Weekend Reflection
A Sabbath Moment ...
"Jesus taught many things to his disciples—wisdom, courage, faithfulness, and more—but he most certainly wanted them to be happy. Ask, and you shall receive, that your joy may be full ... I have come that you may have life, and that abundantly ... These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be full.
Similarly, the Buddha taught his disciples to "live in joy." The King of Kosala once remarked that the Buddha's disciples seemed exceptionally jubilant, unencumbered by the grave seriousness of the more ascetic practitioners. The Buddha replied that happiness was the spiritual life. He frequently offered this blessing of lovingkindness: "May you be happy."
Sasaki Roshi wrote this short poem about his life:
As a butterfly lost in a flower,
As a bird settled on a tree,
As a child fondling mother's breast,
For sixty-seven years of this world,
I have played with God."
May you play with God today. May you be happy ...
Om Shanti. Peace. Shalom.
~~~~~
Excerpted without permission from Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in Our Busy Lives by Wayne Muller—truly, one of the most influential and best books I have ever read. I am reading it again for the third time. :-)View this wonderful You Tube video of Wayne Muller: "You are the Light of the World." Visit Wayne's philanthropic site, www.breadforthejourney.org.
Image courtesy of www.nationalgeographic.com
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10 comments:
Jan, may your Sunday be filled with peace and joy.
Hi Jan,
Buddha and Christ definitely were awesome. I love how they describe everything so simply.
May you be happy always!
I love the picture too.
"The Buddha taught his disciples to live in joy." I think happiness can be learned, to an extent. That much of happiness comes down to decisions to be in that state. Much peace to you, Jan.
In the book 'love without end' Jesus mentions that worry is actually disrespectful as we have been given all the resources to fulfill our covenant with God.
Ahum,that made me think.
It still doesn't mean that things cannot go 'wrong', it means for me not to make such a fuss about it and let it overshadow joy.
If we all singing the same song of joy, we will eventually create it.
Peace be with you, Jan.
Jan,
Happiness is an emotion that touches upon our heart...and that's also a place that very much we're touched by our own spirituality. And in that meeting can be something very sacred - where our happiness intersects with the Spirit within each of us...
Wishing you much happiness!
Jan,
Wow. Amazingly beautiful picture! Such hope and strength represented in it.
I watched the clip on youtube--exactly the words I needed to hear..."we are only given the choice to do the right thing" not necessarily to know what happens after we've done it. Will definitely read the book!
What a lovely post to read as the weekend wraps up and Monday morning begins. Jan, you always light up my heart with your awe-inspiring words. Thank you!
Hi Jan,
What a beautiful website. My friend Jill suggested I come over and visit...I'm so glad I did.
Wayne Muller's book is one of my absolute favorites. I read from "Sabbath..." at least once each week.
All best wishes,
Sandi
Tabitha,
Oh, thank you, peace to you!
Nadia,
Isn't it just so true that the most profound truths are often the most simple and far reaching? May you be happy, too~
Joanne,
I agree with you that happiness, joy, may certainly be a choice...Peace to you~
Wilma,
I love this passage you shared. "Disrespectful"..how powerful! And your last statement is a profound invitation for us all. Thank you for this~
Sharon,
Peace be with you, as well~
Lance,
A lovely sentiment...when our happiness intersects with our spirit~and the Spirit. So nice, just feels good to think about that...
Joy,
Happy to hear that the Muller book and video spoke to you. He is a gifted guide and teacher. Much wisdom there.
Megan,
Thank you. Happy weekend, afloat with bliss for you.
Sandi,
Welcome. Thrilled to hear you read from Sabbath. It is one of those books that just centers you and anchors you in Spirit. Thanks to Jill for sending you over. :-)
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