Good Morning David. Thank you for HHC’s story and the distinction between regret and guilt. One can lead to positive action the other continues destruction. The link did not work for me so I googled with the information you provided (in case others ran into the same problem).
You are part of my Saturday morning ritual and your musings, sharing and stories help set the tone for the weekend. So, thank you...
Really sorry that link didn't work for you and someone else, Debra. Not sure why. I will have to ask the Substack support team. Many thanks indeed for your kind feedback!
It’s always a joy to discover a mouse-size musing in my inbox! HHC has become like an old friend and I’m always delighted to hear from her and learn something valid through her. Thank you.
This came at such an opportune time — a friend’s granddaughter caused a horrendous auto accident and I forwarded this to my friend in hopes she can share it with her granddaughter. She will need a guide to deal with her guilt and this is productive, not wallowing…
Utterly delightful, David. The combination of Buddhist wisdom delivered by and through a beloved cat is always especially powerful (and heartwarming) for me.
Reminds me of a time when I was overheard by the tutor in a counselling course saying to a small group of women, who were expressing their guilt about this that and the other, I had given up guilt.
He said only psychopaths felt no guilt! Then with a twinkle in his eye he asked me to explain to the whole class after the break.
My theme was guilt saps the the energy to make amends, where as regret and remorse can lead to action to correct the situation if one is able or at least learn the lesson.
I am not a Buddhist but I feel gratitude for the retreat weekends led by Buddhists monks that our yoga teacher arranged. These and Transpersonal Psychology taught the being an observer of one’s actions and reactions.
I am grateful for these stories too, these reminders are steadying. They bring a smile too.
I am so very happy to hear this, Maureen, and to know that you already experience the benefits of these practices. Calling oneself a 'Buddhist' is merely a label, applied to another label ('me') - the important thing is to keep growing.
Thank you, David, I am in my latter eighties and yes, the lessons keep coming!
0ne of the yoga class retreats was held by the Rev. John H Richards. He was a university chaplain, he became ordained after ten years of being a Buddhist monk in the far east.
He studied in Pali, when offered a forest monastery he felt led to bring what he had learned to the faith of his childhood. On the retreat he was able to merge Buddhist and the teaching of Jesus as one.
This chimed with my own thoughts, another story, so I have been fortunate with the opportunities that I have come across over the years.
His translation of the Ashtavakra Gita is very clear and very readable.
How appropriate for me - I was just wallowing in guilt and remorse over something I had done - my work somewhat half-heartedly. I killed some bees that had swarmed into my house from their home in my attic. A no-kill exterminator was not immediately available and I was afraid they would sting my family or my 20 foster cats. I love bees and had great regrets. But now I feel better - I have ordered a hive and beekeeping equipment to house the remainder of the colony now in my attic. A local beekeeper will assist me. My handyman/gardener would like to get into beekeeping with me. Without regret- none of this would have happened. I feel happy and am my old self again.
Another very thought provoking musing from HHC. Guilt is indeed a very debilitating and large part of some Christian religions. I know that the level of "Catholic guilt" drilled into me at a young age often amazes and perplexes my husband.
As always David your writing not only entertains but teaches me new ways to see and approach life. Thanks to both you and HHC ❤️🐱
David, I just read Twala, Regret vs Guilt and the article about Nature and how it affects us. I am grateful to you for composing these and posting them with regularity as I find I turn to them for enjoyment but also at times when I need support - when things in life begin to become weighty. After reading your articles the weight of my burdens is lifted and I feel happy again and see clearly how I allowed myself to “slump”. Thank you David and thank you for all the good you do for ALL animals. 🌹
This made for lighthearted but informative reading at 3.30am when the brain decides it’s had enough sleep! HHC always comes at an opportune time to ease the mind. Guilty is a word I try not to have in my vocabulary, however regret lingers but softens over time. Lovely mouse size musing & thank you.
As always these mouse sized musings are invaluable. Being able to address our errors and harms in the direct way described is indeed hopeful. Thank you once again for a most timely teaching 🙏
Good Morning David. Thank you for HHC’s story and the distinction between regret and guilt. One can lead to positive action the other continues destruction. The link did not work for me so I googled with the information you provided (in case others ran into the same problem).
You are part of my Saturday morning ritual and your musings, sharing and stories help set the tone for the weekend. So, thank you...
Really sorry that link didn't work for you and someone else, Debra. Not sure why. I will have to ask the Substack support team. Many thanks indeed for your kind feedback!
It’s always a joy to discover a mouse-size musing in my inbox! HHC has become like an old friend and I’m always delighted to hear from her and learn something valid through her. Thank you.
I am really happy to hear this, thanks Cathy!
Gratitude for such a delicious mouse size musing by HHC! The teaching on the 4 opponent powers is especially timely. Many thanks! _/\_
Glad you found this so, Nimrod!
This came at such an opportune time — a friend’s granddaughter caused a horrendous auto accident and I forwarded this to my friend in hopes she can share it with her granddaughter. She will need a guide to deal with her guilt and this is productive, not wallowing…
Thank you.
I so hope your friend's granddaughter is able to work through her feelings. Elizabeth.
Utterly delightful, David. The combination of Buddhist wisdom delivered by and through a beloved cat is always especially powerful (and heartwarming) for me.
Very glad to hear it, thank you Deborah!
Thank you, David. Such a delightful tale! Also such an uplifting one- I'll cherish the image of the moon freed of clouds. 🙏🏼💗
Many thanks indeed, Sharadha - not that I can claim credit for that particular image!
Reminds me of a time when I was overheard by the tutor in a counselling course saying to a small group of women, who were expressing their guilt about this that and the other, I had given up guilt.
He said only psychopaths felt no guilt! Then with a twinkle in his eye he asked me to explain to the whole class after the break.
My theme was guilt saps the the energy to make amends, where as regret and remorse can lead to action to correct the situation if one is able or at least learn the lesson.
I am not a Buddhist but I feel gratitude for the retreat weekends led by Buddhists monks that our yoga teacher arranged. These and Transpersonal Psychology taught the being an observer of one’s actions and reactions.
I am grateful for these stories too, these reminders are steadying. They bring a smile too.
I am so very happy to hear this, Maureen, and to know that you already experience the benefits of these practices. Calling oneself a 'Buddhist' is merely a label, applied to another label ('me') - the important thing is to keep growing.
Thank you, David, I am in my latter eighties and yes, the lessons keep coming!
0ne of the yoga class retreats was held by the Rev. John H Richards. He was a university chaplain, he became ordained after ten years of being a Buddhist monk in the far east.
He studied in Pali, when offered a forest monastery he felt led to bring what he had learned to the faith of his childhood. On the retreat he was able to merge Buddhist and the teaching of Jesus as one.
This chimed with my own thoughts, another story, so I have been fortunate with the opportunities that I have come across over the years.
His translation of the Ashtavakra Gita is very clear and very readable.
I have a download on my kindle via Amazon.
I always enjoy HHC's musings! Thank you David for sharing all that you know and contemplate of the Buddha's Way :) xoxo
It is truly my joy, Maura!
How appropriate for me - I was just wallowing in guilt and remorse over something I had done - my work somewhat half-heartedly. I killed some bees that had swarmed into my house from their home in my attic. A no-kill exterminator was not immediately available and I was afraid they would sting my family or my 20 foster cats. I love bees and had great regrets. But now I feel better - I have ordered a hive and beekeeping equipment to house the remainder of the colony now in my attic. A local beekeeper will assist me. My handyman/gardener would like to get into beekeeping with me. Without regret- none of this would have happened. I feel happy and am my old self again.
HI Winnie, It's interesting how a useful insight so often comes our way when we most need it! Thank you for sharing your experience!
Lovely story David. I’ve taken up purring.
You'll be getting strange looks from Bibi no doubt?!
The concept of Opponent Practices reminds me, in a way, of the Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi.
To whit:
"Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, light;
Where there is sadness, joy..."
and it also contains:
"For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned..."
I see a "karmic element" in this.
I agree, Philip. A beautiful quote from a true master!
Another very thought provoking musing from HHC. Guilt is indeed a very debilitating and large part of some Christian religions. I know that the level of "Catholic guilt" drilled into me at a young age often amazes and perplexes my husband.
As always David your writing not only entertains but teaches me new ways to see and approach life. Thanks to both you and HHC ❤️🐱
My heartfelt thanks for your beautiful message, Sharon!
David, I just read Twala, Regret vs Guilt and the article about Nature and how it affects us. I am grateful to you for composing these and posting them with regularity as I find I turn to them for enjoyment but also at times when I need support - when things in life begin to become weighty. After reading your articles the weight of my burdens is lifted and I feel happy again and see clearly how I allowed myself to “slump”. Thank you David and thank you for all the good you do for ALL animals. 🌹
I am happy and humbled that you feel this way - thank you so much Michele - and thank you for helping the animals too!
This made for lighthearted but informative reading at 3.30am when the brain decides it’s had enough sleep! HHC always comes at an opportune time to ease the mind. Guilty is a word I try not to have in my vocabulary, however regret lingers but softens over time. Lovely mouse size musing & thank you.
So happy that you find the pieces engaging but useful too, Sue - exactly what I am trying to do! Many thanks indeed.
As always these mouse sized musings are invaluable. Being able to address our errors and harms in the direct way described is indeed hopeful. Thank you once again for a most timely teaching 🙏
So glad that you found this helpful, thank you Catherine!
Enjoyed.
No further comment.
No Guilt.
No Regret.
💜xoxo
Prrrrrrrrrrrr