When he [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion for them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
*Gospel of Matthew 9.36 (NRSVUE)
As a mother watches over her child, willing to risk her own life to protect her only child, so with a boundless heart should one cherish all living beings, suffusing the whole world with unobstructed loving-kindness.
*Jack Kornfield, Ed., with Gil Fronsdal. Teachings of the Buddha. Rev. & Expand. From, "Metta Sutta," trans. Gil Fronsdal.
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August 2016 -
Riding the road today, going to work. As has been a daily practice for about five years, chanting two chants daily. Around the mala and around the mala, 108 beads each. Sometimes, one first, sometimes, the other first. One, the Shanti chant in Sanskrit. One, the Great Maha Mantra in Tibetan. And, as often, adding a hymn - today, "Amazing Grace." Sometimes, spontaneous lyrics and tune.
Today, chanting, again, "Om Mani Peme Hung," a prayer, a blessing, a wish, compassionate. For all to know and enjoy the Light of Grace in the Heart. For all to be free of suffering. For all to be in Love together.
Then, after chanting this for these years, and never tears, today, tears, tears, and tears. I recall, recently, on different times of this chanting, an odd, unfamiliar, but sweet opening in the center of the chest. I mused, just days ago, "I've never felt that in my whole life." I had no name for it.
I wondered, "Is this the sign of an opening after all these years of chanting for peace and compassion for all?" I had no answer, needed no answer, just to be true to the aspiration, regardless of what feeling arose or not.
*Use of photography is allowed accompanied by credit given to Brian K. Wilcox and title and place of photograph.
*Brian's book, An Ache for Union: Poems on Oneness with God through Love, can be ordered through major online booksellers or the publisher AuthorHouse.
