Do The Big Sit

actually I completely failed at this, but did manage to practice being in the moment more in day to day existence so something.

Think I need to practice this more

I have never really been at ease with organized religion too much, although sympathetic to anyone sincerely spiritual. I think Buddhism is in many aspects more a philosophy than a religion and it is this philosophical side that I like. The idea of practicing to be calm and compassionate is something that appeals to me. However I don’t think I would ever join anything formal, although there are plenty of interesting people who have. So for me meditation and random reading of ideas is more my style.

If I ever did do anything formal I think it would be a buddhist retreat for a while to see what serious meditation would bring about !

Saying that I do feel there is more to the universe than meets the eye although I can’t prove it. I have an open mind as to what the truth of things could be. I remember reading Herman Hesse’s Journey to the East, where the league of travellers would take from all philosophies, religions and ideas, and I really liked this way.

to say that my version of this goal is:

- 20 min meditation a day
- practice ad hoc mindfulness during the day

this is a simplified version, but enjoyed reading theskysthelimit’s second post as food for thought.

I started the Big Sit yesterday. I began with a nice meditation. It’s been a few weeks so it was a little difficult at first… Let’s just say I got really good at acknowledging thoughts for the first ten minutes!! : ) I eventually was able to reach that shift in brain waves without listening to a guided meditation… it felt wonderful. I’m grateful for this practice and for what good it brings into my life.

My vows focus on being good to my body, mind and spirit. Mindful eating was a big focus for me yesterday and will continue to be for the next 90 days. I caught myself just putting carrots in my mouth while I was preparing salad without even noticing that I was… I got half way through my sandwich at lunch and realized I was on the computer, not paying attention to my eating.

On all accounts, I shifted gears and focused back to the food, being grateful with every bits… remembering the people and effort that went into making this food and preparing it to be sold at the market. I found that with that sense of gratitude and attention, I was better able tell when I was full.

I exercised yesterday as well making sure to honor my body and not over do it even though my “ego” wanted me to!

Overall, this practice will help me get better in touch with my essence while still acknowledging my form : )

I will be participating in this event called The Big Sit. Although I do not consider myself Buddhist, I have always wanted to learn more about the religion. With this practice I will automatically be immersed in it thus learn. So I decided today to go back on the website to get ready for tomorrow’s commencement.

Suggested Practices:
-Formal Meditation for 20 minutes
-Listen to one dharma talk each week
-Study Dogen’s Genjokoan
-Commit to the 16 bodhisattva precepts
-Practice in community with others

The goal is to achieve Zen. I love Tricycle’s description of Zen. A path of awakening to who we really are and awakening the aspiration to serve others and take responsibility for all of life.

I’m excited that I am committed to meditating 90 times over the next 90 days.

I had to look up the 16 Bodhisattva Preecepts:

The Three Treasures:

Taking refuge in the Buddha
Taking refuge in the Dharma
Taking refuge in the Sangha
The Three Treasures are universally known in Buddhism as the Three Refuges or Three Jewels.

The Three Pure Precept:s
Do not create Evil
Practice Good
Actualize Good For Others
These are also known as the Three Root Precepts, and are mentioned in the Brahma Net Sutra as well.

The Ten Grave Precepts:
Affirm life – Do not kill
Be giving – Do not steal
Honor the body – Do not misuse sexuality
Manifest truth – Do not lie
Proceed clearly – Do not cloud the mind
See the perfection – Do not speak of others errors and faults
Realize self and other as one – Do not elevate the self and blame others
Give generously – Do not be withholding
Actualize harmony – Do not be angry
Experience the intimacy of things – Do not defile the Three Treasures

Beautiful way to live. : )

My Vows:

For the next 90 Days I vow to honor my body, mind and my spirit in these ways:

Body:

-I will restore my body by going to bed early
-I will nourish my body by eating fresh/lean foods; meat sparingly; mindful eating with conscious appreciation
-I will honor my body by practicing my yoga 2 times each week

Mind:

-I will work my mind by meditating daily for 20 minutes
-I will study the Genjokoan by viewing Enkyo Roshi’s talks on tricycle.com

Spirit:

-I will renew my spirit by seeking out group meditation
-I will strengthen my spirit by visiting Kripalu for a weekend

: )

Most of the definitions and info above I got off of wikipedia so I’m taking it at best efforts!! : )

I started focusing on meditation back in November at the Yoga retreat I went on. It has been such an amazing journey. Thank you CJ for inviting me to do this. It will help give me the structure I need to make this a more consistent practice. It will also help me achieve one of my goals to learn more about Buddhism. : )