I am a 48 year old American Buddhist woman who has been studying and practicing for 11 years. It has become clear that this self must create the circumstances to enable the furtherance of my spiritual development to be my full time pursuit. I have embarked on a spiritual journey which is a leap of faith and an affirmation of my confidence in the Dharma.
In the material sense, this means leaving my job and going forth into homelessness to visit retreat centers and communities to perform extended periods of practice and service.
It is the intention for the journey to last as long as material resources and grace allow. Winter through early fall of 2012 will be spent practicing here in the U.S. and then this self will go to Thailand in November of 2012 for an extended period of study and practice.
I am incredibly fortunate and deeply grateful that the circumstances of this life allow for this journey, this choice. AND it is not enough for this journey to be of benefit to myself alone. Of equal importance to the spiritual development of this self is the ability to use this journey for the benefit of others; to be of service is an imperative.
It is crystal clear that this self is on the right track. I have no doubts, have total faith that this is the right course.
Intuition knows there *is* something out there to be found by this soul. Something so much bigger than this. One would call it the Divine I think… I don’t know what it is, don’t want or need to know, but have such a strong intuition that there is something that will be discovered/tapped into.
And know that in order for that to spring forth I must put this self in the right set of causes and conditions. So off “I” go to explore for awhile, to “poke around” as minds calls it.
So blessed to have this opportunity!
Don't worry Bertie, it's already miraculous...
2 comments:
Blessed by your friendship Geri and thank you for including me in your blog, sharing your thoughts and for your beneficent, selfless intentions. And having an amazing sibling myself, I can certainly appreciate a loving sister's trepidation. I know that I've not been verbal about my fears but they are definitely there lurking about. Although it may be impossible to assuage one's fears, your thoughtfulness with each step of this process has been remarkable (but not surprising). Every single decision and consideration reflected your heartfelt love, compassion, honesty, perseverance, and selflessness-----and in that there is peace because these traits will enshroud you with the utmost protection and care always. I am graced by your friendship and these qualities and know they will carry you as safely as you can be carried on your journey forward. With Bows, Katie
Thank you for your practice and for the courage and dedication you are putting into it. Your practice touches all of us, and I cannot tell you how grateful I am for your effort. May you be safe, well, and free from suffering.
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