Buddha Says Keep The Heart Pure

 

Not to commit evil, but to practice all good, and to keep the heart pure: This is the teaching of the Buddha.

“To keep the heart pure” means to try to keep the mind uncluttered. It does not mean that we are saintly. It means that we are reasonably aware, reasonably caring, open to ourselves and to others, and not influenced by hatred, greed, or delusion. – Martine Batchelor, "The Precepts: A Special Practice Section"

I read this passage the other day, and I was struck by the simplicity of living that this bit of wisdom crafts for us.  I wonder how this teaching, now nearly 5000 years old, could be replaced by a belief in Christianity and Muslim, which seem to cause great violence to other humans. 

I wondered how these faiths only in existence for about 2000 years, could arise.   As I was sitting in meditation, the simple answer came to me – they arose because the true teachings which supported the teachings of Buddha for different geographical regions, were pushed aside because of the individual’s need for power and to support their hatred and greed.  This thought was so powerful that I nearly fell off my meditation cushion.  And, it made me sad – very sad.

May we all find that place in ourselves to be kind and carrying, and beyond the passions of hatred, and greed.  May delusion be released as we shed our ego.

Blessings,

Judy

Peacock and Seeing

When I am meditating, and an animal comes in to speak about life, I am always intrigued, and invite them in with enthusiasm.  This was how I felt with Peacock.

Peacock had a message around seeing things.  His message is:

• Peacocks are known for their prowess in killing snakes.  Watch for the snake in the grass – the one that has a big agenda that does not include you.  Protect yourself!
• Many say that the spots in my feathers represent the all-seeing eye.  In some cultures, the eye wards off evil or wards off curses.  My feathers do offer protection to me.  Whether they are part of your path and sacred to you is your journey.
• Beware anyone that tries to dazzle you with the extravagant because this is usually for show and does not have substance.  When you are in a business deal where this is happening, do ask “show me the money!”.
• In most cultures, the circle is the symbol of cycles, and of continuity.  This is why there are circles on my feathers, to remind you that you may have been in this place before.  If you did not like it, then now is the time to change -  career, life, relationships, beliefs  -  all can be changed.

I thanked Peacock for his wisdom and bid him good bye.

Blessings,

Judy

Coyote Healer In My Dream

As I was reading some of my old writings, I was struck by how often I have realtime or dream time interactions with Coyotes.  In this dream, the interaction is very positive.  My dog Magic has been gone several years now.  The dream that preceded this one was a situation where I was in a battle of good and evil. 

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In my dream, I was on my knees.  I had been hurt, and was bleeding from two wounds, one to my left shoulder and one to my right thigh.  I hurt.  I was wondering if it was worth continuing trying to live.  I knew that I was bleeding out.  My head dropped forward, and I thought that I would soon die.  

And then I heard a yip of some sort.  I tried to see what was coming, but I could not.  I thought that I could not feel this tired without sleeping.  As I started to lean forward, I leaned into something very soft.  I looked up and saw a large, grey coyote in front of me.  He whined.  He leaned into me.  

I wrapped my fingers around his fur and I felt comfort – like when I was little and could hug my teddy bear.  I felt his fur absorb the blood that I was loosing.  I began to feel better.  I felt my strength return and I rocked back on my heals.  

As I started to say thank-you, he whined and licked my cheek, and then trotted off into the bushes.  I could just barely see him amongst the grey branches.  It seemed that he stopped to watch me, to see what would happen next. 

The next scene in the dream was that my dog, Magic, came running up to me, growling in the back of his throat as though he was giving me heck for getting out of his sight.  He dropped down in front of me, panting.  He sniffed the air.  And then he looked directly at the Coyote.  He barked once with what sounded like “Thanks”.  And then he nudged my hand, and got up, as though saying “ It is time to go home.”  I struggled to my feet, and wrapped my hands in the fur in Magic’s neck.  

The next thing I knew was that I was awake, and Magic was lying at the foot of the bed, pressed up against me.  And, I felt tired.

Many blessings,

Judy