The busiest weeks of the year are approaching, as people hustle and bustle to get ready for the holiday season. Then there is Lobsang Tenzin Negi, a former Buddhist monk who presides over a Buddhist monastery in Atlanta. He teaches a form of meditation that he says enhances certain skills like compassion, attention, love. It is called compassion meditation, a type of meditation that is at the heart of contemplative practice.
As we approach the holiday season, what tips can you offer such that we become more contemplative so that we don't run the risk of getting caught up in the rush? What personal methods of contemplative meditation, if any, do you use in your own life?
Beneath the hectic cycle of activities at this time of year is that increasing pace of modern times. Everything we do appears to demand more of us. Too easily we become trapped in a way of thinking that, if generally accepted, leads to more of the same.
We do not need to accept this. Lobsang Tenzin Negi's compassion meditation is a lovely example of going beyond what is often mere motion.
There may be many instances when we need to make speedy efforts, but that does not mean we need to dwell in an endless cycle of impatient hurry. Even Christ Jesus found moments in his busy schedule to align his priorities, such as when "he went into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God." On board a ship, he "rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased" (see Luke Chapters 6 and 8.) He did not accept the necessity of impatient turmoil.
In her book "No and Yes," Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science, writes about how, when we "are liable to be borne on by the current of feeling, [we] should then turn temporarily from the tumult, for the silent cultivation of the true idea and the quiet practice of its virtues." That "true idea" can be thought of as the undoubting awareness of God's constant, guiding peace, which cannot be absent or negated.
Regardless of the pressures of the day, we can fulfill our duties with increased grace and a lessening of haste when we take moments to realize that the spiritual calm of our creator is present and active. It's our privilege to do this, to be aware continually of the divine presence that impels a progression of balance and poise in all that we do.
Graham Bothwell
Regional Assistant Committee on Publication
First Church of Christ, Scientist,
La Cañada Flintridge
The act of meditation — "hisbonenut," in Hebrew — plays a central role in the mystical teachings of Judaism. Ancient Kabbalistic texts call for daily meditation to facilitate proper focus on the important elements of life. We are instructed to recognize every morning that God has given us life in order to enhance life — ours and that of others.
The pilgrims who initiated this season of Thanksgiving gave humble gratitude to the almighty for all he had given them, and recommitted themselves to the selflessness and altruism that sustained them as a community. Without sounding too harsh, it seems that we Americans have recently transformed these days into frenzied food-fests and shopping sprees that have strayed far from their original intent.
My point is not to dampen the fun of the season — heck, I'm having a grand old time as well. What I would like to stress is that while we're enjoying ourselves by sharing great food and presents with family and friends, we also need to take a moment to remind ourselves that there are many people out there who are, sadly, not as fortunate as we are.
I sincerely hope that during this busy season, each one of us will pause for a moment to stop the merriment — if even for a very short time — and meditate on our responsibility to each another. Take the time to visit a sick child in the hospital and bring him or her a toy and some holiday cheer. Spend a few hours at an orphanage or stop by a home for the aged and offer some warmth and comfort to those unfortunate souls who don't have family to look out for them.
By doing so, you will really enhance the lives of these people — and equally important, you'll make own your life more meaningful by achieving the great spiritual objective of bringing happiness those who otherwise would not experience it.
Rabbi Simcha Backman
Chabad Jewish Center,
Glendale
