Daily Reflection Sit

Right now we still get knocked around a lot. Our hearts are challenged, fatigued, swayed by opinion, preference and partiality!!! We are growing them to be more resilient each time we orient towards balance, towards re-establishing balance, in the present moment, in this moment, in this body, this heart, this mind. This entrains equanimity.

The 10 paramis or qualities of character to cultivate are: generosity, non-harm & goodwill, renunciation, wisdom, energy, patience, truthfulness, determination, lovingkindness, and equanimity. Each parami is part of the others. For example, there is a generosity to giving, to offering safety, non-harm or goodwill, to refraining from unskillful words of actions….etc.

If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.

Non-harm; inclining toward the affiliative part of our nature.

One fundamental way we learn the ways of non-harm and goodwill is by watching others model for us what it means to be kind, generous, caring and careful in speech and action. Pause for a moment and consider Who in your life, known directly or not, has helped educate your heart? Shaped your ethical rudder? Who has led by example the ways of being skillful? Who are the people that inspire, encourage and support you to “up your game”, to be “at your best”? These are your benefactors and spiritual friends.

So much is gained in the practice of renunciation: the space to feel more connected to and appreciative of what is here, to develop insight into our intention and volitional energy and discern what is ethical action; and the joy and relief that comes in moments of freedom from greed, hatred and delusion, and in knowing that we are not adding harm to the world.

Letting go of creating anyone or anything as an enemy will be explored using the example of the Buddha’s relationship with Maara.

In an Equanimity meditation and aspiration practice we hear all of the Paramis and their Wisdom.

If we attune to it, nature can support and teach us …about each of the paramis, and especially at this time of year, about renunciation.