Reply #10: Three principles [View All]

[rumpel]

I define fear = the unknown, something that is beyond my own control or desire, and it does not equal negativity.
Only when my worries latch onto a few negative scenarios of many possible outcomes does it become a negativity.
If there is anything I can constructively contribute to direct the outcome I will try my best.
Could trying to be positive also mean letting go in a true sense, by trusting whatever the outcome will ultimately have a benefit for you, even if it may look like a disaster at that time? Even if it is in form of merely being wiser or having aided someone else instead?


This is a quote from the book "Awakening The Buddha Within", by Lama Surya Das and I hope it helps in some way to overcome any difficulties you are experiencing.

There are three principles, or methods, for maintaining the view in difficult circumstances:

1. Simply be present, fully there, without judgment or prejudice, with whatever occurs. Again and again, use mindfulness* to see whatever it is, just as it is. Just see what's there.

2. Try to see difficult circumstances and happenings as bad-tasting medicine or learning experiences. Look at the reality of the situation without resistance, struggle, aversion, or avoidance. try the tonglen* practice of breathing in and willfully assuming the burden. Remember that everything is grist for the mill of awareness. The particular difficulty can transform your awareness, right now.

3. Recognize whatever arises as pure energy, like a magical display or projection of awareness and wisdom itself. It is a part of the entire mandala of wholeness and integral being. Enjoy the spectacle; watch the show, observe the parade with its dynamic and colorful floats. Observe the play of light and shadow. Here before you is the natural great perfection of things just as they are.

* mindfulness: Pure mindfulness is relaxed, open, lucid moment-to-moment, present awareness. It is like a bright mirror: non-clinging, non-grasping, no-aversive, non-reactive, undistorting. Fortunately, mindfulness is a skill that can be learned like any other. (meditation)

** tonglen: literally known as Sending and Taking is an integral part of the Mahayana mind-training. Technique to be used as a way of increasing one's capacity of unconditional love, generosity, and openness of heart.

and also:

Difficulties or Dukkha Caused by the Flawed Nature of Conditioned Existence

4.Intentionality or will
Are you basically a person of good will, which means that you have good intentions? What do you wish or intend for yourself? Your children? Your friends? What motivates or moves you? What are your intentions? Why do you do what you do? This skhandha includes all volitional activities. As the Buddha pointed out, your intentions create your karma. Your will and intentions direct your mind, which controls the way you think, speak and act. Your intentions establish priorities in your life. Your past intentions condition or perpetuate your present intentions, habits, and propensities. This is where karma is created.

hang in there