Found Exhortation


When is garden statuary merely a decorative object and when is it a murti–an object of devotion, a representation of some aspect of the divine? It may well seem different for the artist, the person who chose its location, and the viewers.
Would you have a different reaction if this angel was on the grounds of a church? What about a temple? A national park? Your workplace? A sculpture museum?
it is because I have too much to say. I am thinking about many things, deeply and all at once. When I write in my journal, unexpected thoughts emerge from some depths. At this stage, the thoughts are for myself. Then some might be for sharing with the friend or colleague who would be interested in engaging in the dialogue that could follow from the idea.
Later, one thought path will capture me enough to invite me to follow though with it–to get down the words, to refine, to research, to read, to confirm, to affirm, to polish.
I often hear people say that they cannot meditate. When asked why, it usually turns out that they think they are supposed to stop or shut off their thoughts completely. No wonder they think they cannot meditate. The mind will think no matter what we tell it (and who or what is telling it not to think?).
The mind will quiet on its own (though not always) if we invite attention to a mantra or to the breath or to some other space or object of concentration. With this steady soft attention, we can experience the benefits of meditating.
Peace and light, E — Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.