to hear this, thanks Gaye!
I founded this email very important to me. Realizing that: Refuge means ‘taking clear direction.’ When we prostrate we are saying ‘this is the direction I am taking. In the Buddha as a model of who I wish to become.
Is really important. Thank you so much.
I gave a talk last Thursday and I talked about you fantastic work at the Mindful Safari, your books and the help you give around there.
Thanks again,
Rossy Cortes
Mexico
So glad you got this message, Rossy. It is, indeed, the meaning of prostrating!
And thank you so much for your generous support by mentioning me in your talk. What we do, however, is a collective effort, which I could never do without you and my other generous subscribers. Warmest wishes.
I love cats, so when you write stories about cats, it warms my heart, as this story did. I loved "The Dalai Lama's Cat." A friend of mine just had a birthday, and I gave a copy to her.
My heartfelt thanks, Peggy!
Because I have a cat with an inner Buddha nature, I particularly enjoyed this story. My cat serves as my reminder to be present and connect with my own Buddha nature when I am meditating. She sits on my lap, and it almost spooky how quickly she discerns when my thoughts wander - and to remind me, she jumps off my lap. Thank you, Soxie (my cat) and thank you David - so very much!!
How fortunate you are, Donna. Some cats seem especially tuned into us when we meditate and Soxie sounds just like this. Such a privilege!
Like Chris I appreciated the explanation of bowing to certain statues. I recently purchased a lovely brass- casted Green Tara, whom I am particularly drawn to. I now see stopping to give a brief bow is acknowledging her enlightened status and acknowledging my desire to glean her wisdom and incorporate it into my way of being.
I resonated with your comments about cats being choosy/discerning. I've had several recent experiences of needing to let go of certain friends because we are not a match in a spiritual sense. I realize I prefer to spend time with folks who are on the Path, so to speak. Life is short and time is precious! Previously I might have self-criticized for being too picky. I now see it as choosing those who are fellow Travelers on the Path.
Many thanks, Brenda. Some of the texts tell us to avoid 'childish people' - i.e. those who are completely preoccupied with mundane things, espeically in a negative way. As you say, life is too precious to be spent on unhelpful diversions!
Being thoughtful about what we take refuge in....wow! Great backdrop of having Lynn scrolling through her phone. 😃
Your discussion about bowing and prostrating was very, very helpful. I had known Buddhists were not bowing to the statue, but the deeper levels of bowing we not known to me. "Thou shalt not have any graven images before me" is deeply implanted in ny childhood memory. Thank you, as always.
So glad you found that helpful, Penny.
Thanks David. A straight forward explanation for a practice I have wondered about. That we all have a Buddha nature seems a bit like the christian concept of all being created in god's image. To me your explanation means that we could really prostrate ourselves anywhere, anytime. Doesn't have to be in a temple. Alas, I have plenty of layers to work through to reach my true nature! Thanks again for another pointer!
Glad you liked it Chris, and certainly Buddha himself wouldn't have prostrated in any temple! Don't worry, we all have plenty of layers to work through!
Thank uou once again! I so enjoy your stories about the Dalai Lama's Cat. I like the mouse-size as I can only ingest small amounts at one time. Although I also adore your books as well!
Prrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
Loved the story! I felt very inspired and the story helped me understand more of Buddhism.
So glad to hear this, Kim!
You answered my question! When I asked about accumulations, part of it had to do with prostrations. Thank you!
What a wonderful education, yet entertaining piece. Interesting how lively the conversation got as people responded to one another.
Glad it resonated with you, thanks Lynn!
It’s that cat on high again taking it all in! I am a little more humble in my outlook on the methodology & reasoning behind bowing, be it singularly or multiples times. It’s little wonder I have been travelling on my own for many years. I have very precious like minded friends but few & those few if were to start punching on the mobile wouldn’t be asked a second time without warning. Our time is running out & so much to achieve & see leaves little time for such. Thanks David & why haven’t I googled this Boeing before??
LOL! Many thanks for your response, Sue!
Discerning! How absolutely perfect David. Not only to provide HHC with a delightful alternative to words such as “arrogant” but also to offer us human-suits another way of identifying our choice to walk/travel this journey with some and not others.
Exactly, thank you Marilyn!
I also took refuge with Lama Yeshe Goyshsal and and am blessed for being able to do so. I have a connection with him which is above all understanding and I wish I could see him once more before I die. He is my holiness.
I have always believed that we own a dog and they appreciate us beyond words. We can do what we like and they will still come over and love us when we come home.
A cat owns us if they drain too. They expect nothing but unconditional respect in return. They do not love us but are prepared to put up with this show of affection but only for so long.
They are the most beautiful creatures in the land and they are a pleasure to be owned by. I love my two cats beyond words.
I have also heard the words of hear visitors to the holy land snd to me in this life I lead. I had s born again Christian ask me why we now before an object. I said it was because we believe and thank him for his word ms of wisdom that he spread and the wonderful thoughts he provoked.
The person went on about us praising a graven object. I said that we respected his teachings and showed honor to them.
I said why do you have a dead guy on the cross and pray to him. They said because we believe in their teachings. So I said what is the difference, you believe in a dead guy on a cross and I believe in a person born over 2000 years ago who
brought words to
Me which make sense and I believe in them. What is the difference.
You have your way of believing and I have mine.
Thank you David.
The world is the same all over
Peter
Many thanks for sharing this with us, Peter! It is indeed a privilege to be owned by a cat!
Be a cat! Most excellent and wise counsel! Namaste 💜🙏🧘♀️ 🐈⬛🐈
Prrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!