The posts scheduled for this week just don’t apply anymore and to tell you the truth, nothing I say seems to hit the mark right now. I want to provide comfort and inspiration but my well is dry as I wrestle with my own lessons during this pandemic.
But I did want to share something inspirational posted last week by a meditation teacher I respect, Jack Kornfield, whom I last saw in Dec. 2018 at Ram Dass’ retreat. I look forward to the day when I can see him on retreat again. These are his words, not mine. Find him at JackKornfield.com
From Jack
“We have a choice. Epidemics, like earthquakes, tornadoes & floods, are part of the cycle of life on planet Earth. How will we respond? With greed, hatred, fear & ignorance? This only brings more suffering. Or with generosity, clarity, steadiness & love?
This is the time for love. Time for Bodhisattvas. In Buddhist teachings, the Bodhisattva vows to alleviate suffering & brings blessings in every circumstance. A Bodhisattva chooses to live with dignity & courage & radiates compassion for all, no matter where they find themselves. This is not a metaphor.
As Bodhisattvas we are now asked to hold a certain measure of the tragedy of the world and respond with love. The Bodhisattva path is in front of us.The beautiful thing is, we can see Bodhisattvas all around. We see them singing from their balconies to those shut inside. We see them in young neighbors caring for the elders nearby, in our brave healthcare workers and the unheralded ones who stock the shelves of our grocery stores. Now it is time to add our part.
The Bodhisattva deliberately turns toward suffering to serve and help those around in whatever way they can. This is the test we have been waiting for. We know how to do this. Trust your dignity and goodness. Where others hoard, help. Where others deceive, stand up for truth. Where others are overwhelmed or uncaring,…be kind and respectful.”
Follow Jack Kornfied on Instagram @jack_kornfied or @jkornfield on Facebook.
I hope you found that inspirational. And please don’t forget my free audios, mantras and affirmations to help manage anxiety. 100% free for all:
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Online Healing Affirmations bit.ly/2WO9TWt
Awesome post and thank you for sharing. We are all going through lessons right now.
There is a lot for us to learn.
Very timely! I never heard of Bodhisattva before. I will definitely research it today!
It’s a Buddhist concept.
While I agree that it’s a time for love, support and positivity, it is still hard not to be afraid.
Yes, it is impossible to not be.
And it can be a challenge.
Like Pennie, I’ve always been this type of person. I search for the good in everyone and am a helper, sometimes to a fault.
What a great message this is for today, perfect in fact.
EVERYONE deserves compassion today, the hoarders, all the politicians, the young people who don’t understand and believe they are invincible and those who are terrified.
It can be hard but it’s right.
I had never heard of him before but I agree with his belief system. It’s killing me right now to not be able to help in this time of need but caregiving taught me a valuable lesson of putting my own mask on first.
I think I’ve always been a Bodhisattva by nature. I’ll strive to be an even more mindful one. Thanks for this.
i work on it daily. Mostly it comes naturally but sometimes I do forget.