Life can be like a loud football stadium, with all the visual and auditory stimuli of a game (the screaming, laughter, cheering, food, noisemakers, players, refs, and the vibration of your seat . . .). Now imagine the same stadium absolutely silent, still and calm, to a point where you can hear a person whispering at the other end of the field. That’s how I can best explain the transformation of my world through sitting meditation. By lowering the volume, I went from hearing the music of life, to listening to the sounds that make up the song; from living, to being alive. The true beauty is that it’s ongoing . . . it keeps getting better. My senses are heightened and I notice even the subtlest internal changes. There are no words to describe how profound and incredible this feels; one must experience it to truly understand, if only for a moment. Sitting very still may not sound interesting, but the results of doing it on a daily basis are extraordinary. Is peace merely the absence of war, or is it tranquility despite the conflict? Is happiness the absence of suffering, or is it contentment despite the imperfections? I believe we can be happy in a world that is already broken, and have inner peace in the midst of chaos. We can be in a frustrating situation but choose not to get frustrated, and we can also find bliss in less-than-ideal situations. Happiness is a choice. When the mind’s delight in being stimulated is exhausted, serenity sets in . . . a deep calm with a half-smile of appreciation and acceptance of whatever arises, without judgment or aversion. It’s a sense of relief beyond peacefulness; it is divine tranquility. —Buddhist Boot Camp
Posted on: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 03:14:43 +0000
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