40 Comments

Ah David, the most easiest explanation I ever read. How clever. That’s it in a nutshell (Quality Street Tin)!

I, like you, also used to enjoy this special gift and like you, enjoyed the same choices you made. It was always so special. My mother too, always kept the tin. They are just so useful.

However, I still get overjoyed at seeing the tin as in your picture. The hint of pleasures to desire lay within, and when the desires were finished, one always looks longingly at the tin. Whilst the contents were fabulous, no matter how long you tried to eek them out, they finally finished. Showing how our grasping eventually leads to samsara. So true in life.

I still enjoy the tin because it promises so much. In your case your mother ensured it continued giving, maybe not exactly what your mind told you but something to be savored.

That is why meditation is so interesting. It is amazing what you see coming out of your own tin. If you savor them as one did the chocolate delights, it is easier to see them for what they are and because they are so bountiful, it is easier to let them go, you

don’t need to eek them out. There will always be another.

I just love the tin!

Thank you for the beautiful photos from Twala. They are just so beautiful.

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You're so right Peter - opening the meditation tin is always interesting!

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Dear David,

Thanks for your kind words acknowledging the terrible fires razing Southern California. I grew up in the small town of Altadena, the site of the Eaton Canyon Fire, which is now totally leveled. Although I haven't lived there for decades, my childhood memories of hiking the canyon amidst the smell of sycamore trees are still strong. Such a lesson in impermanence...and staying present with this moment as we figure out how to help family and friends who have been evacuated.

I am so grateful for the Buddha's teachings -- when this level of loss and devastation happens and non-attachment is no longer an abstract idea, that is when we finally understand that the 'contents are not the tin'.

With gratitude,

Misha

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Very much appreciate your comments about impermanence and understanding the contents are not the tin in relation to what is happening to those of us in the SoCal area. thank you

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My hearfelt thanks, Linda. May you stay safe!

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Thanks so much for your moving response, Misha!

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What a beautiful takeaway! The mind is formless. As I read the analogy and slowly started to understand it, it occurred me that the mind can take any form. When it is filled with happy and positive thoughts it feels expanded and light. However when negative thoughts fill it, it feels constrained and heavy. Almost as if they don't leave the mind at all making it even more heavy. Taking that load off takes time.

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Many thanks for commenting, 'Young Writers' Club'!

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Thank you for bringing up the fires in LA. I grew up in a beachtown 1/2hour south of the fires and enjoyed spending time at bookstores, hiking and going to Lake Shrine in Pacific Palisades.

I no longer live in the immediate LA area, but have a small horse ranch a little south —also in red flag fire conditions with santa ana winds gusting the past week.

My 89 yr old father with dementia is in Orange County. When up caring for him a couple days ago, people in shops, out and about—there was a palpable concern and sadness for the ongoing loss being experienced by so many—by all sentient beings in the path of fires just north of us.

Like others, really like the metaphor mistaking the contents for the tin.

Ever thankful for you and giving us a way to help support your many worthy causes.

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Dear David, thank you for the illustration of mind.

I am curious to know whether Buddhist practice reduces disease if the mind, forms of dementia, mental illness etc?

I would be interested to hear your thoughts?

Regards,

Paula

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Thanks Paula. I don't know about Buddhist practices per se, but there is abundant evidence about the benefits of meditation and mindfulness practice on mind and body. Just ask Google/Chat GTP and a whole lot of references will come up if you search for specific conditions.

Other elements of living a connected, purposeful life are certainly recognised as the causes of longevity and wellbeing. That said, one could say the same of a person whether they are Buddhist, Christian or nothing in particular.

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A great reminder for me and also to see the animal pix. I feel good to know I - and others - are making a little difference. Thank you, David!

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My pleasure Judi!

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Dear David,

Thank you so much for your clear explanation about our minds. It is very helpful. I am always so happy to see all these cute sentient beings.

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So glad, thank you Ayelet!

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What a useful analogy is the biscuit tin! Filling and emptying, over and over...

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Exactly, thank you Elaine!

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This is mind changing. When I have a an unpleasant thought, I picture spoiled food in my container (mind)

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... and then you chuck it out!

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Thanks David for this brilliant post. Will I even look at tins filled with chocolates the same ever again! And the pictures of those special creatures who get a second chance by devoted animal carers.

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Many thanks indeed, Sue!

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Succinct explanation which immediately makes perfect sense. Thank you

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So happy you found it so, thank you Sarah!

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The biscuit tin as mind analogy - brilliant! I love this teaching.

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Glad it resonates with you, Gaye!

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Thanks David for a great metaphor as well as some lovely pictures. Tom

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My pleasure, thanks Tom!

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🙏🏽💝

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Well, you got my attention immediately. I love chocolates and tins! This analogy was a delight, very vivid and rich. Thank you.

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We're on the same page, thank you Penelope!

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What a beautiful simple metaphor! I just want to say thank you. 💖

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My pleasure, thank you for your comment, Christopher!

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