-
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.
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
The Sacred Shift: From Seeking to Being
“The Wisdom of No Escape” by Pema Chödrön, Advaita Vedanta, “How to Be Sick” by Tony Bernhard, “Ramana Maharshi’s Forty Verses On What Is”, “The Crystal and the Way of Light: Sutra, Tantra, and Dzogchen” by Namkhai Norbu, “The Hakomi Way: Consciousness & Healing: The Legacy of Ron Kurtz”, “The Pristine Mind” by Orgyen Chowang, Bridging Hearts and Minds, Caravan of Love: Interfaith Healing & Harmony, Christian Mystic: St. John of the Cross, Christianity: Faith, Teachings, and Community, Eastern Spiritual Traditions, Global Wellness: Nurturing Health and Harmony, Guiding Principles, Health and Wellness: Nurturing Body, Mind, and Spirit., IntoTheMystic, Jnana Yoga: The Path of Knowledge and Self-Inquiry, Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism, ME/CFS Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Navigating Wellness and Support, ME/CFS Prayers: Finding Solace and Strength in Spirituality, ME/CFS Self-Compassion: Embracing Healing and Understanding, Meditation Practices: Paths to Inner Peace and Clarity, Mindfulness of Emotions, Mindfulness Practices- Zen, Dharma, Advaita Vedanta, Nonduality,, Mindfulness, Meditation and Personal Growth, Practices of Self-Inquiry (Atma Vichara), Raja Yoga: The Path of Meditation and Mental Discipline, Spirituality, Psychology, and Personal Growth, Teacher: Paramahansa Yogananda, Teacher: Ron Kurtz, Teacher: Sri Ramana Maharshi, Teacher: Tibetan Master: Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, Teacher: Tibetan Master: Orgyen Chowang Rinpoche, Teacher: Zen Master: Thich Nhat Hanh, Teachings: Tibetan Teachings of the Buddha, Teachings: Zen Teachings of the Buddha, The Dark Night of the Soul, Yoga: Pathways to Inner Peace and Spiritual RealizationIn this Into the Mystic post, we explore the transition from meditation to contemplation, drawing on Christian mysticism and Advaita Vedanta. Inspired by St. John of the Cross’s Dark Night of the Soul, we delve into the shift from active meditation practices to the grace-filled state of contemplation, where seeking dissolves into pure being. We…
-
Into the Mystic: Hitbonenut and the Path of Dissolution into the Divine
Explore the profound practice of Hitbonenut in Jewish mysticism—a pathway to dissolve the self into divine unity through Bittul, experiencing Ein Sof, the Infinite. Guided by timeless wisdom from Rabbi Shmuel Reich and inspired by the teachings of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, this post reveals how contemplation transcends thought, opening doors to altruism, compassion,…
-
The Importance of Relaxation in Self-Inquiry: A Gentle Approach to Inner Discovery
In the pursuit of self-inquiry, there is often a deep yearning to know oneself—to find the answers to the eternal questions that reside within the heart. Yet, the path of inquiry is not one of intellectual striving or relentless effort. Rather, it is the practice of deep relaxation, allowing us to meet ourselves with softness…
-
Neti Neti #20: Taming the Restless Mind and The Story of the Genie
In this reflection, the story of the restless genie serves as a powerful metaphor for the mind’s endless desires and distractions. Through the practice of ‘Neti Neti’—Not this, not this—we can discipline the mind, transforming it from a source of unrest into a tool for peace and self-realization. This letter explores how a focused spiritual…
-
Into the Mystic: The Journey from Meditation to Contemplation
“The Wisdom of No Escape” by Pema Chödrön, Advaita Vedanta, “Ramana Maharshi’s Forty Verses On What Is”, “The Crystal and the Way of Light: Sutra, Tantra, and Dzogchen” by Namkhai Norbu, “The Hakomi Way: Consciousness & Healing: The Legacy of Ron Kurtz”, “The Pristine Mind” by Orgyen Chowang, Bhakti Yoga: The Path of Devotion and Divine Love, Blog Posts with Books in Associated, Bridging Hearts and Minds, Caravan of Love: Interfaith Healing & Harmony, Christian Mystic: St. John of the Cross, Eastern Spiritual Traditions, Embracing Forgiveness, Loving-Kindness, and Compassion, Global Wellness: Nurturing Health and Harmony, Guiding Principles, Hatha Yoga: The Path of Physical Mastery and Inner Balance, Health and Wellness: Nurturing Body, Mind, and Spirit., Hindu Sacred Texts and Scriptures, IntoTheMystic, Jnana Yoga: The Path of Knowledge and Self-Inquiry, Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism, Karma Yoga: The Path of Selfless Action, Mantra Yoga: The Path of Sacred Sound and Spiritual Resonance, ME/CFS Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Navigating Wellness and Support, ME/CFS Prayers: Finding Solace and Strength in Spirituality, Meditation Practices: Paths to Inner Peace and Clarity, Mindfulness of Emotions, Mindfulness Practices- Zen, Dharma, Advaita Vedanta, Nonduality,, Mindfulness, Meditation and Personal Growth, Practices of Neti Neti, Practices of Self-Inquiry (Atma Vichara), Raja Yoga: The Path of Meditation and Mental Discipline, Sacred Community Collaboration, Sacred Text: The Bhagavad Gita: Dialogue of Duty and Devotion, Sacred Text: The Ramayana: An Epic Journey of Virtue and Valor, Sacred Text: The Satipatthana Sutta: Foundations of Mindfulness, Spirituality, Psychology, and Personal Growth, Teacher: Byron Katie, Teacher: Carl Jung, Teacher: Joseph Cambell, Teacher: Joseph Goldstein: Insight Meditation and the Path of Mindfulness, Teacher: Paramahansa Yogananda, Teacher: Ram Dass, Teacher: Ron Kurtz, Teacher: Sri Ramana Maharshi, Teacher: Swami Sivananda, Teacher: Swami Vivekananda, Teacher: Tibetan Master: Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, Teacher: Tibetan Master: His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, Teacher: Tibetan Master: Orgyen Chowang Rinpoche, Teacher: Tibetan Master: Pema Chödrön, Teacher: Toni Bernhard, Teacher: Vipassana Master: S.N. Goenka, Teacher: Zen Master: Dogen, Teacher: Zen Master: Reb Anderson (Tenshin Roshi), Teacher: Zen Master: Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, Teacher: Zen Master: Thich Nhat Hanh, Teachers and Masters of the Buddha’s Path, Teachings: Mahayana Teachings of Compassion and Wisdom, Teachings: Theravada: Teachings of the Buddha, Teachings: Tibetan Teachings of the Buddha, Teachings: Zen Teachings of the Buddha, The Dark Night of the Soul, The Philosophy and Teachings of the Buddha, Universal Responsibility: Spiritual Teachings for Global Harmony, Yoga Nidra: The Path of Deep Relaxation and Conscious Awareness, Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Yoga Vāsiṣṭha, Yoga Vāsiṣṭha Sara Pradīpika, Yoga Yājñavalkya, Yoga: Pathways to Inner Peace and Spiritual Realization, Yoga: The Philosophy and Practice of YogaIn this personal reflection, we explore the contemplative journey of shifting from meditation to contemplation, as inspired by St. John of the Cross. Drawing on insights from Namkhai Norbu, Ramana Maharshi, Thich Nhat Hanh, and the Dalai Lama, the post delves into meditative absorption and the quiet unfolding of awareness. By embracing curiosity and the…
-
Neti Neti #19: Beyond the Desire for Fulfillment and Peace
Explore the practice of ‘Neti Neti’—Not this, not this—as a tool to go beyond the desires for fulfillment and peace, even as they arise naturally on the spiritual path. In this blog post, we delve into how the desire for spiritual states, though noble, can become subtle traps, and how ‘Neti Neti’ leads to deeper…
-
Subscribe
Subscribed
Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
Home Page: Inspirations of Love and Hope 