Practice

 In the beautiful book, Living Budda, Living Christ, Thich Nhat Hanh writes, "The Buddha said that his body of teachings would remain with his students but that it was up to them to make it last. If we don't practice, there will be only books and tapes, but if we practice, the Dharma body will be a living Dharma (p. 123)." The same is true for Christianity.  If we do not practice loving one another as ourselves, then the teachings are reduced to just words in a book.  Love is needed to bring Christ into our lives and into our world.   

 I have been pondering  Chapter 54 of the Tao Te Ching, I again saw parallels in these teachings and the teachings of Jesus.  Where Tao (or the word it)  is mentioned we can readily substitute Christ.  Too often, Christians do not bring peace into the world.  To do this, we must practice.  Let us practice letting Christ live through us.   In this way, everyone, regardless of their faith, will be able to have a beautiful Christmas.   We owe the world this much.     

 

May you live a beautiful Christmas today, and always.   

  

Let the Tao be present in your life 

and you will become genuine.  

Let it be present in your family 

and your family will flourish. 

Let it be present in your country

and your country will be an example 

to all countries in the world.  

Let it be present in the universe 

and the universe will sing.   

 

Chapter 54, excerpt Tao Te Ching 

Stephen Mitchell   

   

photograph:  Asilomar Beach, September 2018       

     

 

Give Us a Word

I have been pondering the word lagom, trying to make it one of my own.   I have learned that the origin of the word is Swedish, 19th century, and means "the principle of living a balanced, moderately paced, low-fuss life: those who achieve lagom routinely take time to appreciate their surroundings, take several breaks during the workday, dress from a minimal and versatile wardrobe, and treat others with respect and kindness.. (Dictionary.com)."   I believe this is a state of mind worth cultivating.   

 

"If you want to become whole, 

let yourself be partial. 

If you want to become straight, 

let yourself be crooked. 

If you want to become full, 

let yourself be empty. 

If you want to be reborn, 

let yourself die.  

If you want to be given everything, 

give everything up."     

   

Tao Te Ching, Chapter 22, excerpt 

Stephen Mitchell    

   

Words that can guide us to a beautiful Christmas.   I have long held the belief  that in Christ, we fit  because of our incompleteness.  We are like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. It is only when we come together, that a more complete  picture can be revealed.   In John 15:12-13, Jesus says, "This is my commandment: love each other just as I have loved you. No one has greater love than to give up one's life for one's friends."   A way of deciphering this is to  make room for one another.  Make yourself less so everyone can become more.  Be that grain of wheat that falls to the ground so that a more abundant harvest can be sown.     

  

Peace on the journey.  Remember it is in our hearts where Christ is revealed.    

   

photograph:  Mountain View, May 2015  

        

Grand Opening

 "Without opening your door, 

you can open your heart to the world."  

   

Tao Te Ching, Chapter 47, excerpt 

Stephen Mitchell   

  

The eucalyptus in the photograph has grown large over the years and I walk by it often.  Walking in the neighborhood during a long pandemic poses a challenge in that it is easy to assume one has seen it all before.  That state of mind leads to not seeing anything.  Again and again, I remind myself to stop and simply try to see.  This is how I practice staying open to the world.   

 

I have received the latest issue of Thin Places, published by Westminster Presbyterian Church.  Included in this issue is an excerpt from Mary Oliver's book,  Dream Work:      

 

"And now I understand something so frightening & wonderful -

how the mind clings to the road it knows, 

rushing through crossroads, sticking 

like lint to the familiar."   

       

photograph:  San Leandro, December 2020

After the months of photographing the vibrant colors of spring, summer, and even early fall, I find refuge in the colors of late autumn.   

  

 

Tao Te Ching, Chapter 13, Excerpt

 "What does it mean that success is as dangerous as failure? 

Whether you go up the ladder or down it, 

your position is shaky.   

When you stand with your two feet on the ground, 

you will always keep your balance."  

 

Tao Te Ching, Chapter 13, excerpt   

Stephen Mitchell  

   

In his notes, Stephen Mitchell writes, "The trick is to go up or down the ladder with both feet on the ground."     

 

I think of Jesus' comments about finding one's place at the table  in Luke 14:10-11: " But when you are invited, go and recline at the last place, so that when the one who has invited you comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’; then you will have honor in the sight of all who are at the table with you. “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”     

  

Learning to  go up and down a ladder with both feet on the ground is a good spiritual practice.  I suggest starting with a step stool.  

  

photograph:  say 

Tao Te Ching, Chapter 12

 "Colors blind the eye. 

Sounds deafen the ear. 

Flavors numb the taste.  

Thoughts weaken the mind. 

Desires wither the heart.   

  

The Master observes the world 

but trusts his inner vision. 

He allows things to come and go. 

His heart is open as the sky."

   

Tao Te Ching, Chapter 12 

Stephen Mitchell       

        

The two photographs are of the same wisteria that lives just around the corner from us.  One picture was taken this spring; the second was taken last month.  Every year I watch the wisteria come and go.  It changes, but then again, it does not.  It never shows up as a daffodil.  

   

      

An Advent Poem

 I discovered this lovely poem in 2015  in a small publication entitled Thin Places, published by the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis. It has become an essential part of my Advent season.  Thin Places refers to it as " A15th Century Advent Poem."  It is included in their most recent issue as well, still with no additional information.    

The photograph attached is the one I sent in 2015.  I often walk by that garden, and I think I will today.   

 Holy harmony. I love that phrase. As we light our candles and try to make our way to peace, may this sacred weaving be our intention.    

Thou shalt know Him when He comes

not by any din of drums

nor the vantages of airs

nor by anything He wears...

For His presence known shalt be

by the holy harmony

that His coming makes in thee.