Monday, November 15, 2010

365 Days, Day 161

How does one practice mindfulness? Sit in meditation. Be aware of only your breath (The Buddha)

You only lose what you cling to (Buddha - Hindu Prince Gautama Siddharta, the founder of Buddhism, 563-483 B.C.)

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment (The Buddha)

The greatest achievement is selflessness.

The greatest worth is self-mastery.

The greatest quality is seeking to serve others.

The greatest precept is continual awareness.

The greatest medicine is the emptiness of everything.

The greatest action is not conforming with the worlds ways.

The greatest magic is transmuting the passions.

The greatest generosity is non-attachment.

The greatest goodness is a peaceful mind.

The greatest patience is humility.

The greatest effort is not concerned with results.

The greatest meditation is a mind that lets go.

The greatest wisdom is seeing through appearances.

(Atisha)

After a thought provoking discussion with Gill today, I am dwelling on thoughts of Buddhism.

We saw part of a programme on Japanese cooking yesterday. Tom commented how the Eastern traditions of doing things slowly and with mindfulness, are rather beguiling to us Westerners where emphasis is placed on getting things done as quickly as possible.

These two trains of thoughts have prompted today’s entry. I am working on doing things more slowly, living in the moment, letting go of thoughts that are not relevant or necessary to my well-being, being more mindful, doing things with love and good intentions.

Dr Mikao Usui who developed the Reiki system set Five Reiki Precepts for his students to follow:

Just for today:

I will not anger

I will not worry

I will have gratitude

I will work with diligence

I will be kind.

I endeavour to follow these concepts each day now; not as easy as it sounds.

1 comment:

  1. i have ordered a book on buddhism and plan to try living by some of the principles - it seems logical to live for the day and take things slowly. It justifies my philosophy of taking all day to move from the sofa to any other part of the house !!! LOL

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