The time before, during, and after the teaching career of the Buddha were rich in other Wisdom traditions worldwide. Some of these can shed light on the dharma with implications for a richer practice. Michael guided our discussion of these intersections this week and their possible potential.
Some quotes from the talk and discussion:
Lost
Stand still.
The trees ahead and the bushes beside you are not lost.
Wherever you are is called Here.
And you must treat it as a powerful stranger.
Must ask permission to know it and be known.
The forest breathes. Listen. It answers.
I have made this place around you.
If you leave it you may come back again, saying Here.
No two trees are the same to Raven.
No two branches are the same to Wren.
If what a tree, or a bush does is lost on you, You are surely lost.
Stand still.
The forest knows where you are.
You must let it find you.
—from the Indigenous American tradition
Instructions for Living a Life
—Mary Oliver
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.
To be happy you must have taken the measure of your powers, tasted the fruits of your passion, and learned your place in the world.
—George Santayana
Burlington Buddhist Sangha 