Dharma
The word "Dharma" has several translations, and ultimately means "truth". Its root comes from the Sanskrit "dhr-", which means to hold or to support, and is related to Latin firmus (firm, stable). From this, it takes the meaning of "what is established, firm", or "what's true", a meaning of "bearer, or supporter". Thus it is referring to how things are, the way of things, the truth of things, how it is right now. Living in full connection with reality with a fully embodied presence (having a stable belly, open heart, and insightful mind) plus connection to the unmanifest reality of the timeless, boundless divine nature IS awakening -- as the unmanifest or formless reality is our True Nature, aka our Awakened nature...according to the Dharma.
Mindfulness
The practice of mindfulness has fallen into fashion within mainstream America. This is certainly a positive development in our culture. It is important to note, however, that mindfulness is only one aspect of meditation. The Buddhist teachings list seven factors of awakening. Mindfulness is the first factor, followed by investigation, energy, bliss, tranquility, concentration, and equanimity.
Mindfulness is intentional awareness of one's mind, mental activities, emotions, and behaviors -– observing oneself, coming to know how one is moving through the world, which lays a foundation for clearly seeing what the mind is doing or making. This is an essential aspect in self-reflection and a necessary step on the path of awakening to inner freedom.
Practicing mindfulness is not constrained to a formal ritual of sitting down, being still and quiet. One can bring the practice of mindfulness to one's pedestrian life: moving about each day with a felt sense of knowing and feeling how one is being effected by life and their part in it. One can notice in real time what the inner reactivity and responsiveness is revealing about oneself. In this way one has a lived experience of one's evolution and capacity to be a good human citizen.
Meditation
From the perspective of the Buddhadharma, there are two aspects of meditation practice.
1) single pointed attention (shamatha in Sanskrit, or samatha in Pali). Learning to rest the attention on a particular object without falling into distraction, dullness, or restlessness.
2) being present in open, spacious awareness (vipasshana in Sanskrit, or vipassana in Pali). Broadening the focus of this stable, unwavering awareness from a particular object to a wider vista which includes the full spectrum of experience.
When one can skillfully sustain both techniques for a span of time, it can be recognized that they aid and support each other, like the front and back foot in walking. This capacity for sustaining both single pointed attention and unwavering presence in the open, boundless space of awareness is the bedrock for awakening to one's True Nature. Regular practice is the key to their development.
My Path
I have affinity for the teachings of Yoga, Buddhism, and Taoism. My Yoga studies began in 1998, and led to my discovery of the Buddha Dharma in 2000. My studies of Taoism began in 2010. I'm particularly interested in the teachings and practices of Tantric Buddhism, in the Taoist practice commonly known as Yin yoga, and in the teachings of Hatha Yoga.
The practices & teachings that support living the Truth of things can take many forms. For me, the foundations of such a life include the following:
1. Living knowing that life can be difficult and at times painful. Allowing that truth to call up in me compassion for myself, and others, as we navigate this human experience together. We are not alone, even though it can feel that way at times.
2. Everything arises and falls away in it's time. This whole thing was designed to fall apart. All the things we cherish break down, and all the people we love will die. Our own life is fragile and temporary. My own death is certain. From living this truth I'm encouraged to celebrate what is here! I live & love in the moment, as much as I can, and use that connection to make the most good for the most beings I can with the time I have. When I am intimate with this fundamental truth, I am not surprised by the death of loved ones or the destruction of the material world – though I may still be heartbroken at the loss. I'll let my heart break, I'll weep, and embrace the sadness, grieving and care that arises from this truth.
3. Each human being has the full capacity to awaken to and to live these truths. If we can cease our involvement and identification with the movements of our thoughts and emotions and begin to unwind our habitual tendencies, we can taste the innate freedom in the depths of our being. When we chase after, resist, push back against, or collapse under the pressure of our thoughts and emotions, we deny ourselves the ultimate freedom of dancing with Reality just as she is.
4. These approaches to living need support through intentional practices and community support. This is where meditation, mindfulness practices, and connections with friends on the path are essential.
Connections
Please reach out to me if you'd like to learn more about finding community support for meditation practice, starting a regular practice of meditation, and cultivating a potent inner life of freedom and contentment.
Lineage
The support and stability I feel standing on the shoulders of my teachers and all the ancient ones is the most precious gift. Having guides, spiritual friends and family is one of the jewels of this life, and essential for growth and awakening.
Deepest bows to...
