This common thread represents,
I believe, an evolutionary trend for humanity. Back in the tribal history of our species, loving common interest and cooperation were not always evident. One of the most clear examples of that still can be found today in the form of xenophobia (fear of outsiders) and racism. The core teachings of the world’s faith traditions emphasize a common interest and cooperation among the diversity of humanity. We must think of and practice what the contemporary Native American Onondaga activist Oren Lyons wrote: “We are looking ahead, as is one of the fi rst mandates given us as chiefs, to make sure and to make every decision that we make relates to the welfare and well-being of the seventh generation to come.... What about the seventh generation? Where are you taking them? What will they have?” (downloaded from Wikipedia) I have been a practicing Buddhist since 1982, and the cultivation of what Buddhism calls metta, lovingkindness, is a core part of my spiritual practice. Buddhist wisdom emphasizes two aspects; one is clear awareness and the other is benevolent intention.
Metta practice emphasizes benevolent intention, with the support of a mantra such as this:
May all beings be safe
May all beings be happy May all beings be healthy May all beings be content
May all beings love each other sincerely And with gently patient kindness Just as we are now No matter what happens.
This establishes the primary foundation for cultivating kindness in all relations. The practice supports channeling the innate connections we already have with life on this planet into practical application. While practicing lovingkindness meditation, a person silently and sincerely repeats the mantra, while focusing steady attention on the heart chakra, in the middle of the chest. I have been through several one-week
lovingkindness meditation retreats with these results: With regular practice, the ability to recognize and manifest lovingkindness, compassion, generosity and patient tolerance increases. Over time, a strong radiant feeling of
connection and caring for all of life arises in awareness, and one’s attitude about self and others becomes increasingly infl uenced with love for life. I will be teaching a four-week introductory course for the practice of lovingkindness meditation, beginning on Monday, October 17 at the Winter Park Women’s Club. All are welcome to attend.
Peter Carlson is the founding teacher of the Orlando Insight Meditation Group, a nonprofi t organization since 1993, and understands Buddhism as a profoundly
spiritual psychology and has been teaching Central Floridians mindfulness and lovingkindness meditation for over 25 years. He is also is a licensed mental health counselor (MH 2330) in private practice in Winter Park. The next introductory course offered by OIMG and taught by Peter focuses on Lovingkindness Meditation, a Buddhist system for creating a balanced and loving life. Beginning Monday, Oct 17, it will be held at the Winter Park Women’s Club. For more information, go to
Orlandoinsightmeditation.org
October 2016
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