Tag: compassion

A Lenten Meditation

to resurrect the true selfLeave a comment

Lent

In the Christian tradition,today,which is also known as Ash Wednesday starts the beginning of Lent.Ash denotes the truth that the physical body will turn to ashes when it decays in death.So it can be termed that we are reminded of the truth of dying to all that is not permanent.In other words to our’old habituated -suffering -egoistic self’.

It is a time of withdrawal(moving inward into the self),a time of spiritual retreat.A time to utilize the test of faith,perseverence and courage in wanting to find the True Self following in the footsteps of the historical Jesus the Christ.

As we are told in the Gospels of the New Testament,Jesus left for the wilderness/desert for 40 days/nights to meditate,look within himself, to be allowed to be tempted,tested and tried.It was a time he had to harness all his energies inward into himself withdrawing from the sensory deluded world,letting go,surrendering and renouncing all forms of desires, attachments,ego-centric motivations in order to find his True Self.He needed time to spend in aloneness and solitude to fast his senses and commence the purification process from all afflictions.By going through this endeavour,Jesus had witnessed his Divinity,experienced, announced and attested that the ‘Kingdom of Heaven is Within,’which he mentions many times in the scriptures.

As we journey on this humanly life, it is necessary to find time for quietude to examine our conscience as we develop going deeper into our self to know and experience the truth for ourselves.This is the lesson and teaching that Jesus and all enlightened teachers/masters of spiritual truth would have wanted for us to learn from.They direct the way of seeking out silence to rest the mind,body and spirit and find our True Self.

Therefore lent could be likened to an addict who wisely seeks healing from unnecessary suffering and torments through rehabilitation to courageously and completely detoxify in the term of ‘cold-turkey’ away from the source of addictive temptations.

Most religious traditions delegate a time for ritualistic fasting/penances and altruistic practices to bring us back into our conscience to observe our living states.And it does not only stop when the ritualistic time period is over…it is truly a continuation to keep evolving, delving deeper into ourselves till we find and purify and free ourselves from unnecessary suffering and selfish bondages.

Lent is a time for everyone,believers and non-believers of any particular religious tradition or non at all.Lent is an opportune chance to begin the healing process of cleansing the self of all unhealthy afflictions that disturb our lives and the lives of others.It is a time to bring peace of mind and heart for the welfare of each and every single human being.And we begin with ourselves!

Author of To Resurrect the True Self

Advertisement

From Head into the Heart

to resurrect the true selfLeave a comment

From Head to the Heart

Saint Augustine of Hippo said….”my soul will not rest till it rests in you Lord”

Most of my life I tried to decipher what these words actually meant and what truth it wanted to speak of.

Because of my own quiet perseverance in search for truth and love,I have come to understand its true meaning after going through long struggles with depression, unhappiness and misery most of my adult life.Like St. Augustine, I was yearning for peace of mind and for my heart to experience love in its deepest/fullest capacity.

Meditation,as I have come to practice and experience firsthand is that ‘spiritual transport’ by which all beings inherently can reach the core of the heart and find true purpose of our lives.The purpose of which is to know who we truly are,to be liberated from wasteful,unnecessary suffering and to be a lamp to help others find their way to peace and truth.

Meditation is a sacred passage by which we travel into ourselves watching our minds while we descend into the heart to find Divine Love there already waiting.By this process we come to know who we truly are empirically(direct experience).No one can bring us into ourselves but ourselves! In other words no one or any entity can save us!All true teachers are there to help point and guide,direct us on the path into the self and not away from truth and our own true nature.

We move esoterically(inwardly) from head to heart in the quietude of meditation.It is a love affair with oneself,in self-inquiry…”who am I truly?’”what do I truly want?”

By devoted sitting/walking meditation practice, we gradually become aware and conscious of our humanness,the mind is being observed and tamed.We mature in slow progression of peacefulness(contentment),understanding the true nature of things,preparing to accept all arising of uncertainties.It is not easy to sit in meditation but it becomes possible and effortless once we understand and are willing to endure it for the sake of wisdom,compassionate and joyful attainments to offer and share for ourselves and with others.

Most of my adult life,I thought living was just one big arena for foolish/selfish fun and play,reveling in reckless/restless activities.In the midst of all those reveries,there was always a deep ache and longing for something more,something fulfilling and meaningful that I hungered for.It was something I could not put a finger on but I knew that all these fun and worldly pursuits were not truly what life should be all about totally and aimlessly. I am not against fun,enjoyment and rest/recreation…but only that no one is hurt or harmed or abused and taken advantage of leading to further suffering.Another pitfall of wanting perpetual fun and happiness is that our senses become deeply attached/addicted to its pleasurable tendencies.Happiness hence becomes a suffering trapped in a tiresome,energy draining cycle,repeated over and over unable to be freed from chasing one desire after another(the mind/psyche sustains no peace).If desires are not met,we become agitated and restless which could lead to subtle or vicious aggression and maliciousness.

The world is out there acting as an assistance usually by the subtle and harsh realities of difficulties,chaos,hardships,challenging people/situations,false/empty offering of happiness/glory/beauty and riches which creates opportunities for us to change directions into one of spiritual conversion/transformation thus leading us to introspect and look within ourselves.

A quote from the Gospel of Matthew chapter 7,verse 13-14 illustrating what Jesus had to say about walking through the narrow road which means inwardly into the self and not blindly following ideologies, hearsays,opinions/beliefs of others(world) through the wide gate and broad road with the many distractions that destroy inner peace and truth.

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

~~~~~ Jesus ~~~~~

If inclined to,practice spending a few minutes at a time being in quiet presence to rest the body,mind and soul.To have the right intention of understanding why we need to practice.In order to be opened to peace and loving intentions which bring relief,comfort, to nurture and cultivate wisdom and spiritual maturity.

I write not intending for anyone with any particular religious belief but for everyone as we are all human,yearning to know the truth of ourselves but still not ready or prepared to do so.

Author of To Resurrect the True Self

Courageous Humility

to resurrect the true selfLeave a comment

Courageous Humility

In the true act of courageous humility,the being becomes aware of the log(guilt, fears,faults and negative affictions)) in one’s own eye first thus we can begin to understand the speck(pain and sufferings) seen in another’s eye.

In this process,the devotee chooses to make a courageous effort to pull out that ‘infected’ affected log from its own eye while resonating in compassion for the speck seen in another’s eye.

We all as human beings do suffer.When we see and feel and acknowledge our own suffering,we humbly stop to contain it in the wisdom of not wanting to pour it outwards to inflict pain and annoyances upon others.And this includes the discernment to not be influential in encouraging others to engage in unwholesome activities which does not empower and enhance spiritual healing,growth and humane betterment.For to help bring peace and joy to ourselves, our homes, our environment,to the world,we can mindfully discern to not indulge in meaningless,childish(selfish) and fearful behaviours which only stuns healthy development for ourselves and people we say we care for.

What can we learn from the two criminals who were crucified alongside Jesus on that fateful historical day some two thousand years ago?

The first criminal(the arrogant one),while hanging and dying on the cross mocked Jesus by saying “if you are the son of God,why don’t you come down from the cross and save yourself!”

The second criminal(the humbled one),also in the throes of suffering in pain and close to death on the cross chose the courage to be humble.He chose to defend Jesus,to defend truth and goodness.He spoke quietly to the arrogant man and said……”this man(Jesus) is not a criminal and does not deserve to die like us!”

And Jesus responded to the humble man…..”on this day,you shall be with me in paradise!”

What would suffering allow us to learn from? Humility or Arrogance?

Opening up to Our Conscious state

to resurrect the true selfLeave a comment

Opening up to our Conscious State

How can we grow from purifying our false(negative)state of being to find peace and joy?

How can we truly practice to be courageous in order to live in our True State of Being to share with others?

How do we manifest/witness peace,loving-kindness and joy from within ourselves and outwardly to others?

How to make our lives within our family/friends/circle of people we associate with,our environment and our world,a harmonious place to thrive in?

When there were moments to be angry,abrupt and obnoxious

what did I do or can I choose to do?______

When there were chances to hate,to resent and hold on to bitterness,

what did I do or can I choose to do?______

When there were the opportunity for pride and arrogance to arise,

what did I do or can I choose to do ?______

When there were openness to be selfish,greedy and materialisitic,

what did I do or can I choose to do ?_______

When there were trials and temptations,

what did I do or can I choose to do?_______

When there were times of fear and defending falsehood,

what did I do or can I choose to do?_______

When there were reasons to blame,speak against,spread rumours and be irresponsible,

what did I do or can I choose to do?_______

When I felt Loving, joyful and kind,

what did I do?_____________________________________________

Author of To Resurrect the True Self

A Christmas Meditation

to resurrect the true selfLeave a comment

Generally around the time of Christmas, people develop sensitivities of the heart,a time when most people feel nostalgic, depressed, low in spirit and melancholic…why?Perhaps too many reminders of the way it should be spent with lavish parties and gifts,negative past experiences—missing someone,lost of a loved one,separation,present way of unhappy life situations,being(feeling) alone,the dark,rainy and gloomy weather conditions,the chaotic world, etc.This season too is a time for miracles of the heart to happen,charity and spiritual growth/changes!,During this time,we often speak(sing), hear and see the words LOVE,PEACE,JOY in songs, posters,advertisements,greeting cards,in shopping centres,decorations,etc.

When we lighten and allow the heart to tenderize through whatever we are experiencing in this moment—with thoughtful understanding,kind,loving,forgiving,joyful and humble actions,we can and will enjoy the Christmas season and all its festivities even more meaningfully.We can learn to simply be Present(a present) of peace and joy and thus not get into a knot of attachment to all past reminders.Through this way of loving consciousness,we can wake up without any traces of harsh ‘hangovers’ when the season is over!

My wish and prayer for each one of you,family(near and far),friends and all whom I haven’t seen for a long time and some even I have not met,my wish for you is to be blessed with a Generous Heart and be a witness to the Miracle of Love during this Christmas time. Joyous and Peaceful blessings of the season to all!

Author of To Resurrect the True Self

What seemingly is imperfect,is PERFECT!

to resurrect the true selfLeave a comment

The call to Greatness is the Call to LOVE!And that Love itself is perfect! If each one can be mindful of that love within them and act kindly to each other and cherish the pureness of every life within your self, family, friends and strangers all the same,the world will finally find Peace!With the cultivation of True Love of the heart brings world peace!Seek not for recognition or riches of the world,but rather turn within to be sustained by that ineffable beauty called Love.

Author of To Resurrect the True Self

The Warrior Without an Enemy

to resurrect the true selfLeave a comment

The Warrior without an Enemy

I Am that warrior who fights without a sword,

I Am that warrior who is protected without a shield,

I Am that warrior who sees no enemies around me,

I Am that warrior whose purpose is to slay the ‘demons’within me,

I Am that warrior who champions fearlessly for Love,without prize or crown,

I Am that warrior who knows suffering and who seeks only to spread awareness of its wastefulness!

Author of ‘To Resurrect the True self’

Kindness in the time of Covid

to resurrect the true selfLeave a comment

(This was written at the onset of covid in March 2020)

I truly love this picture taken by my sister,Nina on her kindly rounds looking for the homeless to feed in this dreadful time of the virus.It is a beautiful picture that depicts not of mockery or sympathy but one of charity,both sides helping one another.The one in the picture is giving the one taking the picture a chance to do a deed of benevolence.What I like most in the picture is the tin of cookies that Nina left on the bag for him to eat! A small act of kindness and courage to walk on the streets during this time when everyone else is at home.Some may think it to be a foolish deed during this time but I feel it is a noble act.

Very often while Nina and I used to drive around ,she would point out to me these homeless and broken people and say to me….”these are my people!”.She used to tell me that she would like to buy food for them on her ‘payday’ and hand it out to them.I encourage her,never even for once being afraid because of the crisis going on.So she did it and I admire her for it.I write to tell of her story not because she is my sister but because this picture is a picture of beauty of the heart,a work of compassion and kindness in action.

This is what Nina says in her own words……..”What can we do for these people, I call them my people, lost, no place to call home and just high on drugs. Oh I’m sure the government have tried to help them but I’m sure they probably refused the help because of their mental state of mind afflicted by depression, rejection,desperation and tormented by the grips of addiction and worthlessness.In these time of Covid and still very cold outside, quite a few just fall straight to sleep on alleyways and especially around 7 Eleven’s or MacDonalds. They’re humans no matter what they’ve become, hopeless downtrodden and sneered by many but they still need to eat and be cared for. I have bought a few cookies and if I should see them in my surrounding areas, I’ll offer them a tin, whether they choose to eat, it’s up to to them. I know God still cares for them and I’m happy to help in a small way, even if we only feed one, then that one survives hopefully.”

When we sincerely open our hearts to look within,what do or can we see of ourselves?

When we look at this picture what could be thoughts and emotions that might be evoked.We might think, this doesn’t happen in this day and age.Perhaps,we will feel disgust,despair,shamefulness.Yet maybe we might feel a twinge of connectedness and hopefulness we can give ourselves a chance to open our hearts to respond with humaneness to humanity itself!

Being Humble

to resurrect the true selfLeave a comment

To be genuinely humble,we allow ourselves the courage and willingness to be open to learn wisely,to accept and simply be with whatever is present and happening right Now.We can be resilient to life’s challenges and adverse situations and know that we are giving ourselves the chance of learning to not resist,defend,deny and avoid running away from the truth.Humility is an antidote to pride/arrogance(ego-centirc motivations).Pride and arrogance block the path to peaceful,joyful and loving endeavours and living.

Finding Wonder in this Moment

to resurrect the true selfLeave a comment

Can we find wonder in this moment?

Very often we forget to witness the ordinary moments that are extraordinary! Do we miss the wonderment of life unfolding through the visible eye in nature,the sounds that we can hear of truth and joy,the voice that we can speak of praise and love,the sense of touch to hold/hug and show care and to comfort.

We can initiate the creativity of the compassionate heart to exercise forgiveness for self and others, to reach out to those less fortunate and the miracle of courage to loosen all fears in order to open the blocked passage inwards into the self to find exquisite treasures of our True Self.

Nobody can undertake this wondrous journey for us,but only we ourselves.Every moment is a time and a chance for courage to create and witness a miracle!

http://www.celestehoedenauthor.com