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Into the Mystic: The Wave and the Water – Finding Peace in Aimlessness
In this contemplative reflection inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings on apranihita (aimlessness), we explore how the Kingdom of God and Buddha-nature are already within us. By practicing stillness and aimlessness, we realize that there is nothing to search for; we are already what we seek. Drawing on the wisdom of mystics like St. John…
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Sitting at the Door: A Buddhist and Mystical Practice
The Cloud of Unknowing aligns with Buddhist teachings, emphasizing surrender, trust, and stillness in spiritual practice. Both invite direct experience of truth without intellectual striving. By observing thoughts and sensations without grasping, and practicing letting go, we foster transformation through natural grace rather than effort, revealing deeper truths in awareness.
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Renewal in Stillness: The Quiet Strength of Sitting at the Door
Stillness provides a unique renewal, emphasizing patience over action. True strength lies in emotional peace and surrender rather than physical achievements. Renewal emerges from grace and presence, highlighting that it is not about effort but about allowing transformation to occur naturally. Embrace stillness to invite renewal into your life.
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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.
Psalm 46:10 encourages us to “Be still, and know that I am God,” reminding us to pause and acknowledge God’s presence. Embracing stillness fosters deeper peace and understanding. Consider incorporating practices like prayer or meditation into your day to cultivate tranquility amid life’s busyness. How do you seek peace?
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Sitting at the Door: Contemplation as Spiritual Rest
In The Cloud of Unknowing, contemplation is depicted as a “spiritual sleep,” a state where the soul surrenders to divine mystery through stillness and trust. This transformative practice encourages letting go of striving, allowing for a profound connection to grace and deeper awareness without the need for understanding or control.
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Be Still: A Contemplation of Presence
In a world filled with noise and distraction, the invitation to “be still” leads us to the essence of our being. This exploration draws on various traditions, from Tibetan Buddhism’s middle way to the balance of loving-kindness and discipline in Jewish mysticism, and the non-dual teachings of Advaita Vedanta. Discover how stillness serves as the…
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Balancing Strong Determination and Just Sitting in Practice
Adhitthana and just sitting are two complementary meditation practices. Adhitthana focuses on strong determination to cultivate stillness and resilience, while just sitting encourages effortless presence and acceptance of thoughts and sensations. Together, they enhance awareness and equanimity, promoting a balanced meditation experience that deepens self-discovery without striving for perfection.
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Nothing Is Happening: The Profound Simplicity of Sitting Practice
The practice of contemplative sitting reveals that nothing inherently happens, despite expectations for insight or enlightenment. This approach emphasizes resting in simplicity, allowing thoughts and sensations to flow without seeking meaning. By embracing the present moment without striving, one discovers profound peace and the extraordinary within the ordinary.
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The Simplicity of Sitting Practice: Resting at the Door of Contemplation
In Zen, meditation is often called sitting practice (zazen). It’s a profound reminder that the practice is not about achieving a particular state of mind or striving for enlightenment. It’s simply about sitting. The posture itself becomes the anchor—a silent declaration of presence. Regardless of what the mind is doing, the act of sitting holds…
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Sitting at the Door of Contemplation: A Practice of Trust and Patience
Contemplation is often misunderstood as an active pursuit of profound experiences or enlightenment. But the true essence of the practice lies in humility, patience, and surrender. It’s less about achieving something and more about sitting at the door of contemplation, waiting with trust and openness for grace to unfold. The Cloud of Unknowing beautifully describes…
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Finding the Stillness in All Things: A Journey through Balance
In a world filled with noise and distraction, the invitation to “be still” leads us to the essence of our being. This exploration draws on various traditions, from Tibetan Buddhism’s middle way to the balance of loving-kindness and discipline in Jewish mysticism, and the non-dual teachings of Advaita Vedanta. Discover how stillness serves as the…
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