About Me
I'm joining Service Space because ... of noble friendship.
A good day to me is when ... I help others.
My hero in life is ...Gandhi's Autobiography.
My favorite book is ...My teachers.
One thing I'm grateful for is ... that I know the value of meditation.
Mia's Softer Eyes
Nov 13, 2020, 1 comments, 11 smiles
[In our Sacred Space Pod last month, Mia shared this beautiful reflection below.]
Before I go to bed at night, I take out my contacts or take off my glasses. In that moment, the world becomes a blur - I must trust my memory as I walk to the bed or pull the covers down. In the morning, I literally can not see a thing, until I put my glasses on. When I do, there is a moment as my eyes adjust and the world comes into focus; in that moment, I feel such gratitude. What if I did not have the means to see more clearly? When I come to the forest, I do not first see the details of the trees, I see the forest, like a wave of green and brown.
As my eyes adjust, I begin to focus more closely. I begin to see the individual trees, then ... Read Full Story
Gurukul With Arun Dada -- At Banyan Grove!
Jun 04, 2019, 11 comments, 31 smiles
Staying with Arun Dada at Banyan Grove was like living in a Gurukul. When I shared my experiences with a few friends, they asked me to document it in writing, so here are some highlights.
It is an experience, just to witness and soak in a demeanor that is so humble, kind and joyous. Arun Dada's presence was so healing and strengthening, and it continued to show itself in the smallest gestures.
Whenever any of us went out, be it 5 in the morning or 2 in the afternoon or late evening, he is always there at the door to say bye and open the gate for the car. And always affectionately there to greet us when we are back.
If anyone is out, Arun Dada will always lovingly and gently inquire about their meals time of return etc. -- caring but not attached with expectations.
When we are in the kitchen, he will ... Read Full Story
Meeting Rachel
May 03, 2019, 1 comments, 28 smiles
Don't know ask me how, but I got to meet one of my heroes -- Rachel Naomi Remen. A whole bunch of us spent 4 hours today, in rapt attention, listening to an "angel on earth" share profound medicine stories. If you don't know about her, read this interview with Krista Tippett.
It all started because I had emailed few of you this video about her grandfather that touched me deeply ...
And I suppose, what you appreciate, appreciates -- and sometimes comes back to you. :)
I bow to all of you in ServiceSpace that make such dreams come to life.
Thich Nhat Hanh On Brahma Viharas And Roots
Jan 13, 2019, 15 smiles
The following is a description of the Buddha’s teachings on the four qualities of love, from the first chapter of Teachings on Love, written by Thich Nhat Hanh …
“Happiness is only possible with true love. True love has the power to heal and transform the situation around us and bring a deep meaning to our lives. There are people who understand the nature of true love and how to generate and nurture it. The teachings on love given by the Buddha are clear, scientific, and applicable. Every one of us can benefit from these teachings.
During the lifetime of the Buddha, those of the Brahmanic faith prayed that after death they would go to Heaven to dwell eternally with Brahma, the universal God. One day a Brahman man asked the Buddha, “What can I do to be sure that I will be with Brahma after I die?” and the Buddha replied, ... Read Full Story
Thai Boys Were Meditating In Cave!
Jul 11, 2018, 14 smiles
*Meditation kept the Thai boys trapped in a cave astonishingly calm*
July 10, 2018 by PAUL RATNER
The story of the Thai boys soccer team trapped in a cave for two weeks has captivated millions of people around the world. Lost since June 23rd, the group spent ten days without any contact with the outside world. It was finally discovered on July 2nd and rescued on July 10th.
It turned out that Ekapol Chanthawong, the 25-year-old coach of the 12-player Wild Boars soccer team, is a former Buddhist monk. He spent a decade living as a monk and is a practitioner of meditation. It is that skill that has been credited with keeping the boys calm during this ordeal. In fact, when the British divers discovered them after ten days, the group was meditating.
Aisha Wiboonrungrueng, the mother of the 11-year-old Chanin, who was trapped in the cave, thinks the coach’s background definitely helped ... Read Full Story
Quote On Suffering
Feb 27, 2014, 3 comments, 6 smiles
Ran across a beautiful quote today ... don't know the author but thought that all of you might enjoy it: "Transforming our suffering is like becoming an organic gardener, one who does not discard the unwanted scraps from the kitchen or the yard. Instead, the gardener composts these scraps so that they can nourish the flower. You can transform the unwanted garbage in you—your depression, fear, despair, or anger—into the nourishing energy of peace and joy. Don’t throw away or deny your suffering. Touch your suffering. Face it directly, and transformation is within your reach."
