This past weekend I had the opportunity to practice in quiet meditation at the Gyokusenji Monastery in Sendai, Japan. Initially I wanted to focus on practicing world peace within myself. But I quickly dropped that thought during the sitting, peace simply enveloped me and I smiled. Peace is not just a “goal” we can achieve externally, it’s more like the result of everybody living their lives in harmony with each other and everything else on this planet. Peace is symbiotic, systemic, holistic, our natural state of being. Peace starts within ourselves, and radiates “outwards” to manifest the reality we wish to experience. So if we wish to live this “peace” simply smile and be peaceful towards yourself and each other. Remember it takes all of us to achieve world peace because We Are the World! It is said that heaven is peace on Earth, I know this to be true now, samsara really is nirvana, in every moment there is that potential to be…
Let’s start with my favorite violinist: Nathan Milstein plays Meditation from Jules Massenet’s 1894 opera Thaïs
Smile, eat, pray, love… Kreisler plays Dvořák Humoresque
I recommend this chant for expanding heart energy: Medicine Buddha Mantra (with words) “Tibetan Buddhist Mantra – To eliminate not only pain of diseases but also help in overcoming the major inner sickness of attachment, hatred, jealousy, desire, greed and ignorance. Mantra chanted by Khenpo Pema Chopel Rinpoche from the CD ‘The Blessing from H.H. Penor Rinpoche for World Peace’.”
“May we realize Buddhahood in this very life
May we dedicate ourselves to the well-being of all that lives
May we establish the World of Buddha on our earth
The activity of the Buddha nature is present anywhere in the universe. Mountains and oceans and planets and stars, and even humans, express the full truth of the living nature of Buddha.” Buddhist Chanting – Nothing But Everything
Dancing cheek to cheek: Debussy: Nocturne (1892)
Or simply dance for JOY! Electric Light Orchestra – Mr. Blue Sky
I’ll leave you in peace♥…. Gounod – Meditation on Bach’s 1st Prelude