Taking Others’ Suffering
One of the best ways that I know to ease my own pain is to think of others’ suffering.
Now, that might sound a bit harsh.
Having stopped drinking a few years ago I need to maintain a program and a state of mind that ensures that having a drink looks like a good idea.
The answer is hidden in clear sight. Both the dharma of Buddha Shakyamuni and the teachings of the 12 Step movement allude to the fact that looking out for others is looking after me.
“Having meditated on Tonglen and raised our mental feeling, service in our community is made easier. Working with others in a 12-Step program, helping in other ways through service positions, or just leading by example are ways that taking others suffering can be done practically”.
Mastering the Mind
This Master of Shaolin Temple, Shi Heng Yi, says that, “It is not possible to master all Kung Fu in one lifetime”.
I am sure of this principle in my own training of the mind.
However, maintaining a good physical body in this lifetime is important because it is the vehicle for the mind and only with health and wellness will I be in the best condition to train my mind. Certainly, future Mike will thank me.
Feel The Pain
One of my favourite teachers is Gen Kelsang Dornying. When I began my Dharma journey, he helped me make offerings to the spiritual guide in the kitchen at our Ganden Meditation Centre in Palm Beach, Qld..(name-dropping?)
He says in this interview, “Suffering is an unavoidable part of our human existence”…use it as the mechanism for to generate us as a happy and strong person.
In the last two decades alone, I have lost my great supporter, alcohol — my best friend Peter to alcohol, both my parents, and a daughter. This has caused much suffering.
I have gained so much peace and happiness through training the mind in Dharma, and through practising the Pratimoksha Vows.
Walk and Touch Peace Every Moment
Walk and touch peace every moment. Walk and touch happiness every moment. Each step brings a fresh breeze. Each step makes a flower bloom. Kiss the Earth with your feet. Bring the Earth your love and happiness. The Earth will be safe when we feel safe in ourselves.