Although the world is full of suffering,

 

Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.

HELEN KELLER

Love is labor that returns us to wonder

 

Love is labor that returns us to wonder—it is seeing another person’s humanity, even if they deny their own. We just have to choose to wonder about them.

VALARIE KAUR

May we let go, and grow bright as stars in a clear, frosty night...

 

May we let go, and grow bright as stars in a clear, frosty night, the more we are stripped of what we thought we could not do without.

BR. DAVID STEINDL-RAST

We must continually choose love...

 

We must continually choose love in order to nourish our souls and drive away fear, just as we eat to nourish our bodies and drive away hunger.

ELISABETH KÜBLER-ROSS AND DAVID KESSLER

"Can you live in the area of uncertainty when it comes to issues, allowing that we may not be always right?

 Pema Chodron, the great Buddhist teacher, asks us (paraphrased): "Can you live in the area of uncertainty when it comes to issues, allowing that we may not be always right?" In shooting for "Right View" according to local teacher Heather Mann, we may find that sometimes it is helpful to start from a place of "there are no right views" when discussing topics with friends. You may ask, well what about the Truth then Ed? In my humble opinion, we will more likely come to the truth of an issue by taking this approach. It will take much longer if we try to outsmart, out-rationalize our "opponent". Another good tip, drop the opponent stance!

I encourage us all to love another when having these difficult discussions. In this way, a bi-polarized world can harmonize, as our co-founders the Fillmore's define love...the great harmonizer    Rev. Ed Unity Charleston

While the news often features the worst of humanity, there are a billion acts of human kindness every hour of every day!

 

While the news often features the worst of humanity, there are a billion acts of human kindness every hour of every day! Take another breath and sense this truth.

JACK KORNFIELD

Love, oneness, is no separation between you and life.

 

Love, oneness, is no separation between you and life. It is a progressive letting go, a progressive not fault finding… It’s very beautiful and very deep.

AJAHN BRAHM

Some breathtaking opportunities

 

What we have before us are some breathtaking opportunities disguised as insoluble problems.

JOHN W. GARDNER

 The People's Inauguration is offering us today the opportunity to take a personal oath.

Perhaps you'd like to join me in taking this oath.

I, Ron Alexander,

do solemnly vow

that I will faithfully execute my role

in healing, reimagining, and rebuilding

our country,

and will to the best of my ability,

preserve, protect, and defend

dignity, justice, and joy

for myself and for all around me,

and that I will do so with love.

This is modeled after the presidential oath of office from the 

US Constitution.

“We may be instruments and vehicles for purposes our little egos could never have the imagination to invent.”

 

Hola Relatives - In light of positivity from new and healthy energy coming to power in Washington D.C. opening a doorway for our nation to begin dealing with truth instead of lies, I offer the following statement by James Yandell for reflection to empower hope for what can be and what role we can each play in bringing our gifts to help create a better world for all.    See you at our next LiveLoveNow joining on Feb.3rd. All Blessings. Love, tomás   Hola Relatives - In light of positivity from new and healthy energy coming to power in Washington D.C. opening a doorway for our nation to begin dealing with truth instead of lies, I offer the following statement by James Yandell for reflection to empower hope for what can be and what role we can each play in bringing our gifts to help create a better world for all.    See you at our next LiveLoveNow joining on Feb.3rd. All Blessings. Love, tomás   “We may be instruments and vehicles  for purposes our little egos could never have the imagination to invent.”

The Racial Justice Project

 Indigo Sangha A mindfulness practice center in the Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism 

Core Values  We honor interbeing—the reality of interconnection between all people, societies, and the earth 

 We know peace in the world begins with peace in ourselves. 

 We ground our actions in mindfulness, compassion, joy, and inclusiveness.

  We work to transform “power over” to “power with.” 

Joyful Protests at the Confederate Monument

Time: Sundays, approximately 9:30 am , plus every other Saturday. Please contact Ron to coordinate your action: ronreunite@aol.com. 

Each week you’re invited to join Indigo Sangha members and friends in mindful walking and peaceful protest at the Confederate Monument near Charleston’s Battery.

 

Eight Vows to My Spiritual Ancestor: Martin Luther King, Jr.

 Eight Vows to My Spiritual Ancestor: Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

Thich Nhat Hanh was nominated for the Nobel Prize by Martin Luther King, Jr.. Quotes by Dr. King, Jr.,                                                                                      Vows by Heather Lyn Mann

 With this practice of deep looking into gifts given to me by my spiritual ancestor, Dr. King, I make these vows to embody his teachings in my daily life and actions. 

1. Embrace Justice “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Inspired by Dr. King, and aware of the systemic unfairness and cruelty baked into our policies, institutions, and relationships, I vow to name, heal, and transform the injustices in me, in my life and within my reach.

 2. Wake to this Present Moment “We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency.” Inspired by Dr. King, and aware that life is only available in the very here and now, I vow to diligently observe life as it unfolds, see the potential for healing that is present in each moment, and honor the power of this moment to transform both the past and future through my skillful thoughts, speech, and actions. 

3. Speak Out “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Inspired by Dr. King, and aware of the ‘beneficial regret’ I feel about my past ignorance, indifference, complacency, and silence, I vow to find my voice and speak truthful and healing words that bring wellbeing and justice to all people, animals, plants, and minerals— even when doing so may threaten my safety.

 4. Practice Nonviolence 

“The way of acquiescence leads to moral and spiritual suicide. The way of violence leads to bitternessin the survivors and brutality in the destroyers. But the way of nonviolence leads to redemption and thecreation of beloved community.”

Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and aware of my deep aspiration to ‘be peace,’ I vow to deepen my understanding, skills, and practice of Nonviolence toward myself, my relationships, and between people, societies, nations, and the earth.

5. Build Community

“Resistance and nonviolence are not in themselves good. There is another element that must be presentin our struggle that then makes our resistance and nonviolence truly meaningful. That element is reconciliation. Our ultimate end must be the creation of the beloved community.” “The end is the creation of the beloved community. It is this type of spirit and this type of love that can transform opposers into friends.”

Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and aware that my happiness is inter-dependent with the happiness of humans and non-humans everywhere, I vow to build beloved community by committing to a path of daily action that redeems and reclaims my membership in the human family, cultivates reconciliation in myrelationships—even those that are deeply challenging—and helps others do the same.

6. Forgive & Love

“We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love ... The degree to which we are able to forgive determines the degree to which we are able to love our enemies.”

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and aware of my deep aspiration to be a light in the world, I vow to understand and transform my hate by looking deeply into its causes and conditions; practice forgiveness toward those who cause harm to myself, others, and the earth; and cultivate love towards all people and beings by seeing their capacity for enlightenment.

7. Commit to Service

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?”

Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and aware of and humbled by my unearned privilege, I vow to livelightly on the earth, to take less so others might have more, and to joyfully devote my time, skills, and material resources to the healthy continuation of all people, animals, plants, and minerals—especially to those who have been or who are oppressed and exploited.

8. Cultivate Courage“If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl; but whatever you do,you have to keep moving forward.”

Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and fully aware that I’ve inherited a fear of pain and death, I vow to cultivate fearlessness on behalf of myself, all beings, and the earth by looking deeply into the reality of Non-self, Inter-being, and my true birthless/deathless nature; understanding my actions are my only continuation;and undertaking Right Action in each moment and for as long as possible.

Evolution not revolution, today is a new day with new higher Consciousness President and Vice President

 Today is the day:

There comes a time when humanity is called to shift to a new level of consciousness, to reach a higher moral ground. A time when we have to shed our fear and give hope to each other.​

Wangari Maathai

Today we celebrate the memory and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King,

 

Hola Relatives -  Today we celebrate the memory and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, assassinated over fifty years ago In 1968, the same year his last book was published, Where Do We Go From Here:  Chaos or Community?  His clarion call echoes even louder today with the tumult of white supremacy-based racism and discrimination ravaging our land.     Listen to his counsel:  “Every society has its protectors of the status quo ….but today our very survival depends on our ability to face the challenge of change.  The large house in which we live demands that we transform this worldwide neighborhood  … Together we must learn to live as brothers and sisters or together we will be forced to perish as fools.  We suffer from a poverty of spirit for the richer we become materially the poorer we have become morally and spiritually.”     Today’s threats of revolution from the reactionary right makes it more evident than ever that our material and technological abundance does not produce peace of mind. The revolution we need today is a revolution of consciousness towards a new value system, a new way of living that recognizes our interconnectedness with each other, with the Earth, with All of Life.  One that deconstructs the militarism, the materialism and the racism that so characterizes our society.   Martin's call from long ago reaches down into our souls.  He called us to grow  a worldwide fellowship that “lifts  concern beyond ones’s tribe, race, class and nation into an all embracing and unconditional love for all for it has now become an absolute necessity for the survival of humankind.”  He pointed out that  love is an often misunderstood and misinterpreted concept and that what he meant by love  is " that force which is the supreme unifying  principle of life, the key that unlocks the door which leads to ultimate reality…..Humanity’s last chance to choose between chaos and community.”       Today we are all called to envision  and pray for a peaceful, healthy and just world of equity for all  but as the Elders say, “We have to meet our prayers halfway”.  We need to cultivate awareness  with the spark of divinity within us and take action coming from love to transform our society so that it lives up to its professed values which we have not done.  It starts with each of us deconstructing the mythic untruths of our history and taking action   to create social, economic and environmental justice for all because the only way it is going to work is that it works for us all.     We are all together on Lifeboat Earth and a leak anywhere in the boat sinks us all.  We all make a difference. We all have gifts to give.  We all carry the sacred medicine of love and deep inner peace beneath the chaos of swirling waters of fear, anger and reactivity.     Our time on this precious body of Mother Earth is limited but while we are here we can each show up to do our part accessing the infinite potential for fullest blossoming and greatest good that is our birthright. It is our challenge and our opportunity.  We took birth in this incarnation to do precisely that so let us get on with it honoring the beauty, wisdom and power available to us when we remember that we are love and our love is for giving.   All Blessings. Love, tomás

TRUE WEALTH

 

True wealth is not measured in money or status or power. It is measured in the legacy we leave behind for those we love and those we inspire.

CESAR CHAVEZ

Peaceful Weekend at Confederate Monument in Charleston, S.C.

 

New sign at monument thankfully, Those cannons behind us were fired on Ft. Sumter that started the Civil War.

The only Confederates we saw all weekend (on Sat.) and notice they did not wear masks.

Sunday is art installation day at monument.

Peace is the result of justice in action!

 Peace is the result of justice in action!

ARREST THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR VIOLENCE OR USED WORDS TO INCITE THE ATTEMPTED COUP.

Why do they "not know"(Forgive them for they know not what they do.")

 This is Thay's on how to stand up for justice, not be a door-mat. We are to help others transform their notions and ideologies through loving speech and dialogue. 

In sum, you ask how we "do not appear to push or force their [our] opinions or ideas on others?"  It is because we do not push our opinions or ideas on others. That is the practice at the heart of mindful advocacy. 

Hello Heather,  I am going to change the question, what about inquiry? Why do people "not know"? (Forgive them for they know not what they do).

The Dalai Lama strongly supports scientific inquiry. Having studied medicine and psychology, it is known that ignorance, "not knowing, being conscious, being aware" occurs when one reacts from the Serpentine (lower) Brain instead of responding from the Fore (rational) brain. This reaction also occurs with mob mentality, which is a collective unconscious reaction from the Serpentine Brain. This is not "beliefs" but facts from Science. Is it not compassion to "forgive" others because of their unconscious, lack of awareness. Cannot "dialogue" and education help those have an open mind transform?               yours sincerely, Ron   P.S. It was a peaceful even joyful (Sunday) weekend at monument thankfully.

About inquiry: why do people not know? 

In our practice, we bow to the capacity within each person to become enlightened. In that bowing is the humility that every one of us is on a path and there are things we both know and don't know about the reality of now. 

This awareness that the perceptions we have about the world which shape our behaviors and beliefs arise from the causes and conditions of our lives is also reflected in Thay's poem, Call Me By My True Names. In it, Thay recognized he could be the pirate who raped the young girl if the causes and conditions of his birth were different. 

Why do people not understand what is so clear to us? There are countless causes and conditions for this. I'd also ask, Why do I not understand what is so clear to others?   

You write, "Is it not compassion to "forgive" others because of their unconscious, lack of awareness. Cannot "dialogue" and education help those have an open mind transform?"

Yes, we forgive out of insight, compassion, and humility. Yes, we will learn to help others let go of and transform narrowness through loving speech and compassionate dialogue. Question: can you see how this is different from and deeper than a presentation of well-reasoned, intellectual knowledge?   

BTW, Thay also strongly supports and applies scientific research into the workings of the mind. He and I are in complete agreement with your summary of your description of the workings of the brain. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger condemns Capitol attack in powerful speech

The most inspirational video yet on the disastrous insurrection, and how we can heal from it. From a 

wise voice of experience, being from Germany and growing up with shattered people "who looked on and did nothing."

This is only the short version, as I hope to find the whole 8 minute one, as it is very worth it.

Love and hope are infinitely more powerful...

 

Love and hope are infinitely more powerful than hate and fury.

HEDA MARGOLIUS KOVALY

There is some ancient Friend that wants to hear from you

 

Become a prayer-maker. Why? Because what you face in your life is bigger than you can handle. It is. Go to a place with shadows and privacy, and just start talking. There is some ancient Friend that wants to hear from you.

MARTIN SHAW

Aramaic: Prayer = a state of mind where all thoughts are stilled and no attempt is made to project anything outwardly. It is an alert state of total sensitivity and attentiveness.

 The Ancient Armaic Prayer of Jesus by Rocco Errico

Lord’s Prayer meant to be an ‘attunement’ – a spiritual practice to open our consciousness to the One Presence – even the mysterious, the mystical, the miraculous.

Words, Thoughts, Meditations, Prayers – invoke Presence – within us and around us; invoke Healing; invoke Understanding; invoke clarity; invoke helpful action; invoke forgiveness; renewal; restoration; regenerative energies.

Look at Prayer from the Aramaic point of view:

Aramaic word for prayer = Slotha     

  Root word  Sla         Literally means = “to set a trap”

Aramaic = “to set your mind like a trap and wait patiently to catch the thoughts of God” to trap inner guidance and impulses.                 

   Think about it – the seed knows how to trap solar energy and convert it for its growth. 

Converts energy to ‘become itself’.  

Aramaic: Prayer = a state of mind where all thoughts are stilled and no attempt is made to project anything outwardly. It is an alert state of total sensitivity and attentiveness.

And another meaning: “to make an adjustment”,   “to focus”,  “to tune in”

Like the adjustments we make on our tv’s, computer programs – One Mind/One Presence is always broadcasting; we are adjusting and preparing our minds to receive the Program.

The Word God – as it is used in the English language is not found in the Aramaic.

The word God comes from the German language – derived from word Goot – and means “The Good One”

Armaic word: ALAHA

Arabic: ALLAH

Hebrew: Alohim

All come from Aramaic root word: AL

ALAHA = Essence, Substance, Premise – The very breath and the Very heartbeat of LIFE. The living Essence that encompasses us, is within us, watches over us, sustains us, broods over us.

Our Father - Aramaic word = ABA                 Speaks of the Universal Parent of us all, our shared kinship

                                                                                   Speaks directly to this One Presence, without mediator

                                                                                   Old Testament – God was approached thru mediators – the high priests

                                                                                   This prayer goes directly to Source – Father, Mother, Birther and Breath of All

                                                                                   This phrase speaks to our Oneness with this Universal One Presence.

pg 12 – Prayers of the Cosmos

Aramaic translation of the 1^st phrase

“Our Father Which Art in Heaven” =  Abwoon d’bwashmaya – “Our Birth in Unity”

O Birther! Father-Mother of the Cosmos, you create all that moves in light.

O Thou! The Breathing Life of all, Creator of the Shimmering Sound that touches us.

Respiration of all worlds, we hear you breathing – in and out – in silence.

Source of Sound: in the roar and the whisper, in the breeze and the whirlwind, we hear your Name.

Radiant One: You shine within us, outside us – even darkness shines – when we remember.

Name of names, our small identity unravels in you, you give it back as a lesson.

Wordless Action, Silent Potency – where ears and eyes awaken, there heaven comes.

O Birther! Father-Mother of the Cosmos!

A Version of The Prayer of Jesus * Translated from Aramaic

Father-Mother, Birther

and Breath of All.

Create a space inside us and fill it with your presence.

Let Oneness now prevail.

Your one desire then flows through ours

As energy fills all form. 

Give us this day our physical and spiritual nourishment and

untangle the knots of error that bind us

as we release others..

Do not let appearances make us forgetful

of the Source,

but free us to act appropriately.  

From age to age through you,

flow the glorious harmonies of life.

May these words be fertile statements

  through which our future grows.

  Amen, Amen and Amen.

Let the sound of heart-filled stillness ring throughout the world,

 

Let the sound of heart-filled stillness ring throughout the world, cut through the confusion and call us to our highest!

JOE WESTON

Responding to all that is happening in today's tumultuous times with love instead of fear,

 

Hola Relatives - Following up this evening's LiveLoveNow  sharing on responding to all that is happening in today's tumultuous times with love instead of fear, here is a quote  I have above my computer that helps me focus my intention and connect with inner peace:   Holy Spirit Everywhere Present I Behold Love in Me and Share It With All Life and All Humanity.    Summary of Pathway to Inner Peace 1. choose inner peace as your only goal 2.  Be a Love-Giver; Tune into and extend unconditional love 3.  Attune with and listen to intuitive wisdom guidance   Remembering the work is about seeing and dissolving the barriers to the awareness of love's presence. May we live the love that we are bringing healing, justice, peace, beauty, kindness, courage, generosity  and healing through us and into the world. All Blessings. love, tom´as

EXPERIENCE:

 The PEACE beyond understanding. That is pure bliss!

How wonderful would it be...

 

How wonderful would it be, while we discover faraway planets, to rediscover the needs of the brothers and sisters orbiting around us.

POPE FRANCIS

What does the "hope of humanity now rests."

 "It's in that convergence of spiritual people becoming active and active people becoming spiritual that the hope of humanity now rests." - Van Jones

How walking in Forgiveness helps me keep thinks (things) lighter....

 

Dr. Tomas Pinkson's Christmas group about "Forgive them for they know not what they do." has had a great impact on my keeping my own peace. It was really tested as the ringleader of the Confederate flag bearers had a image of hangman nooses with the words, "time to put some of these back in practice." (implication of returning to lynching).

Here is the Confederate's post recently: How do I not judge him? Due to this, there were a lot of angry BLM counterprotestors across the street from the Confederate Monument in Charleston, S.C. today with moi walking between the groups with my Veterans for peace flag supporting BLM:

Just keep walking, I guess.💗Jackie

Keep walking in forgiveness, "Forgive them for they know not what they do..." I believe that they really are innocent at heart, however like myself, have been taught toxic thoughts, and have not been blessed to become conscious of their thinking. lots of love and appreciation, Ron

(Tomas: "the “choice" of racism is made in the context of ignorance of truth having been fed cultural mythologies of white supremacy and distortions of history so it is really the result of manipulation made by those in power for their own gains.") 

 

the “choice" of racism is made in the context of ignorance of truth having been fed cultural mythologies of white supremacy and distortions of history so it is really the result of manipulation made by those in power for their own gains. 

good for you growing your group. i like the name Veterans Against Racism - VAR, or addressing a broader base, Veterans For Justice, VRJ, since justice needs to be served for all peoples of color, religion and ethnicity.  

best to contact keith directly asking for his help so then i am not a middle man and you can explain what you seek. Keith Nickel Langevin <keith@fomapublishing.com>

i love this saying from Native Elders that reflects your work - “you have to meet your prayers halfway!” 

love, t. 

Taking things lightly, do not allow negative thoughts about past or future become a burden

 Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly. 

This goes along with not pushing, forcing things..."Forgive them for they know not what they do..."really helps in my work with anti-racism...

Welcome the present moment as if you had invited it.

 

Welcome the present moment as if you had invited it. Why? Because it is all we ever have.

PEMA CHÖDRÖN

More about not pushing, forcing things.

 

Do your best and then relax. Let things go on in a natural way, rather than force them.

PARAMAHANSA YOGANANDA

Quit the PUSHING!

 

What still pulls on your soul?​

 

What in your life is calling you, when all the noise is silenced, the meetings adjourned… the lists laid aside, and the wild iris blooms by itself in the dark forest… what still pulls on your soul?​

RUMI