what we want most

What do we want or need more than anything else? Could it be: a better job, a more harmonious relationship, more energy, less trouble, fame, more money, better friends, or some profound truth?

With a little reflection this question is an easy one to answer; we most want to be loved and to be loving. If we know Love in these ways then everything becomes just peachy.

To know Love is the goal of our practice.

Here's a poem that captures it well:

Oh Beloved,


take away what I want.


Take away what I do.


Take away what I need.


Take away everything 
that takes me from you.

Rumi

give Silence a turn.

What is this meditation business about really?

We entertain so many positions, mantras, teachers, and techniques. Their purpose is to show you that they cannot work! When we drop all of our techniques and all of our efforting, Silence can begin its work.

Silence is open, forgiving, nonjudgmental, and pure. Why not let it have a turn? Just stop!

peace on you,

bob

prayers are always answered

Prayers are always answered. If we don't 'hear' the answer, the problem could be that our past conditioning, or our expectations, or our thinking that 'we know best', blinds us to the guidance that is always given.

"If My servants ask you about Me, I am near. I answer the call of the caller when he calls on Me. They should therefore respond to Me and believe in Me so that they will be guided aright. "(Quran 2:186)

regular prayer

Prayer, like meditation, is a time when we turn away from things and turn towards the Divine, The Graceful, The Compassionate, The Loving, the Unseen, the Creator, The Light, … (the attributes are many).

At the root, prayer is remembering God. There are so very many ways to remember (re-member) God. I have found prayers of gratitude and thanks to be most effective in bringing about a sense of Peace and Wholeness.

Again as with meditation, regularity is the key. The Quran suggests praying three times per day: before sunrise, between noon and sunset, and between sunset and the cover of night. I have been amazed at the sense of comfort that comes from this practice … give it a try.

peace on you,

bob