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Month: December 2024

  • Into the Mystic: The Universal Presence Behind All Paths

    Into the Mystic: The Universal Presence Behind All Paths

    There is a timeless pull within the human heart, a pull that mystics across the ages have followed into realms beyond words. At the heart of their journeys, in every tradition, is a shared glimpse of something infinite and intimate, an essence that defies borders or labels. It’s been called by many names—Naked Awareness, Pure Presence, the Kingdom of Heaven within, and simply, I am. Despite the variations, the core is always the same: an invitation to touch the stillness at the center of our being, where all sense of separation quietly dissolves.

    Mystics across traditions—whether Buddhists, Christians, Sufis, or followers of Advaita—have left clues for us, each one pointing back to this same universal awareness. Tibetan Dzogchen, for instance, speaks of Naked Awareness, a mind so utterly clear and open that nothing need be added or removed. In this view, awareness is naturally luminous, like an open sky, vast and untouched by thoughts or concepts. The practice, if it can be called that, is simply to rest—free from striving, free from the need to grasp anything. It is awareness itself, just as it is.

    In the traditions of Advaita Vedanta, Ramana Maharshi posed the question, “Who am I?” Not to point to an answer but to turn us back to a sense of self beyond thoughts and identity. With each inquiry, the seeker’s attention is drawn back, away from thoughts and identities, into a place beyond all definition. This, he taught, is the Self, pure and indivisible—a silent, undivided presence.

    Christian mystics, too, found this universal ground within. “Be still and know that I am God,” whispers a line from the Psalms, urging a quieting of the mind so profound that the divine presence within each of us reveals itself. It is an invitation to encounter God not as an outside force, but as the very heart of our being—the unspoken “I am” beyond thought.

    Sufis describe this experience as a union with the Beloved, a love so profound that all sense of self dissolves. In Sufi poetry, God is the Beloved who lives within, waiting for the self to step aside so that the Divine can be known, not as separate, but as one with all that we are. Each of these traditions, in its way, guides us to an experience beyond the confines of self, into the space where awareness rests in itself, undivided.

    It is not so much a technique or practice as it is a gentle turning inward, a quieting, a surrendering into what has always been here. Let us pause for a moment. The words, after all, can only lead us to the door.

    Begin by finding a comfortable place to sit and close your eyes if that feels natural. Notice the rhythm of your breath and let yourself settle into the present moment. There is nothing to attain here, nothing to change. Let your breath rise and fall as it will, and simply allow yourself to be.

    Gradually, feel into your own presence, that simple sense of “I am.” Not your thoughts, not your sensations, but the awareness that notices them all. Rest in that sense of being here, alive, awake. There’s no need to go further than this. Let go of any sense of searching or effort; simply let your attention melt into the quiet space of awareness itself.

    If thoughts arise, there’s no need to push them away. You might notice them, perhaps softly wonder, “Who is aware of this thought?” Not to seek an answer, but to draw your attention back into the simple awareness that witnesses everything. Rest as that awareness, noticing how it is steady, quiet, and open, beyond anything the mind might hold onto.

    Here, in this openness, lies the mystery that mystics across all traditions have discovered. There is a silent presence here that does not come and go, even as everything else changes. It is the same presence that Dzogchen calls Naked Awareness, Advaita describes as the Self, and Christian mystics know as the divine within. This presence is universal, boundless, and utterly simple. It is the same awareness in everyone, untouched by belief or background.

    As you sit, allowing yourself to rest in this awareness, notice how it has no boundary, no form. It is the same in all beings, a shared presence connecting us all. In this stillness, you are already whole, already free, and deeply one with all. This is where all paths meet—an awareness, vast and simple, that is always here, waiting to be recognized as the essence of everything.

    And so, as we return to our day from this quiet place, we carry a reminder: that beyond every tradition and label, there is a shared, undivided presence—a timeless awareness that each of us holds within.

    🙏🕊️🙏



  • DECEMBER 30th 2024 – Synchronized Global Meditations for World Peace, Love & Harmony: Everyone is Welcome 🙏

    DECEMBER 30th 2024 – Synchronized Global Meditations for World Peace, Love & Harmony: Everyone is Welcome 🙏

    Global Well-Being: The Creation of Healing, Love, and Compassion Every Day and in Every Way—Especially on the New Moon, Around the World.

    Hello Everyone! Let’s come together again as a Global Community!

    Every New Moon, we have the opportunity to unite in prayer and meditation to create strong waves of vibrational intentionality—focusing on Loving-kindness and compassion. Whether we connect at the same time globally or in planetary waves, the energy we co-create will ripple outward, touching all life with healing and love.

    Join us on the New Moon, whenever it appears in your location, to synchronize in a global community of prayer and/or meditation. Together, we can generate waveforms and vibrations of love and compassion that will radiate outward from this day onward and forever. These vibrations will continue to blanket the Earth and all life in a palpable field of love and compassion, benefiting all.

    The more love and compassion we consciously generate, the more of it becomes available in our world and universe for others to feel, enjoy, and be nurtured by. Let’s co-create a living, vibrating, pulsing web of love and compassion that surrounds the planet, lifting us all to higher vibrations of healing, love, and compassion for every being.

    May we, the Earth, and all life benefit.

    May we all be free from suffering, greed, hatred, and delusion, as well as the causes of suffering. May we all have wholesome happiness and its causes. May our prayers and meditations be a cause for global healing and well-being for all now and forever.

    Join us in any way that works best for you.

    On the New Moon, let’s come together with strong intentions, knowing that others around the world will be doing the same. Choose a time that works for you—whether it’s morning, noon, or evening—and feel the connection with others participating across the globe. If you’re interested in helping create a wave of meditation and prayer, consider meditating or praying at either 7:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. in your local time zone. By doing this, we create an ongoing ripple effect of love and compassion, as hour by hour, new groups of people join in, sending vibrations of loving-kindness around the planet. Together, we build a global field of healing energy that envelops the Earth and all its inhabitants. However you choose to participate—whether in synchronized times or your own flow—the collective intention benefits all.

    Feel free to express your love and compassion in any form. Be creative. Share poetry, reflections, prayers, or experiences in the comments below, and let’s fill the Earth’s atmosphere and beyond with vibrations of love and compassion. All forms of loving-kindness are welcome here.

    Loving-kindness and compassion are universal qualities.

    No one person or group owns them. They transcend race, nationality, religion, or background. The more we can nurture and generate these heart qualities, the more we collectively benefit. How beautiful is that?

    If you plan to join us, let us know in the comments!

    Your presence matters. Sharing your intentions, reflections, or experiences can inspire and motivate others. Together, we’re building a global community of healing and love. Whether you join for 5 minutes or longer, or in synchronized or local time, every contribution is valued.

    If you have suggestions for how we can better collaborate on generating global waves of loving-kindness and compassion, please share them below!

    One love, 💕🙏

    May we all live in peace and harmony, with love and respect for ourselves, each other, the Earth, and all life throughout time and space.

    🙏🕊️🙏

  • In misunderstanding, there’s an opportunity for growth, and in drama, a chance for peace.

    In misunderstanding, there’s an opportunity for growth, and in drama, a chance for peace.

    Human life is a continuous dance of clarity and confusion, harmony, and discord. It’s the nature of being human to navigate this ebb and flow, constantly seeking meaning, understanding, and connection. This is why practices like contemplation are so vital—they offer a way to touch something timeless and unchanging amidst the drama of existence. They remind us that even in misunderstanding, there’s an opportunity for growth, and in drama, a chance for peace.

    🙏🕊🙏

  • Into the Mystic: Curiosity as the Pathway to Pure Awareness

    This morning’s contemplative practice felt like stepping into a new realm, where meditation falls away and contemplation unfolds in its place. It was not something I forced or sought after, but rather a quiet surrender into what was already there, waiting to be noticed.

    As I lay in stillness, curious pratyayas of sensation and thought began to arise—small flickers of tension in the body, fleeting memories, echoes of past emotions. Yet, there was no need to hold on to them, nor push them away. Instead, curiosity became the guiding force, allowing me to rest gently in the awareness of what is. This curiosity was not the kind that seeks answers, but rather the kind that simply observes without interference—a curiosity that watches, without wanting or resisting.

    Namkhai Norbu, in his teachings on Dzogchen, speaks of resting in the natural state, which is not something we attain but something we return to. This state of pure awareness is our birthright, and through practices like sky-gazing, we are reminded of its boundless nature. It is spacious, free of judgment, and untouched by the fluctuations of the mind.

    In the stillness of this morning’s practice, I realized how much the mind wants to grasp, to make meaning, or to categorize each sensation or thought that arises. But when we remain in curiosity, those tendencies dissolve. The pratyayas come and go like clouds passing through the sky, and we remain as the observer of it all.

    St. John of the Cross describes this process as the soul’s purification—moving through the dark night, not by pushing through it, but by allowing it to unfold naturally. In this unfolding, even the act of surrender becomes effortless. We simply rest in the awareness of being, trusting that the Divine is doing its quiet work in us, without our interference.

    This morning’s practice reminded me that contemplation is not something we achieve; it is something we allow. When curiosity is present, we move away from striving for an experience and simply witness what is. And in that witnessing, the doorway to pure awareness opens, effortlessly.

    As we continue this contemplative journey, may we lean into the practice of curiosity, allowing it to gently lead us into the spaciousness of pure awareness. In this space, we discover that everything we seek has always been within us, waiting to be uncovered.

    🙏🕊️🙏



  • The Mysterious Force of Grace 🕊

    The Mysterious Force of Grace 🕊

    We are called to make our best effort, yet there are moments when something greater lifts us beyond our own abilities. Like an eagle, we can only fly to the capacity of our wings, but on occasion, we soar beyond them. Our desire and effort to connect with God open the door for Divine Grace to take us where we can not go on our own. This interplay between effort and grace reminds us that while we are called to give our all, it’s the mysterious force of grace that allows us to go beyond what we thought possible. It’s a humbling and inspiring truth, one that calls us to act, but also to surrender. In this partnership of effort and grace, we glimpse the transformative power of divine love, leading us closer to God’s will.

    🙏🕊🙏

  • The Art of Perfection: Nothing to Add, Nothing to Take Away

    The Art of Perfection: Nothing to Add, Nothing to Take Away

    Western and Eastern philosophies each offer unique perspectives on perfection. The Western view says, “Perfection is when there’s nothing left to add.” In contrast, the Eastern view says, “Perfection is when there’s nothing left to take away.”

    Both ideas guide us toward simplicity and balance, but the Eastern approach invites us to strip away all that is unnecessary, leaving only the pure essence of what is.

    This perspective is deeply resonant with the practice of sitting at the door of the Cloud of Unknowing. There’s no need to strive, to add meaning, or to make anything happen. The perfection lies in just being—letting go of everything extra until you’re left with the quiet stillness of presence.

    This is a reminder that life’s perfection isn’t about accumulation but about letting go. Rest in what remains when there’s nothing left to take away.

    🙏🕊🙏

  • Into the Mystic: Embracing Impermanence, Resting in Awareness

    As I sit here in my yard, under the shade of tall trees and a sky so vast, I am reminded of the gentle teachings of impermanence. The pratyayas, those rising and falling sensations, memories, and thoughts, have once again surfaced, but they do not hold the weight they once did. Instead, there is a soft awareness that everything is already changing, and that in the grand scheme of time, everything is already gone.

    I look over at my RV, which has been a sanctuary for me for so many years. Soon, this land will become something else, transformed into a clubhouse. And yet, in this moment, I am filled with deep appreciation for what has been, for the unconscious and conscious years spent on this blessed earth. The impermanence of it all doesn’t bring sadness, but rather a profound gratitude for having lived through it, both mindfully and unmindfully.

    Namkhai Norbu’s sky-gazing practice teaches us to rest in the awareness of what is, without grasping or rejecting. In these moments of contemplation, I’m reminded that sky-gazing isn’t about observing the physical sky but allowing the mind to open into its own natural spaciousness. The practice reflects what is already within—clear, vast, and untouched by the clouds of thought.

    As pratyayas of impermanence arise, they are met not with resistance but with curiosity. Curiosity has become my companion on this contemplative path, gently guiding me to rest in awareness without the need for answers or conclusions. There is no longer a push for meaning, only the quiet observation of the present moment unfolding, just as it is.

    In this state of being, I can feel both the impermanence of the physical world and the abiding stillness of awareness. It is a paradox, and yet it is also the simplest truth: everything changes, and yet awareness remains the same.

    The teachings of St. John of the Cross, Ramana Maharshi, and Namkhai Norbu all point to this truth in their own ways. We move through life, through our spiritual practices, sometimes seeking, sometimes grasping for deeper experiences. But there comes a moment when we simply stop, when we rest in the spaciousness that has always been there. It is not a state we attain; it is a state we remember.

    As I continue this practice, I feel a deep gratitude, not just for the present moment, but for all that has been and all that will come. And in this gratitude, the pratyayas seem to soften, leaving behind the quiet awareness that is always there, patiently waiting for us to return.

    🙏🕊️🙏



  • Allowing presence to arise on its own.

    Allowing presence to arise on its own.

    …a restless wanderer, always searching but never finding. Sitting at the door, however, the ego transforms—no longer lost, but given a purpose. It becomes the guardian of stillness, patiently awaiting what cannot be sought, allowing presence to arise on its own.

    🙏🕊🙏

  • Into the Mystic: The Wave and the Water – Finding Peace in Aimlessness

    In his gentle and profound way, Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us that we are already what we seek to become. Like a wave searching for water, we often find ourselves running in circles, seeking stability and peace, when in fact we are already made of the very essence we are searching for.

    In the previous post, we reflected on the words, “Be still and know that I am God,” and on the teachings that the Kingdom of God is within us, not something to be sought outside. Thich Nhat Hanh offers a similar invitation to stillness, a reminder that we need not search beyond this moment to touch the Divine. His teachings on apranihita—aimlessness—invite us to stop running after something outside of ourselves. The Buddha is not somewhere far away, hidden behind our efforts; the Buddha is within us, right here, right now. We don’t need to become something else or achieve some great transformation to touch the truth of our being. We only need to stop, to recognize that what we are seeking is already present in us.

    This echoes the Christian mystic path as well, where we are called to enter the stillness, to trust in the unfolding of the Divine presence within. St. John of the Cross speaks of surrendering into the Divine presence that is always here, guiding us without the need for striving. The great mystics remind us that the more we seek, the further we may feel from the truth. Yet when we stop seeking, when we allow ourselves to simply be, we find that the Kingdom of God is already here, waiting for us in the stillness of our own hearts.

    Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings give form to this same truth. He uses the image of a wave to help us understand that we are not separate from what we seek. Just as the wave is made of water, we too are made of the very essence we long to touch. The wave doesn’t need to run after the water; it is already water. The black cloud doesn’t need to become a white cloud; it only needs light to shine on it, revealing what was always there. In the same way, we don’t need to become something else to experience peace. We need only to stop, to rest in the awareness of who we already are.

    As both Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj and Papaji have taught, the very act of searching can take us further from what we seek. Papaji even wrote a book titled Call Off the Search, emphasizing that the more we search, the more we reinforce the illusion that the truth is somewhere else. This persistent search keeps us from realizing the truth that is already right here, right now. By continuing to look outside of ourselves, we create a sense of distance, when in reality there is no distance at all—only the stillness of the present moment, where what we seek has always been.

    “You are already what you want to become,” Thich Nhat Hanh says. Yet we spend much of our lives not believing this truth, searching for happiness, fulfillment, and wisdom outside of ourselves. Whether it’s the Kingdom of God, Buddha-nature, or enlightenment, we chase after these ideas as though they are separate from us. But all of the great teachers—whether it be Jesus, the Buddha, or St. John of the Cross—urge us to look within. They tell us that when we stop running after what we already are, we can finally rest in the truth that has always been there.

    This is what Thich Nhat Hanh calls aimlessness. The practice of aimlessness is to no longer place something in front of you to chase after. It is to recognize that everything you are searching for is already here. By stopping the search, by becoming still, we can touch the wonders of life that are already present in this moment.

    In one of his talks, Thich Nhat Hanh describes this stillness beautifully: “The Kingdom of God, the Pure Land of the Buddha, is available in the here and now.” He reminds us that happiness is found in the simple things—a rose, the fresh air, a loving smile. Like the wave that need not search for water, we need only to stop and recognize the treasures already around us, treasures that we so often miss because we are running in circles.

    Thich Nhat Hanh teaches that walking meditation can be a wonderful way to practice this stopping, this resting in the here and now. Each step is not taken with a sense of rushing to arrive somewhere, but with the awareness that we are already where we need to be. With each step, we arrive fully in the present moment, touching the peace, the beauty, and the wonder that is always available. It is a practice that brings us back to the present, back to ourselves, and back to the truth that there is nothing to attain.

    “You don’t need to become a Buddha,” Thich Nhat Hanh says, “You are already a Buddha.” You don’t need to search for the Divine; the Divine is already within you. It is only when we stop running that we can finally touch this truth. Like the black cloud that becomes a white cloud when the light shines upon it, we are transformed by the simple act of recognition. In the stillness of aimlessness, we realize that there is no distance between us and what we seek.

    As we continue our contemplative journey, may we learn to embrace the wisdom of aimlessness. May we stop chasing after what is already here, within us. And in that stopping, may we find the peace, the joy, and the freedom that comes from recognizing that we have always been enough.

    🙏🕊️🙏



  • Sitting at the Door: A Buddhist and Mystical Practice

    Sitting at the Door: A Buddhist and Mystical Practice

    The Cloud of Unknowing teaches us to sit at the door of divine mystery, letting go of effort and surrendering to grace. This mirrors profound teachings in the Buddha Dharma, emphasizing direct experience, trust, and stillness.

    The Buddha’s phrase “Ehi Passiko” (Come and see) invites us to encounter truth directly—not through intellectual striving, but through quiet observation. In the Satipatthana Sutta, mindfulness is described as simply observing the body, feelings, and mind as they arise, with no need to grasp or resist.

    This is like sitting at the door of unknowing: allowing thoughts, emotions, and sensations to come and go, while resting in awareness. We are not called to force understanding or make something happen; we simply sit, trusting the process.

    Another Buddhist teaching, Vossagga (letting go), encourages us to release grasping and surrender to the natural flow of life. Even the ego’s restlessness becomes part of the practice, not something to fight against. As we trust the unfolding of awareness, stillness grows.

    This gentle practice reminds us that neither the ego nor effort creates transformation—it is the natural interplay of surrender and grace. Whether we call it divine love or pristine awareness, sitting at the door reveals a deeper truth.

    How can you embrace this today? Simply sit. Let go. Trust.

    #Contemplation #Mindfulness #CloudOfUnknowing #Buddhism #Stillness #Grace

    🙏🕊🙏

  • Renewal in Stillness: The Quiet Strength of Sitting at the Door

    Renewal in Stillness: The Quiet Strength of Sitting at the Door

    In a world that celebrates action, stillness offers a different kind of renewal. Sitting at the door of unknowing—open, patient, and without expectation—allows a subtle yet profound transformation.

    Renewal doesn’t have to mean physical strength or outward achievements. It can be the quiet resilience to face life’s challenges, the emotional peace to let go of striving, and the trust to simply be.

    In this practice, strength is not about doing more but about surrendering more deeply. Renewal arises not from effort but from grace, gently unfolding as you rest in the simplicity of presence.

    Sitting at the door is enough. Renewal comes when we stop chasing it and allow it to find us.

    🙏🕊🙏

  • On this December 15th, as we find ourselves in the midst of a busy season, it’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect on what truly matters.

    On this December 15th, as we find ourselves in the midst of a busy season, it’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect on what truly matters.

    In moments of busyness or stress, we can look to Psalm 46:10, which says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” This verse reminds us to take time to pause and recognize God’s sovereignty and presence in our lives.

    Embracing stillness can lead us to deeper peace and understanding. Perhaps today could be a day for you to practice that stillness—whether through prayer, meditation on Scripture, or simply taking a few moments of quiet reflection.

    How do you usually find peace amid the hustle and bustle?

    🙏🕊🙏