Reflections on Meditation - November 2023
Reflections on Meditation - November 2023
This months reflections on meditation. A collection of Substack notes for the month of November 2023 from Now About Meditation
Pride in our own competence can be our largest obstacle to fully experiencing reality.
- by Grace Schireson
While confidence and self-assuredness are undeniably important qualities, they can inadvertently blind us to the vast complexities and subtleties of the world around us. When we think we have all the answers, we may become resistant to new ideas and perspectives, with this limiting our ability to learn and grow. Moreover, excessive pride in our sense of competence can lead to a certain level of arrogance that hinders our capacity for empathy and understanding, causing us to overlook the diverse experiences and viewpoints of others. Embracing humility and acknowledging the limits of our knowledge allows us to engage with reality more openly, fostering a deeper connection with the ever-evolving tapestry of human existence. As the oracle of Delfi answered to the question, "Who is the wisest person in the world?" Their answer being, "Socrates because he knows he knows nothing."
There is a truth about life that can be found when you’re in the present moment.
- by Elizabeth Napp
Amidst the chaos of daily existence, it is easy to become entangled in the threads of past regrets or future uncertainties. However, there exists a transformative power in embracing the present, where the immediacy of experience can unveil a fundamental truth about life. Why? Because it is in the present moment that one can truly appreciate the beauty of existence, the richness of relationships, and the depth of personal growth. By anchoring oneself in the present, free from the burdens of yesterday and the anxieties of tomorrow, one may find a clarity that illuminates the path to living a more fulfilling and authentic life. The truth about life, it seems, is often nestled in the quiet awareness of the present, waiting to be discovered—only if we are willing enough to be fully present to the unfolding tapestry of our own life, moment by moment.
By giving up our attachments in life, we open ourselves up to more opportunities, more spontaneity, and more chances to cultivate deeper connections with others.
-by Lama Tsomo
In those moments of my life when I reluctantly release the grip of attachments, the initial feeling is one of loss. However, upon reflection, I consistently discover that letting go tends to unlock doors to a world brimming with opportunities, spontaneity, creativity, and the potential for profound connections with others. Why? Because clinging to possessions, relationships, or predetermined paths can be constraining, hindering personal growth and limiting the spectrum of experiences. By relinquishing these attachments, we create space, granting ourselves the freedom from preconceived notions and rigid plans, fostering a sense of spontaneity and inviting new and enriching encounters.
Moreover, as we detach from specific outcomes, we become more attuned to the present moment, fostering a more genuine connection with ourselves and those around us.
The past has already been lived. It doesn’t have to be relived. To sacrifice the present and the future by reliving past injuries is not the way of the sages.
- by Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche
The wisdom encapsulated in the phrase can provide insight into the nature of human existence. It encourages a forward-looking perspective and emphasizes the futility of dwelling excessively on past experiences, especially those that may have caused pain or hardship. The notion underscores the importance of embracing the present moment and channelling energy towards shaping a positive future rather than being ensnared by the shadows of bygone days. In mentioning the way of the sages, Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche might be referring to the understanding that true liberation lies in letting go of the burdens of the past and cultivating a mindful engagement with the unfolding present, paving the way for a more fulfilling and enlightened future.