Continuous goodwill

     Sitting meditation should not be a break from "real life". Nor should our life off the cushion be "a break" from sitting meditation. Suddenly, the thought arises: "But when do I have time to be my 'self'?" That's exactly why we practice continuous mindfulness.

     "But what dies?

     In Zen practice it's your conditioned self and self-centeredness that die. When we become aware of these delusions, they begin to dissolve. Therefore you are not hindered by these obstacles. Then your true being vividly comes alive."

     Kwong J. No beginning, no end. The intimate heart of Zen. Harmony Books, NY, 2003.

     "you don't want your goodwill to be just an ungrounded, floating idea. You want to apply it scrupulously to the nitty-gritty of all your interactions with others. That way your goodwill becomes honest. And it actually does have an impact, which is why we develop this attitude to begin with - to make sure that it truly animates our thoughts, words, and deeds in a way that leads to a happiness that's harmless for all."          Thanissaro Bhikkhu       
          "I want to be ... Loving" Shambhala Sun, July 2012   http://shambhalasun.com

Talented local artist Shelagh Duffett at the Halifax Seaport Farmer's Market http://aliceinparislovesartandtea.blogspot.ca/