Thursday, July 17, 2008

I've noticed that many people entertain the fantasy that proficiency in meditation will bring an end to their problems. Oh, dear! I'm afraid not. I really like the first sentence of the following quotation:

We must free ourselves of the hope that the sea will ever rest. We must learn to sail in high winds.

-- Hanmer Parsons Grant

Our problems do not cease with meditation proficiency. What does happen is that our tolerance for distress increases along with our compassion and both of those qualities have the effect of reducing our suffering.

3 comments:

  1. This goes along with the quote I put on my blog today about "spiritual experiences." They are not the point.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ellie, thanks for stopping by!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous9:39 AM

    Similar column in Tricycle this month...meditation teachers were asked what they've changed their minds about re Buddhism in last 20 years. Many said they're surprised things have gone so slowly. Thought they'd be enlightened by now. It really made me think.

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