Misunderstood Monks...

From Matthieu Ricard's blog:

The vocation of the hermit is often misunderstood. The hermit does not withdraw from the world because he feels rejected, because he can find nothing better to do than wander in the mountains, or because he is unable to assume his responsibilities. He decides to leave, a decision which may seem extreme, because he realizes that he cannot control his mind and solve the problem of happiness and suffering amidst the endless futile and distracting activities of ordinary life.

http://www.matthieuricard.org/en/index.php/MR/blog/237_lhermite/

(Similar justification for going on a meditation retreat)

mundane

Even the most mundane circumstances and situations can be wonderful if we are free. Who would think that "half an hour laying on the couch not thinking much" could be experienced as rich, full of sweetness and fulfilling?

When the mind lets go, every moment is ripe with limitless potential. Freedom can be found anywhere, it seems.

Beautiful Parking Lot?

After meditating for a few hours on Wednesday, my mind was in a very quiet and peaceful state. Beyond the usual feelings that accompany meditation, the "silence" of my mind was particularly notable. As I walked back to the car, almost no thoughts, reactions, subcurrents or urges passed through my mind. The world felt wonderfully silent and clear.

At that moment, everything was extraordinarily simple. I was just walking with my eyes focused on the ground in front of me.

I realized that when the mind quiets down, and the constant stream of thoughts/desires/anxieties fades, nothing remains except a profound sense of peace and beauty. As I walked with  eyes fixed on the ground in front of me, I directly experienced beauty everywhere. The feeling had been revealed; it was no longer covered up with my feelings toward the objects in my view, or with thoughts of something else ruminating in the back of my mind. It's something that's always there underneath the noise, but only becomes apparent when the mind is quiet and clear.

It was a beautiful parking lot indeed.

Making a habit

A nice post by a well-known blogger. How to meditate every day. (Hint, start small)

http://zenhabits.net/meditate/