Opening Reflections

In you, O Lord, I take refuge.
Let me never be put to shame.
In your justice, set me free,
hear me and speedily rescue me.
(Bible, Psalm 31)

Reading

True words are not elaborate.
Elaborate words are not true.
Good people do not argue.
People who argue are not good.

People who know are not full of facts.
People who are full of facts do not know.

The sage does not hoard.
She increases her treasure by 
working for her fellow human beings.
She increases her abundance
by giving herself to them.

The way of heaven:
benefit all, harm none.
The way of the sage: work for all,
contend with none.
(Tao te ching, #81

Meditation

Reading

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.[3]

Meditation


Sermon

"Humility" is derived from the Latin word humus or earth;
the humble person has his/her feet on the ground.
Levelheaded and truthful,
those with humility are not the center
of their own universe.
Rather they are centered on God and on others.

In his book Everyday Greatness (Rutledge Hill Press, 2006), 
Stephen R. Covey included a chapter on humility in which he quoted Groucho Marx. 
Marx told the story of a nurse so taken with her own beauty 
that each time she took a man’s pulse, 
she subtracted 10 points to compensate for what her looks did to his heartbeat. 
Covey also quoted Sam Walton (the founder of Wal-Mart), who said, 
“It is unhealthy to marinate in your own press clippings.” 
In a like manner, Frank Tyger advised, “Swallow your pride. It’s non-fattening.”

After his epic saga Roots was published in 1976, 
Alex Haley said that in his office 
he had a picture of a turtle sitting on a fencepost. 
When he looked at it, Haley remembered a lesson taught to him 
by his friend John Gaines: 
“If you see a turtle on top of a fencepost, 
you know he had some help.” 
Said Haley, “Anytime I start thinking, 
‘Wow, isn’t this marvelous what I’ve done!’
 I look at that picture and remember how this turtle -- me -- 
got up on that post.”
[4]

Memory Verse

The servants of the most merciful are 
those who walk upon the earth in humility,
and when the ignorant address them,
they say words of peace. (Sarah al Furqan 25:63)

Closing Prayer

Oh, Great Spirit

Whose voice I hear in the winds,

And whose breath gives life to all the world,

hear me, I am small and weak,

I need your strength and wisdom.

Let me walk in beauty and make my eyes ever behold

the red and purple sunset.

Make my hands respect the things you have

made and my ears sharp to hear your voice.

Make me wise so that I may understand the things

you have taught my people.

Let me learn the lessons you have

hidden in every leaf and rock.

I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother,

but to fight my greatest enemy - myself.

Make me always ready to come to you

with clean hands and straight eyes.

So when life fades, as the fading sunset,

my Spirit may come to you without shame.[6]
(North American Indian Prayer)

The First Noble Truth

Devotional for March 29, 2015

The First Noble Truth

This is one of the "three signs of being"- that suffering, hardship, and unsatisfactoriness is the lot of humankind. It does not deny happiness or pleasure and life's simple joys, but argues that they too come to an end and are therefore transient and passing.

The Buddha likened pleasure to "licking honey from a knife"-sooner or later we will get hurt by it; it is not that there is anything wrong with pleasure, but the compulsive pursuit of it leads to unhappiness. Even if we are sitting comfortably and all seems well, in no time at all we have to move and find a new position.

To probe little deeper, something inside human beings is restless and unsatisfied and craves now for "this" and for "that". Nothing seems enough. As Pascal said, all the troubles in the world arise because man is unable to sit quietly alone in a room.

Biddulph, D & Flynn D. (2009). The Teachings of the Buddha; the wisdom of the Dharma from the Pali Canon to the Sutras. New York: Sterling Publishing. p. 101.

Walking the Middle Way

Opening Reflections

As we enter this sacred silence


May our truest selves transcend


The dissonance of daily distractions


As we join the spiraling, infinite dance


Pulsing unseen throughout all creation.


So may it be.[1]

Reading

And the Blessed One thus addressed the five monks:

There are two extremes, monks, which he who has given up the world ought to avoid. What are these two extremes? A life given to pleasures, devoted to pleasures and lusts—this is degrading, sensual, vulgar, ignoble, and profitless.And a life given to mortifications—this is painful, ignoble, and profitless.

By avoiding these two extremes, monks, the Tathagata has gained the knowledge of the Middle Way, which leads to insight, which leads to wisdom, which conduces to calm, to knowledge, to Supreme Enlightenment, to Nirvana.What, monks, is this Middle Way the knowledge of which the Tathagata has gained, which leads to insight, which leads to wisdom, which conduces to calm, to knowledge, to Supreme Enlightenment, to Nirvana?

It is the Noble Eightfold Way, namely: right views, right intent, right speech, right conduct, right means of livelihood, right endeavor, right mindfulness, right meditation.This, monks, is the Middle Way the knowledge of which the Tathagata has gained, which leads to insight, which leads to wisdom, which conduces to calm, to knowledge, to perfect enlightenment to Nirvana. [2]

Meditation

Reading

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.[3]

Meditation


Sermon

Some leaders use threats to win adherents. They invoke death to force good behavior and to herd people toward paradise. Others woo with grand promises. If you have no satisfaction, they offer bliss. If you feel inadequate, they offer success. If you are lonely, they offer acceptance. But if we do not fear death and are happy, what will such leaders have to offer?

 Spirituality is an organic part of daily life, not something dispensed by a professional. True spirituality is liberation, not just from the delusions of reality but from the delusions of religion as well. If we attain freedom from the fear of death, a sound way of health, and a path of understanding through life, there is happiness and no need for false leaders.

[4]

Memory Verse

…if any show patience and forgive,

that would truly be an exercise of courageous will

and resolution in the conduct of affairs. [5] [Quran 42:43]

Closing Prayer

Oh, Great Spirit

Whose voice I hear in the winds,

And whose breath gives life to all the world,

hear me, I am small and weak,

I need your strength and wisdom.

Let me walk in beauty and make my eyes ever behold

the red and purple sunset.

Make my hands respect the things you have

made and my ears sharp to hear your voice.

Make me wise so that I may understand the things

you have taught my people.

Let me learn the lessons you have

hidden in every leaf and rock.

I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother,

but to fight my greatest enemy - myself.

Make me always ready to come to you

with clean hands and straight eyes.

So when life fades, as the fading sunset,

my Spirit may come to you without shame.[6]
(North American Indian Prayer)

---

[1] Capo, Mary Kate. "A Call to Meditation." Worship Web (blog), February 25, 2013. http://www.uua.org/worship/words/meditations/142725.shtml (accessed March 1, 2014).

[2] "The First Sermon of the Lord, Buddha." Reading of Buddhist Philosophy (blog), http://www.as.miami.edu/phi/bio/Buddha/firstsermon.html (accessed March 1, 2014).

[3] Matthew 5:3-11 . NIV http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew 5 (accessed March 1, 2014).

[4] Deng, Ming-Dao (2013-06-25). 365 Tao: Daily Meditations (p. 20). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition..

[5] Quran 43:43 (blog), http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080624142141AA2Okly (accessed March 1, 2014).

[6] "Native American Prayers." Accessed March 1, 2014. http://nativeamerican.lostsoulsgenealogy.com/prayers.htm.

Seasons: Cycles of time

Opening Reflections

Sing to the Lord a new song;

for he has done marvelous things.

his right hand and his holy arm

have worked salvation for him

(Christian: Psalm 98:1)

Reading

Just as the Buddha said of all the Buddhas

who attained enlightenment, not one accomplished it

without relying on the master, he also said:

"It is only through devotion,and devotion alone,

that you will realize the absolute truth." 

So then, it is essential to know what real devotion is.

It is not mindless adoration, 

it is not abdication of your responsibility to yourself, 

nor indiscriminately following of another's personality or whim. 

Real devotion is an unbroken receptivity to the truth.

Real devotion is rooted in an awedand reverent gratitude, 

but one that is lucid, grounded, intelligent. 

(Buddhist: Sogyal Rinpoche)

Meditation


Reading

“Let there be no compulsion in religion. 

Truth has been made clear from error. 

Whoever rejects false worship and believes in Allah [God] 

has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that never breaks. 

And Allah [God] hears and knows all things.”  

(Islam, Qu'ran 2:256)

Meditation


Sermon

Spiritual cultivation is a daily activity. No matter how much we achieve one day, we must continue the next. Progress is often so subtle that we may feel the effort futile, and it is hard to get up each morning and try again with the same enthusiasm. Yet this is precisely what we must do. If we have the benefit of guidance, talent, and the proper circumstances, then the bulk of our attention has to be paid to such a simple day-to-day effort. No person ever leapt to heaven in one bound. Spirituality is achieved by steady climbing, like a difficult journey to a mountain temple. The number of steps is in the thousands; the way is steep. It takes a long time to get there, and we must content ourselves with the panoramas along the way and think that the view at the summit will be best of all. If we fall, we must pick ourselves up and get back on the trail again. Success in spiritual life is measured not by spectacular events but by daily devotion. This iron will, this deep sincerity maintains our ascent.

Deng, Ming-Dao (2013-06-25). 365 Tao: Daily Meditations (p. 65). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition. 

Memory Verse

Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully 

and with wholehearted devotion, and have 

done what is good in your eyes. 

(Christian: 2 Kings 20:3)

Closing Prayer

O Great Spirit of our Ancestors, I raise my pipe to you, to your messengers the four winds, and to Mother Earth who provides for your children. Give us the wisdom to teach our children to love, to respect, and to be kind to each other so that they may grow with peace in mind. Let us learn to share all the good things that you provide for us on this Earth.

(North American Indian Prayer)

Devotions

Opening Reflections

I am saying this for your own good, 

not to restrict you,

but that you may live in a right way

in undivided devotion to the Lord.

(Christian: 1 Corinthians 7: 34-26)

When the sun of fierce devotion

shines on the snow mountain of the master,

the stream of his blessings will 

flow down.

(Buddhist: Drikung Kyobpa)

Perform all thy actions with mind concentrated

on the divine, renouncing attachment and 

looking upon success and failure with 

an equal eye.

(Hindu: The Bhagavad Gita)

Reading

Just as the Buddha said of all the Buddhas

who attained enlightenment, not one accomplished it

without relying on the master, he also said:

"It is only through devotion,and devotion alone,

that you will realize the absolute truth." 

So then, it is essential to know what real devotion is.

It is not mindless adoration, 

it is not abdication of your responsibility to yourself, 

nor indiscriminately following of another's personality or whim. 

Real devotion is an unbroken receptivity to the truth.

Real devotion is rooted in an awedand reverent gratitude, 

but one that is lucid, grounded, intelligent. 

(Buddhist: Sogyal Rinpoche)

Meditation


Reading

“Let there be no compulsion in religion. 

Truth has been made clear from error. 

Whoever rejects false worship and believes in Allah [God] 

has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that never breaks. 

And Allah [God] hears and knows all things.”  

(Islam, Qu'ran 2:256)

Meditation


Sermon

Spiritual cultivation is a daily activity. No matter how much we achieve one day, we must continue the next. Progress is often so subtle that we may feel the effort futile, and it is hard to get up each morning and try again with the same enthusiasm. Yet this is precisely what we must do. If we have the benefit of guidance, talent, and the proper circumstances, then the bulk of our attention has to be paid to such a simple day-to-day effort. No person ever leapt to heaven in one bound. Spirituality is achieved by steady climbing, like a difficult journey to a mountain temple. The number of steps is in the thousands; the way is steep. It takes a long time to get there, and we must content ourselves with the panoramas along the way and think that the view at the summit will be best of all. If we fall, we must pick ourselves up and get back on the trail again. Success in spiritual life is measured not by spectacular events but by daily devotion. This iron will, this deep sincerity maintains our ascent.

Deng, Ming-Dao (2013-06-25). 365 Tao: Daily Meditations (p. 65). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition. 

Memory Verse

Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully 

and with wholehearted devotion, and have 

done what is good in your eyes. 

(Christian: 2 Kings 20:3)

Closing Prayer

O Great Spirit of our Ancestors, I raise my pipe to you, to your messengers the four winds, and to Mother Earth who provides for your children. Give us the wisdom to teach our children to love, to respect, and to be kind to each other so that they may grow with peace in mind. Let us learn to share all the good things that you provide for us on this Earth.

(North American Indian Prayer)

Living in Peace

Opening Reflections

Live happily, without hating even those

who hate you. 

Be free from hatred among those who hate. 

(Buddhism, Siddhartha, v197)

Blessed are the peacemakers, 

for they shall be called Sons of God. (

(Bible, Matthew 5:9)

As river flow in the ocean

but cannot make the ocean overflow, so

flow the streams of the sense-world

into the sea of peace that is the sage.

(Hinduism, Bhagavid Gita 2:70)

Scripture Reading

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose

under heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant,

and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down,

and a time to build up; your

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn,

and a time to dance...

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence,

and a time to speak;

A time to love,  and a time to hate; a time of war,

and a time of peace. (Bible, Ecclesiastes 3:1-4, 7-8)

Meditation


Scripture Reading

“Let there be no compulsion in religion. 

Truth has been made clear from error. 

Whoever rejects false worship and believes in Allah [God] 

has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that never breaks. 

And Allah [God] hears and knows all things.”  

(Islam, Qu'ran 2:256)

Meditation


Sermon

It is hard to be born as a human being and hard to live

the life of one. It is even harder to hear of the path;

and harder still to awake, to rise and to follow.

Yet the teaching of the Buddha is simple:

'Cease to do evil, learn to do good.

And purify your mind.'

Whoever revers the awakened one and the noble path,

will live in measureless serenity and peace.'

(Siddhartha- The Enlightened One, v182, v183)

Memory Verse

Blessed are we who can laugh at ourselves;

for we shall never cease to be amused. (Anonymous)

Closing Prayer

I add my breath to your breath

that our days be long on the earth,

that the days of our people may be long,

that we shall be as one person,

that we may finish our road together.

(Pueblo Native American Prayer)

On Kindness

Opening Reflections

A friend loves at all times. (Jewish Proverbs 17:17)

Greater love has no one than this, that

someone lay down his life for his friends. (Christian, John 15:13)

God loveth those who are kind. (Islam, Qu'ran 5:13)

What use is a melody in an unmusical song?

What use are eyes which express no kindness?

Other than a facial appliance, what do eyes

with no quality of kindness really do?

A kindly look is the ornament of the eyes.

Without kindness the eyes are two 

unsightly sores.- (Hindu, Tirukkural 58: 573-575)

Scripture Reading

May all beings have happiness and the causes of happiness;

this is immeasurable loving kindness;

May all beings be liberated from suffering and the causes of suffering;

this is immeasurable compassion;

May all beings be free of suffering and always stay happy;

this is immeasurable joy;

May all beings be free of grasping and aversion towards others,

and develop faith in the equality of all beings;

this is immeasurable equanimity.

- Tantric Buddhism

Moment of Reflection

Scripture Reading

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast;

it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on

its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;

it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices 

with the truth. Love bears all things,

believes all things, hopes all things,

endures all things. (Christian, 1Corinthians 13 4:7)

Moment of Reflection


Sermon

So, ask Allah, your Lord; to give you a sound body and an enlightened heart so you may be able to fast and recite his book, for only he is unhappy who is devoid of Allah’s forgiveness during this great month. Remember the hunger and thirst of the day of Qiyamah (Judgement) with your hunger and thirst; give alms to the needy and poor, honor your old, show kindness to the young ones, maintain relations with your blood relations; guard your tongues, close your eyes to that which is not permissible for your sight, close your ears to that which is forbidden to hear, show compassion to the orphans of people so compassion may be shown to your orphans. Repent to Allah for your sins and raise your hands in dua during these times, for they are the best of times and Allah looks towards his creatures with kindness, replying to them during the hours and granting their needs if he is asked...
"O People! Indeed your souls are dependant on your deeds, free it with Istighfar (repentance) lighten its loads by long prostrations; and know that Allah swears by his might: That there is no punishment for the one who prays and prostrates and he shall have no fear of the fire on the day when man stands before the Lord of the worlds. 
(Islam, Sermon of the Prophet)


Memory Verse

Let no one ever come to you without leaving

better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness:

in your face, eyes, and your smile.

-Mother Teresa

Closing Prayer

Father-Mother of the Universe, in the beauty of Your

Presence we give thanks for family and friends and for

the clan of man. Nourish our bodies with these gifts of

the earth and our minds with the thoughts sparkling among us.

We will that our personal will be in 

atonement with the Divine as our Spirits bow in awe 

and wonder of the Great Unseen.

-Anabelle Woodard