Dkos Community Weekly Sangha Thread

Good morning!  Welcome to the Dkos Sangha weekly open thread.

This is an open thread for members of the Dkos Sangha and interested visitors who happen by.  Each of us has our own path; we come here by way of many different traditions, and of no particular tradition.  While the language we use may differ depending on the traditions, teachers, practices, and teachings that have shaped our journeys, we find in common, generally, a search for who we truly are, our true nature, and to bring the peace and compassion born of that search into the greater world of which we area part. If you wish to share, or if you seek support, or if you simply want to say hello, please do, as this space is for you.

Food For Thought:  Anxiety, and ways to calm your body, mind, and soul in these turbulent times:

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In recent years many Buddhists have been actively involved in political and social issues throughout much of Asia as well as parts of the western world.  

The following five teachings can help people in current times of fear, anxiety and isolation.

1. Acknowledge the fear

Buddhist teachings state that suffering, illness and death are to be expected, understood and acknowledged. The nature of reality is affirmed in a short chant: “I am subject to aging … subject to illness … subject to death.”

2. Practice mindfulness and meditation

Mindfulness and meditation are key Buddhist teachings. Mindfulness practices aim to curb impulsive behaviors with awareness of the body.

For example, most people react impulsively to scratch an itch. With the practice of mindfulness, individuals can train their minds to watch the arising and passing away of the itch without any physical intervention.

3. Cultivating compassion

Buddhist teachings emphasize the “four immeasurables”: loving-kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity. Buddhist teachers believe these four attitudes can replace anxious and fearful states of mind.

When emotions around fear or anxiety become too strong, Buddhist teachers say one should recall examples of compassion, kindness and empathy. The pattern of fearful and despairing thoughts can be stopped by bringing oneself back to the feeling of caring for others.

4. Understanding our interconnections

Buddhist doctrines recognize an interconnection between everything. The pandemic is a moment to see this more clearly. With every action someone takes for self-care, such as washing one’s hands, they are also helping to protect others.

The dualistic thinking of separateness between self and other, self and society, breaks down when viewed from the perspective of interconnection.

Our survival depends on one another, and when we feel a sense of responsibility toward everyone, we understand the concept of interconnection as a wise truth.

5. Use this time to reflect

Times of uncertainty, Buddhist teachers argue, can be good opportunities for putting these teachings into practice.

Individuals can transform disappointment with the current moment into motivation to change one’s life and perspective on the world. If one re-frames obstacles as part of the spiritual path, one can use difficult times to make a commitment to living a more spiritual life.

Isolation in the home is an opportunity to reflect, enjoy the small things and just be.

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“This is the path.  Or a path; or no path at all.  For our natural state of being is always already here, just waiting to be uncovered, waiting for the veil to be lifted.”*

Take this time to sit, and quietly take in your surroundings in a comfortable place.  Do not dwell on thoughts that enter your mind for long, as the need to empty the mind while sitting is what is to be realized, all the while concentrating on your breath:  Breath in, and exhale out, and truly realize the moment of this time that is just for you, it is your place, your time, you are at home:  Your home.

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Namaste.

Peace this day, and everyday.

*Attribution:  Creator of Dkos Sangha Weekly Thread,Brother“davehouck”.