Comments on May 22nd's Meeting

      We met in a warm and very hospitable atmosphere thanks to Constance.
      Our discussion covered a number of topics, which somehow always seem to include the value of having a teacher of late, and this was no exception. The quote by Martine Batchelor (noted in last months comment) was the inspiration for this months meeting and was once again read aloud. There was unanimous agreement that it is a wonderful expression of what a teacher should represent to the student.
      Several personal examples of what is experienced as an "inner teacher" were shared. After discussion we agreed that the "inner teacher" and a spiritual guide in the form of an experienced "other"(whether referred to as Master, Guru, Sensei or...) are complimentary and that both are valuable in one's journey. The value of using both was made clear.
      The discussions evolved into what has been termed Confirmational Bias and the resulting need to challenge our preconceptions as we proceed along our path. Other topics ranged from Buddhism's trajectory in the West; the value and hurdles to getting Buddhism into the prisons; the pros and cons of today's fast growing communication technology, and implications for the coming years. 
      There was some talk of attending a meditation retreat sometime in the future and use of the internet for dharma talks and readings. Education seemed to be the main theme that arose out of our time together.
      And now a word from our resident poet, Mary Ann: “Wake up to your own inner teacher,” means no sleeping at the wheel. I might miss the right exit. I might slide off the road into a ditch. I might not see what is coming towards me. I might not know what hit me until I wake up, if I wake up. I might see more darkness than light. I might feel more despair than joy. I might betray myself. I might create more struggles than necessary. If my heart calls, I will listen, for it contains the deep knowing.
     “Heart-knowing” is fat-free and high fiber. It is trim and distinct. The Heart Center is the universal station for transporting me to where I need to be. Its platform is welcoming and centered. It is the place where “gut” feelings let me know if I am in harmony with my outer world. It is the place where angels visit to nudge me into the divine nature of all life; to entrust me with an inner voice of clarity.
      My “inner voice” sings lullabies, stands out in a crowd, speaks fluently, is uncontaminated, wise beyond time, the silver lining to all that is. It is the conductor of my outer world and the determiner of how I will live. It is the mirror of my soul – the true nature of who I am and who I want to be. Like a divining stick, I will my inner voice to guide me to the heart of the matter, to the meaningful action. It is my important navigational tool, and yet, how often I cast it aside for the manual labor of uncultivated tools? Then, I must weed the gardens, and plant new seeds until roots grow deep into the earth, and the new crops contain visions more clear with each passing day. Then my inner voice will naturally merge into my outer world and lead the way effortlessly. Corny as it sounds, “this ain’t no thinking thing!” It is the voice of possibilities, Nadine’s cafe style! - Thanks again, Mary Ann. I always look forward to your musings.
      Constance served a wonderful lunch over more lively annecdotes about people's lives. We all bow in appreciation to her generosity and culinary prowess. My thanks once again to all for making our meetings illuminating and always entertaining. Welcome back Ginny and Claudine.

Next Meeting: 
       The next meeting will be on July 17th at Ginny and Claudine's and the subject will be posted in the near future.

Full Day Meditation:
       We discussed the full day meditation planned for June 19th (instead of the Book Club) and the new blog that will function as a calendar for meditation events. Final decisions were made and Nadine has added a link to this blog (see sidebar under "Helpful Links") so you can easily refresh your memory as to general information.