Reflections on Meditation - May 2024
Reflections on Meditation - May 2024
This months reflections on meditation. A collection of Substack notes for the month of May 2024 from Now About Meditation
Distorting Reality: The Power of Truth
"The more we’re living at odds with the truth, the more we suffer. The more we live along with it, the happier we are." - by Lama Tsomo
In the words of Lama Tsomo, when we deny or distort reality, we create inner discord that inevitably leads to suffering. This discord arises from the dissonance between what we deep down know to be true and the façade we present to the world. It erodes our sense of authenticity and inner peace, leaving us feeling fragmented and discontented. Conversely, embracing truth in all its forms — both pleasant and challenging — can potentially foster a sense of harmony within ourselves. Living in alignment with truth means accepting reality as it is, without judgment or resistance. It allows us to cultivate genuine connections with others and allows for a deeper understanding of ourselves. In this state of alignment, we experience greater clarity, purpose, and fulfilment in our lives. Truth becomes not only a guiding principle but also a source of liberation and joy. Ultimately, Lama Tsomo's words remind me of the transformative power of truth in shaping our happiness and well-being.
Krishnamurti's Secret: Not Minding
Once, when asked about his secret to peace and contentment, meditation teacher Jiddu Krishnamurti famously replied: ‘I don’t mind what happens.’
Upon initial reflection, Krishnamurti's answer about his secret to peace and contentment seems almost flippant - "I don't mind what happens." How could not minding what occurs in life possibly lead to inner tranquillity? Such a response runs counter to the societal messages we receive about needing to control situations, accumulate accomplishments, and contort ourselves to meet certain expectations in order to find fulfilment.
However, Krishnamurti is pointing towards profound wisdom. By not minding, or refraining from reacting with excessive attachment or aversion to the constant stream of experiences and circumstances life presents, one can avoid becoming entangled in mental agitation. Peace and contentment arise from inside, through refusing to indulge in the perpetual desires for pleasant experiences and avoidance of unpleasant ones that form the root of human suffering.
This act of letting go, this understanding that all phenomena are transient, and the acceptance of what arises in the present moment liberates one from the endless cycle of clinging and aversion that ensnares the mind. Living life to the best of our ability, letting go of judgments or resistances that cloud the clarity of perception, and not minding what happens is the essence of equanimity—the bedrock of lasting peace.
Uniting Body and Mind: The True Declaration of Love
Thich Nhat Hanh comments:
"The true declaration of love is, 'Dear one, I am here for you,' because the most precious gift you can give to your loved one is your true presence, with body and mind united in solidity and freedom."
Thich Nhat Hanh's statement draws attention to the significance of being truly present body and mind for the ones we love. This is not easy, especially in a world filled with distractions and constant demands on our attention. It can be challenging to fully immerse ourselves in the moment and connect with those closest to us.
The Vietnamese Buddhist monk's words emphasise that genuine love is expressed not merely through words or gestures but through our unwavering presence. When we say, "I am here for you," it signifies a deep commitment to being emotionally and mentally available, offering our undivided attention to our loved ones.
By being present with unity of body and mind, we create a sacred space where our loved ones can feel heard, understood, and cherished. Offering a grounded and steadfast presence to them, free from the chaos of daily life, through letting go of preoccupations and fully embracing the present moment.
This fosters a sense of security and intimacy in our relationships, allowing us to truly see and appreciate our loved ones for who they are. It creates a safe haven where emotions can be expressed, vulnerabilities shared, and connections deepened. Ultimately, Thich Nhat Hanh's words remind us that love is not merely a sentiment but a conscious choice to show up wholeheartedly for those who matter most.
Does Love Require Agency?
Peter Doobinin argues that love needs agency, commenting,
"Our ability to love is determined by the decisions we make to act in a certain way. When we surrender our decision-making, we deny our greatest strength: our capacity for love."
Peter Doobinin argues that yes, indeed, love requires agency and conscious decision-making. Might this be a thought-provoking, an idea that, at its core, is suggesting that love is not merely a passive emotion or chemical reaction but rather an active choice and ongoing commitment.
This perspective challenges the notion of love as something that simply "happens" to us and instead places the responsibility squarely on the individual. By framing love as a product of our choices and actions, Doobinin invites us to approach it with intention and mindfulness.
Moreover, his assertion that surrendering our decision-making capacity denies our "greatest strength" and our "capacity for love" is a powerful statement. It implies that love is inextricably linked to our autonomy and our ability to exercise free will. Without the agency to make conscious choices, we risk diminishing our ability to truly love.
This view links up with the idea that love is not just a feeling but a verb – an active expression of care, commitment, and selflessness. Love is a conscious practice, one that requires ongoing effort, reflection, and intentionality. In this way, love becomes not just a state of being but a way of living and a manifestation of our highest human potential.