For Sunday April 29th, 2018

Hello to everyone, the Dalai Lama says that at their core negative thoughts come from a combination of a self-centered attitude and a failure to see reality clearly. Knowing this does not make negative thoughts immediately disappear, but it does give us pause to consider.

By looking within a self-centered attitude is the easiest to perceive. From outright selfishness to express concerns of our own well-being; these are human frailties which we all share.

What does it take to see reality more clearly? We typically take reality at face value, as it appears to be to us. Yet we know that our own viewpoint is limited by our personal experiences, which are not the only valid experiences available. Further, the Buddhist teachings of selflessness and emptiness lead us far beyond the realms of physical experiences.

May we sit this Sunday for the release of self-concern, for clarity of sight, and for the openness of mind that may well allow the entry of wisdom and altruism.

Thank you all,

Richard

For Sunday April 22nd, 2018

Hello everyone, violence evolves slowly, the Rwandan civil war of the 1990s was decades in the making. Long simmering tensions, rather than being resolved, were inflamed by hardliners. A million people died in a genocide spurred by 'hate-radio' broadcasts. The broadcasts mocked, dehumanized, and finally culminated in one saying, "Sharpen your machetes, it's time to kill your neighbors."  

That's a difficult past to come to terms with.

So now, twenty-four years later, a different theme is being presented. A radio soap opera has recently premiered which focuses on reconciliation. It has been wildly successful at changing attitudes and behaviors in just a few months, but it's only a beginning.

May we search our hearts as we sit this Sunday, this Earth Day. May our own hardline or conciliatory desires become clear to us. May we promote that which leads to Oneness.

Thank you,

Richard

For Sunday April 15th, 2018

Hello to all, watching the evening news can bring a worrisome sense of turmoil, while taking the dog out for it's last relief allows a different view. Seeing the quiet stillness of barren trees with soft grey clouds brings to mind, "And still they stand. And still, they stand."

It's a gentle reminder – there are forces at work which are much larger than the turmoils born of our small humanness and our frailties.

May we sit this evening for those still and greater forces. May we connect. May we respond. May we bring them forth in life.

Thank you all,

Richard

For Sunday April 8th, 2018

Hello everyone, the world's problems can be seen as personal problems writ large. If we come across an unpleasant truth within us we can also see it reflected in society around us. So, personal healing is a form of world change.

In other words, the quiet introspection required for personal awareness and healing can bring compassion and truth to an ailing planet.

Let us sit this Sunday for the local personal healing which is an essential part of global spiritual enhancement.

Thank you,

Richard