Contemplation: The Practice, 7

After reviewing the guidelines for practice, take the following as your object of contemplation:

Though he practices concentration and insight as methods to aid one to the way, in the end he does not sink into tranquil extinction--such is the practice of the bodhisattva.  Though fully aware that all things are without birth or extinction, he adorns his body with auspicious features--such is the practice of the bodhisattva.

Vimalakirti Sutra, p. 74

Programming Note:  There will be no contemplation posted next week, as I will be out of town and away from the computer.  Continue with this one until I return.

Contemplation: The Practice, 6

After reviewing the guidelines for practice, take the following as your object of contemplation:

Though he practices the four states of mindfulness, in the end he does not long to remove himself from the objects of such mindfulness, the body, sensation, the mind, and things--such is the practice of the bodhisattva.

The Vimalakirti Sutra, p. 73

A Gatha from the Vajrasamadhi Sutra

I hope this brief verse (gatha) makes the same impression on you as it does for me:

Objects that are produced by causes and conditions,
Those objects are extinguished and unproduced.
Extinguish all objects subject to production and extinction,
And those objects will be produced and unextinguished.

This is from the Vajrasamadhi-Sutra (published as Cultivating Original Enlightenment, by Robert Buswell, which includes a brilliant exposition of the text by the great Korean master Wonhyo).

At this link, you can find a version of this gatha that you can print, cut down to size, and pin to your cubicle wall or the space just above the kitchen sink, for reflecting at regular intervals.

Contemplation: The Practice, 5

After reviewing the guidelines for practice, take this as your object of contemplation:

Though he moves in the realm of emptiness, he plants many roots of virtue--such is the practice of the bodhisattva.

The Vimalakirti Sutra, p. 73

Office Hour: Falls Church Edition

This Sunday, July 8 2012 starting at 8:00am, we will assemble at a Starbucks in Falls Church for an Office Hour.  Everyone is welcome.  You can find out more on the whys and hows of this event at our Meetup page.

Some members of the group are interested in taking a trip to the Smithsonian in order to experience the Masters of Mercy exhibition at the Sackler Gallery.  This is strongly encouraged.  If anyone would like to drift over there after the Office Hour, or at any time really, the benefit will be to take in some truly inspiring artwork. 

Contemplation: The Practice, 4

After reviewing the guidelines for practice, take the following as your object of contemplation:

Though he longs to be far removed from the passions, he does not seek this through the elimination of body or mind--such is the practice of the bodhisattva.

Vimalakirti Sutra, p. 72.