The Eye of the Wheel
Sojong Reminder from Anam Thubten
Dear Dharma friends,
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Everything is changing in this world moment by moment. The constant flow of a river or drifting clouds in the sky are some obvious examples. Our life is not so different from them. It’s not a singular thing, but a living existence propelled into a wheel of ongoing change by both seen and unseen conditions. Our strongest desire is to try to mold life to fit our fleeting predilections. We have little control over this beautiful, yet wildly spinning wheel. This reality often sparks hope and fear, joy and anxiety. The secret of human happiness is knowing how to dance along with the motion of this wheel, while not trying to struggle against it.
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There is a notion taught in some eastern traditions that there is good karma in the collective. It’s everywhere, and you are already enjoying it here and there. This karma doesn’t belong to a few individuals, but to a whole, a community, or a nation. Imagine that you’re living in Costa Rica, a country that has been demilitarized and has amazing weather all year long. It’s quite comfortable, with the gentle warmth of a tropical paradise.
Regardless of your socio-economic status and even without paying a penny, such heavenly weather is free. No doubt, Costa Rica is also not perfect. But there is no perfect place. Whether with or without our effort, there are countless blessings that this universe showers upon us. Almost every day, there is a reason for us to feel good and to smile. Our hearts and eyes must be open to see what is good and benevolent in this world.
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Because all conditions are forever changing, a beautiful rainbow will not last forever. Almost before you realize it, the rainbow has already vanished. Golden poppies will decay, which can leave a sweet sadness in the heart of the beholder. Your beloved friends will eventually depart from you. If not now, at some point this healthy body will experience discomfort. There are many things that can make us feel contracted and discontented. Many times each day, we’re in situations or with people that make us feel anxious, bored, intimidated, or irritated.
Instead of trying to run away from them, we could step into each situation to which life invites us. Acceptance will create inner peace and allow us to feel a state of our own consciousness that can rise above it all. We often won’t be able escape uncomfortable situations anyway. Whenever life challenges us, we must intentionally step into it, so that all of our defenses can melt. Then what remains is a profound, yet simple freedom through which we’re simply living life. That could actually become our main spiritual practice.
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During this Sojong, let me invite you to reflect on this simple reminder and to hold the intention to carry its message into everyday life. This is not my message. All the great Dharma masters have taught this. This is the heart of the Bodhisattva’s path.
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With palms joined,
Anam Thubten
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