The below was from May of last year... I had somewhat forgotten about it and was digging through my old blog[s] for a particular picture... to no avail! But how wonderful it is to rediscover old things as new! Not to simply write down my own thoughts but others' as well, a journal could be made up of a wide variety of treasures. Reading back, coming across other people's writing inspires me, yet reading my own words just makes me laugh. teehee!
THE MYSTERY AND MAGIC OF THE MIND
On clear, starry nights, I go outside and gaze at the sky. I am always amazed at the vastness of the universe: thousands of stars visible to the naked eye, millions upon millions beyond the limits of our vision, and a sky whose extent is unknown. Along with feelings of enthusiasm and excitement, I am filled with wonder and reverence because this fascinating, beautiful universe is, at the same time, a great unfathomable mystery.When I walk back home and settle down for my last meditation session of the day, I close my eyes and slowly bring my mental chatter under control. As I look deep into my mind I experience another universe, an inner universe extending into eternity. Like the outer universe, it is a mysterious and magical place. It has boundless energy and creativity, manifesting in the unique entity I think of myself.
To observe the outer universe, I step into an open field. To observe the inner universe, I step into a quiet place within myself. From that quiet place, I observe the busy and noisy activities of the mind. At times I am startled by its speed. The memories, imaginations, fantasies, and thoughts all compete among themselves to take center stage.
I think all the time. Even when I am sleeping, my mind is either dreaming or acting as a "security guard," waiting to wake me if necessary. Yet this very mind that I think with all the time remains a great mystery to me.
A teacher of mine used to say that there is a saint and a criminal within each person. For some, the mind is a sanctuary; for others, it is a dark and painful prison. Both are potential states of mind driven by many forces that are hard to understand. Forming our thoughts and molding our personalities, the mind dominates our lives.
Text: Bhante Y. Wimala
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The mind as a whole is something that's truly unimaginable - not the word, because the word is not the thing, and the description is not the described, yet the mind cannot ever think on its own without the soul. Almost every instance, we let our minds set invisible boundaries, limiting our beings. A quiet/still mind is indeed golden, and it makes us see everything extraordinary - ordinary... and I find that so beautiful.
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Currently listening:
Thomas Otten - A Quiet Moment
Comments (5)
Hello Mr.HappySad :)
Just checking in..
Posted by Dieb | December 27, 2007 3:20 AM
Posted on December 27, 2007 03:20
Merry Christmas you beautiful, handsome man! This is such a beautiful piece, the stars bring so much clearness for me as well, I'm going to send you a piece I wrote one night while looking at them. I came home today from Georgia, and wanted to thank you so much for what was waiting in my mailbox to greet me! Thank you for sharing these touching songs , so many give me chills all over! All Over! Merry Christmas!
Posted by Derek | December 25, 2007 3:45 PM
Posted on December 25, 2007 15:45
Thank you for posting these words.
Some say the outer universe is but a reflection of the inner one, and that all relationships you have with others is a mirror of the relationships you have with parts of yourself. No wonder then that finding inner peace may bring about harmony in life. And by loving yourself, others may love you.
I wish you serene inner tranquillity so that you may bring peace to your world! Have a fantastic festive season, Robert!!
Posted by alkam | December 23, 2007 4:19 PM
Posted on December 23, 2007 16:19
Hope you guys are having a lovely time for the holidays. I remember lying our backyard when I was a teenager - we had five acres of land and to be able to lie and listen while the tall grass blew about me was wonderful to quiet my aching soul then. I catgorized my teenage years as oh so unhappy - yet now that I think back I only remember the "feeling" of wonder when I looked at the sky and felt uplifted. Yes the mind is a wonderfully freeing or damning place.
Posted by Bridie Macdonald | December 23, 2007 6:24 AM
Posted on December 23, 2007 06:24
You know, it was freezing cold and clear late last night....as we bid goodnight to our neighbors. I glanced, even quickly, at the sky....and loved it. Thanks for the nice reminder.
Posted by Lewis | December 22, 2007 4:33 PM
Posted on December 22, 2007 16:33