February 22, 2007

When I am here in the midst of this spiritual energy I’m reminded of the motivations that bring me to this land and to this inner work. I find it important to recall these each day as they serve to support my practice. So I share them again with you.

The first motivation is the recognition of this extraordinary opportunity to live a life of purpose, meaning, and full health. The preciousness of my human life and the freedoms bestowed on me allow me to truly make something of this gift for myself and others. If I was not to use these opportunities for full growth and development - for an expansive mind and heart - I would have wasted what has been given to me as if I discarded all the great gems of life that were in my possession.

When I see the dogs outside of the monastery when a talk is ongoing I see them seeking food, wagging their tails and sleeping. They do not have the opportunity to learn as do I. So should I treat myself as an animal seeking only security, survival and comfort or should I strive to thrive and flourish as a fully healthy, happy, and whole human - to become what I am meant to be?

The second motivation is to recall what I never choose to remember which is that death awaits us all and its time is unpredictable. Thus there is an urgency to move forward and evolve now and today so I can become in this lifetime as fully alive and awakened as possible. Not remembering the nature of change and impermanence we occupy ourselves with chasing too many trivialities, entertainments, and fleeting pleasures which mean little at the end of life or for that matter the moment they are over.

The third motivation is to remember that there are causes for suffering and causes for a full life and health, and that I can have a role in creating the causes of either. In the latter instances the causes for a full life and health are a cultivation of the mind and heart with discipline and effort. What do I choose? What is my intention? Do I wish to create and support the conditions for suffering or for flourishing, ill-health or full health. If I choose the latter I must orient myself towards the teachings, teachers, and friends that can support this larger life.

The final motivation is the small tastes that are given here and there of an authentic life of full health, happiness, wholeness, love, and peace. Too often we only recall these tastes with a vauge and aching longing for something more, something we cannot define but that we know by heart. But these tastes can become our every day meal, our everyday feast, our every day life. It is my choice that makes the difference.

So just a few moments with these thoughts serves me as a reminder and motivates the efforts involved in becoming fully alive and fully human.

Comments

[micheline montgomery]

Thank you, Dr. Dacher, for sharing your spiritual journey with us. You are an extraordinary human being

Micheline Montgomery