In this week's meditation, I was asked to repeat the following chant for 10 straight minutes with my eyes closed.
"May all individuals gain freedom from suffering.
May all individuals find sustained health, happiness, and wholeness.
May I assist all individuals in gaining freedom from suffering.
May I assist all individuals in finding health, happiness, and wholeness."
I did this chanting exercise for the complete 10 minutes. During the time, I became very warm to the point that I was uncomfortable. I found myself thinking at times during the meditation, "I wish I had a fan!"
Also, half way through the chant the thought entered my mind,
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath Faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
James 2:14-17
I realized that just saying these words, "May I assist all individuals in gaining freedom from suffering. May I assist all individuals in finding health, happiness, and wholeness" was not going to make the actions so. I need to actually do something about assisting others relieve their suffering and find health, happiness and wholeness. So, I don't feel that just saying the words over and over will help anyone in and of itself. However, I do beleive that the meditation will create in my mind a desire to get out and help others.
I couldn’t close my eyes to say the words because I found it hard to remember the words exactly. Did you actually work up a sweat while doing this chant? I’m curious why this would cause you to get hot and think of needing a fan. I enjoyed you adding pictures into your blog to make your point and keep me interested in reading or of your blog. I also liked how you put it into perspective about saying a chant doesn’t make the action happen, we make it happen. It truly is our responsibility to end suffering and help people find happiness, wholeness and good health. We have the keys to unlock the door and guide them to human flourishing so we need to start. Thank you for a great blog.
ReplyDeleteTera,
ReplyDeleteI think your last statement is definitely a good one! We can't expect to help anyone just by meditating on it; we actually have to get out there and do it! I had somewhat a rough time doing this meditation due to my mind wondering about different issues and trying to keep that chant going, but all-in-all, I felt a little at peace while doing it. I wonder why you became so hot?? Maybe open a window a little bit if possible :-)
Great blog!
-Natasja