MAY 2020
PATIENCE, THE PATH TO FINDING PEACE IN DIFFICULT TIMES
Many of us all over the world are struggling with the lock-down currently in place because of the Covid 19 virus.
Here in California, we have been in quarantine since March 16th - almost 7 weeks now. Lots of us have not worked for that length of time and many may be increasingly worried about managing bills and responsibilities. These worries are understandable and can add to the general sense of being in the thrall of circumstances beyond our control.
Spiritually however, it is believed that it is precisely at the times when we feel most beset with difficulties and filled with impatience that a very important spiritual opportunity occurs - we have the opportunity - right then - to begin to train our minds and to develop our patience because what we DO with a situation depends on how we VIEW a situation which depends entirely on the inclinations of our mind.
“Without patience, no matter how much education we have, there is no peace or freedom at all. Our mind becomes the servant to our anger, completely under its control —(then) nothing will protect our mind from suffering or from its causes: ignorance and dissatisfaction.”
~ Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
So we can choose to experience Covid 19 either as a nightmare - or as a special opportunity…
If you think about it, we rarely have control over the causes and conditions that surround our lives. We can’t control the weather - or the people around us. We don’t control what is on the News or in the grocery stores. But we absolutely have control over what we choose to do in response to these causes and conditions.
Because our actions, words and deeds are driven by the inclinations of our minds, we need to train our minds to be calm, patient and peaceful in order to make the best decisions for ourselves and the world around us. This is why the training of being patient is so important.
In Buddhism we believe that there are basically three types of patience, they are:
1. The patience of disregarding the harm done by others.
2. The patience of accepting suffering
3. The patience of gaining certainty about the Dharma” (or spiritual truths)
~Excerpt From: “The six perfections: the practice of the Bodhisattvas.”
The Perfection of Patience is considered vital to the attainment of loving-kindness and compassion.
So right now, my friends, why not use this time to develop patience while you ride thru the storm of the virus and arrive safely on the other side.
A Simple practice to develop Patience:
Every morning when you awaken and before you get up decide: “Today I am going to practice patience in thought, word and deed.”
Then pay attention to your day Whenever you become aware of an inclination towards anger arising STOP…. and remind yourself that you are not going to go there anymore. Think of it like training a dog - you must be consistent and vigilant and certain. If you do become angry - it’s hard work, after all, to train - be patient with yourself and keep practicing.
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BE HEALTHY
Join me in a meditation practice
MEDICINE BUDDHA
Prevent Contagious Diseases
In this class you will:
Learn a mantra mudra and meditation designed to improve your immune system and protect you from contagious diseases.
Discover why the application of this practice will change your mind and protect your health
In less than 20 minutes a day you can boost your immune system and improve your health
A 4 week program* meets 1x per week on Mondays *June 1st - June 22nd
7-8pm on zoom* $75
There is an EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: $60.00 if you pay before May 22
BRING a Friend – each pays $30.00 (one person pays full amount when registering)
Class Includes Meditation download
Each class will be recorded so you can watch it again - or at your convenience
MUST REGISTER FOR LINK TO ZOOM REGISTRATION
Questions? ask -Ronney-
Stay safe, stay healthy, be happy
Sending you all much Love and Light,
Joy
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Replenishment
An ONGOING weekly meditation program
Thursday 7 - 8:30pm on Zoom
$10 per class / $40 for the month
Learn a series of simple energy exercises designed to help the individual facilitate and restore inner harmony and health on all levels.
This is the class for you if:
You have been/are ill
You wish to recover your health and vitality
You have a demanding life
You feel tired stressed and anxious
You have difficulty sleeping and/or feeling rested when you awaken
You are in peri-menopause or menopause
You wish to support your health and well-being
You want to begin unifying your heart & mind