Embracing the chaos
These are actually awesome times for meditation, prayer and spiritual practice as the world spirals into madness and chaos. Going within is the only antidote. That’s why there is a such an explosion of spiritual practice in the world today.
A young disciple once asked his master, ‘What is the difference between the spiritual athlete and the ordinary athlete?’ The master replied, ‘The ordinary athlete strives to win medals and gain recognition, but the spiritual athlete seeks to win the game of life and transcend the self.’ The disciple pondered this for a moment and then asked, ‘But how does one win the game of life?’ The master smiled and said, ‘By cultivating a mind that is open, present, and compassionate, and by living each moment with awareness, purpose, and grace.’
Anonymous
This koan speaks to the idea that the true goal of the Spiritual Athlete is not to achieve external recognition or success, but to cultivate inner qualities such as mindfulness, compassion, and purpose. Through this inner work, one can transcend the limitations of the ego and achieve a sense of oneness with the universe.
Internalization
Spiritual teachings that are not internalized are like a donkey carrying books
The true value of spiritual teachings lies not in simply memorizing or reciting them but in living them. Without internalization, the teachings remain external and do not have a transformative impact on one’s life. It is important to apply spiritual teachings in our daily lives, to practice them consistently and with sincerity, and to allow them to shape our thoughts, words, and actions. When we internalize spiritual teachings, they become a part of our being and guide us on our spiritual journey towards greater awareness, compassion, and wisdom. Like a donkey carrying books, if we merely carry the teachings without taking the effort to internalize them, we will not benefit from their wisdom and insights. Therefore, it is important to cultivate a genuine and sincere practice of spiritual teachings to realize their true potential.
Features
The Best of Meditation
Focus on your breath
Simply sit in a quiet place, close your eyes, and focus your attention on your breath.
Use a word
A word or phrase that you repeat to yourself during meditation. It can be anything that has a calming or centering effect on you. You can repeat it silently to yourself or out loud. Some popular words include “Om,” “peace,” and “love.”
Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness meditation involves being fully present in the moment and observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This can help you become more aware of your emotions and reactions, and can help you respond to them in a more thoughtful and intentional way.
Practice regularly
Meditation is like any other skill – it takes practice to get better. Try to set aside a few minutes each day for meditation, even if it’s just five or ten minutes. Over time, you may find that you’re able to meditate for longer periods of time.
Be patient
t’s natural to have thoughts and distractions during meditation. Don’t get frustrated or discouraged if your mind wanders – just gently bring your focus back to your breath or mantra. With practice, you’ll find it easier to stay focused and calm during meditation.
Try guided meditations
Guided meditations are recordings that walk you through the meditation process. They can be especially helpful if you’re new to meditation or if you’re having trouble staying focused.
Koan of the day
Latest thoughts
The Empty Cup:
Zen Wisdom for Enlightenment
Discover the profound lessons of letting go and embracing emptiness on the path to true enlightenment.
The Cave of Stillness
A journey to the heart of meditation through the tale of a monk’s profound experience in a remote cave. Explore the wisdom of letting go and finding inner peace.
Finding Inner Peace
We embark on a heartwarming journey with a wise sage named Master Rin, set in a tranquil village where the mountains meet the sky. This narrative is more than just a story; it’s an experiential guide to meditation and inner peace.
Ready to meet your Spiritual Athlete?
Imagine that it would be a deeply meaningful experience, to connect with someone who shares a similar spiritual path and sense of purpose. Imagine that in such a meeting, we would feel a sense of camaraderie and belonging, a recognition of the shared human experience and the search for greater meaning and fulfillment. And even if we were unable to meet in person, the very act of reaching out and connecting with one another would be a powerful reminder that we are not alone on this journey.