CONSIDER THE TREES WHICH ALLOW THE BIRDS TO PERCH AND FLY AWAY WITHOUT EITHER INVITING THEM TO STAY OR DESIRING THEM NEVER TO DEPART. IF YOUR HEART CAN BE LIKE THIS, YOU’LL BE NEAR TO THE WAY.

three weeks of of dancing devotedly in the tides of openhearted october brings me deeper into our communal home… our one heart of love and compassion… of burning away more of the need to manage life and witnessing the organic rising up from the ashes life  as free flowing river of joy where…

all is well

and all is well

and all that is, is well

to inspire living like trees and closer to the way of love and compassion, let’s listen to the sage wisdom of an 11th century Tibetan monk…

Eight Verses for Living Love and Compassion

~ Geshi Langtri Thangpa ~

By thinking of all sentient beings
As more precious than a wish-fulfilling jewel
For accomplishing the highest aim,
I will always hold them dear.

Whenever I’m in the company of others,
I will regard myself as the lowest among all,
And from the depths of my heart
Cherish others as supreme.

In my every action, I will watch my mind,
And the moment destructive emotions arise,
I will confront them strongly and avert them,
Since they will hurt both me and others.

Whenever I see ill-natured beings,
Or those overwhelmed by heavy misdeeds or suffering,
I will cherish them as something rare,
As though I’d found a priceless treasure.

Whenever someone out of envy
Does me wrong by attacking or belittling me,
I will take defeat upon myself,
And give the victory to others.

Even when someone I have helped,
Or in whom I have placed great hopes
Mistreats me very unjustly,
I will view that person as a true spiritual teacher.

In brief, directly or indirectly,
I will offer help and happiness to all my mothers,
And secretly take upon myself
All their hurt and suffering.

I will learn to keep all these practices
Untainted by thoughts of the eight worldly concerns.
May I recognize all things as like illusions,
And, without attachment, gain freedom from bondage.

~

help us to live as generously free from judgement and as openhearted as our tree relatives, the standing talls…