Sowing, Tending, Reaping

” When we act upon intention,
All beings are the owners of their actions and inherit its results.
Their future is born from such action, companion to such action,
And it’s results will be their home.”

_{^{Reflection on Universal Well-Being
From the chanting of the Buddhas words, Thai Forest Tradition}}

Listening – The Heron

The heron stands still by the water, fully attuned and fully present.
It nests at a height, where it has a wider view and higher perspective.
A reminder of the benefits of sitting in meditation and the insights gained through stillness.

Thank you – Bowing

The benefits of gratitude and the power of surrendering to a higher perspective, allowing in new possibilities.

Opening – the magnolia

The gradual, tentative opening of the Heart, like the magnolia when it feels the gentle rays of the sun.

“The Buddha…who has enlightened the wise like the sun awakening the lotus..”

^{From the “Supreme Praise of the Buddha”}

Blossoming – the cherry blossom

The blossoming that comes through practice at each stage, from bud to full flowering. “The Dhamma is beautiful in the beginning, the middle and the end.”

Crossing – The far shore

The Buddha spoke of the freeing of the mind and the opening of the Heart as a process of crossing to the far shore, with the Dhamma (teaching and practice) as the boat or raft.

Better together

The Buddha replied to his disciple who suggested that admirable friendship was half of the holy life by saying:

“Don’t say that, Ananda. Don’t say that. Admirable friendship… is actually the whole of the holy life.”

Rising

Like the lotus rising up pure and clean above the mud, practice allows the mind and heart to rise above the defilements.

Full Flight – The swans

The Buddha said “All I teach is suffering and the end of suffering.” Full freedom, full release.