AOM Meditations: on Tea by Thich Nhat Hanh 092420

by Jesse Stone

~*~

on Tea by Thich Nhat Hanh

“Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves. Slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future. Live the actual moment. Only this moment is life. You must be completely awake in the present to enjoy the tea. Only in the awareness of the present, can your hands feel the pleasant warmth of the cup. Only in the present, can you savor the aroma, taste the sweetness, appreciate the delicacy. If you are ruminating about the past, or worrying about the future, you will completely miss the experience of enjoying the cup of tea. You will look down at the cup, and the tea will be gone.

Life is like that. If you are not fully present, you will look around and it will be gone. You will have missed the feel, the aroma, the delicacy and beauty of life. It will seem to be speeding past you. The past is finished. Learn from it and let it go. The future is not even here yet. Plan for it, but do not waste your time worrying about it. Worrying is worthless. When you stop ruminating about what has already happened, when you stop worrying about what might never happen, then you will be in the present moment. Then you will begin to experience joy in life.”

I don’t think of the past anymore, I don’t think of the future anymore, I’m free from the past, from the future, and there is a real encounter between me and the tea.”

~Thich Nhat Hanh

~*~

“Tea meditation is a time to be with the Sangha in a joyful and serene atmosphere. Just to enjoy our tea together is enough. It is like a “good news” occasion, when we share our joy and happiness in being together.

At times, when we are drinking tea with a friend, we are not aware of the tea or even of our friend sitting there. Practicing tea meditation is to be truly present with our tea and our friends. We recognize that we can dwell happily in the present moment despite all of our sorrows and worries. We sit there relaxed without having to say anything. If we like, we may also share a song, a story or a dance.

You may like to bring a musical instrument or prepare something ahead of time. It is an opportunity for us to water the seeds of happiness and joy, of understanding and love in each one of us.”

~Thich Nhat Hanh

AOM TV: Aaron Abke "Love Your Enemies"

Want to hear some subversive shit?

This HERETIC speaks out against my "religion"

And I believe what he is saying

You don't have to buy what he says

But I would like you to hear it

So you can understand me better

These are the things 

I think Jesus and Buddha were talking about

This is NOT the message you hear from many "Christians"

And is one reason you don't want to listen to them
I don't blame you.
I myself left churches to follow Jesus

Note: Music will play halfway through Aaron's presentation
He will continue after the little interlude 

Aaron Abke

Love Your Enemies // MB 008

YouTube Direct Link: https://youtu.be/UFrPhL434CQ

AOM TV: Ram Dass "How To Love Yourself"

Ram Dass

How To Love Yourself

YouTube Direct Link:  https://youtu.be/go88wM0fPso

AOM TV: "Consciousness - The Final Frontier" by Dada Gunamuktananda

Dada Gunamuktananda

"Consciousness -- the final frontier"

TEDxNoosa 2014

 The exploration of inner space, our own consciousness, is ultimately connected to our discovery of outer space. Just as the world becomes a smaller place with increase in communication and transport technology, so the universe becomes a smaller place with the increase in meditation technology!  

YouTube Direct Link: https://youtu.be/lo0X2ZdElQ4

AOM TV: Dr. Wayne Dyer 5 Lessons To Live By

Dr. Wayne Dyer 

5 Lessons To Live By 

YouTube Direct Link: https://youtu.be/dOkNkcZ_THA

AOM TV: DESIDERATA by MAX EHRMANN

Beautiful Poem

Beautifully Read

Max Ehrmann's 

Desiderata

Read by Shane Morris

Music by Tony Anderson

A Life Changing Poem for Hard Times

Desiderata, which means 

“things that are desired, because 

it counsels those virtues we are in most need of.”

YouTube Direct Link: https://youtu.be/CaVaF6TkSUU

Desiderata

"GO PLACIDLY 

amid the noise and the haste, 

and remember what peace 

there may be in silence. 

As far as possible, without surrender, 

be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; 

and listen to others, 

even to the dull and the ignorant; 

they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; 

they are vexatious to the spirit. 

If you compare yourself with others, 

you may become vain or bitter, 

for always there will be 

greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. 

Keep interested in your own career, 

however humble; 

it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, 

for the world is full of trickery. 

But let this not blind you

 to what virtue there is; 

many persons strive for high ideals, 

and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. 

Especially do not feign affection. 

Neither be cynical about love; 

for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,

 it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, 

gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit 

to shield you in sudden misfortune. 

But do not distress yourself 

with dark imaginings. 

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, 

be gentle with yourself. 

You are a child of the universe 

no less than the trees and the stars; 

you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, 

no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. 

Therefore be at peace with God, 

whatever you conceive Him to be. 

And whatever your labors and aspirations, 

in the noisy confusion of life, 

keep peace in your soul. 

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, 

it is still a beautiful world. 

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."

By Max Ehrmann © 1927

Original text

AOM TV: Kindness

I've posted this before

And I am posting it again

I love this video

Makes me tear up and feel good

at the same time

Showing Kindness

Make a Difference

YouTube Direct Link: https://youtu.be/QUGQ-fMgVSQ

AOM TV: Alan Watts "What Do You Desire"

Alan Watts

What Do You Desire

YouTube Direct Link: https://youtu.be/qOZqGUCrje8

AOM TV: The Healing Power of Nature! by After Skool

After Skool

The Healing Power of Nature!

YouTube Direct Link: https://youtu.be/u8cPbYtylb0

AOM TV: Alan Watts - "Life is NOT a Journey"

Alan Watts

Life is NOT a Journey

YouTube Direct Link: https://youtu.be/rBpaUICxEhk

AOM TV: Free Your Mind by Eckhart Tolle

Teachings from Eckhart Tolle

How to be Completely Carefree

"The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment" by Eckhart Tolle is intended to be a guide for day-to-day living and stresses the importance of living in the present moment and avoiding thoughts of the past or future. The book is not religious, but calls upon many of the most sacred spiritual teachings from religions around the world. "The Power of Now" has helped millions of people free themselves of their obsessive thoughts, psychological pain and fears. 

YouTube Direct Link: https://youtu.be/hZeoyYOYgg4

AOM TV: Taoist Wisdom for Inner Peace

Taoist Wisdom For Inner Peace

YouTube Direct Link: https://youtu.be/ggXGba-vBeo

AOM TV: Chakra Lesson from AVATAR: The Last Airbender

 Aang with Guru Pathik from

AVATAR: The Last Airbender (anime series)

This is a scene from the anime series

Avatar: The Last Airbender

Now playing on NetFlix

I binged this series over the weekend 

Even though it is a program written for young people

I really enjoyed it

I was surprised how deeply they delved into explaining Chakras

I actually learned new things through their explanation

This program has great positive energy

I think you should give it a try

Try it - You might Like it!

The Avatar State is a state of great and powerful energy that makes the Avatar invincible. Aang (our hero) will need to enter and control this state within himself when he battles the great and powerful Firebender Lord. To obtain control over the Avatar State, Aang obtained the help of Guru Pathik to unlock his chakras and create a greater flow of energy throughout his body.  While Aang was met with success throughout most parts of this taxing and draining process, there was one chakra that especially challenged him.  Follow along with Aang as he goes head to head with his own internal blockage!

Scenes from AVATAR: The Last Airbender

Aang Opens His Chakras with Guru Pathik

YouTube Direct Link: https://youtu.be/cH-HT9WCtiQ

Meditations: Living Mindfully by Thich Nhat Hanh

Living Mindfully

In this passage, Thich Nhat Hanh takes the example of 

drinking Tea Mindfully to show us how to live Mindfully.

“Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves. Slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future. Live the actual moment. Only this moment is life. You must be completely awake in the present to enjoy the tea. Only in the awareness of the present, can your hands feel the pleasant warmth of the cup. Only in the present, can you savor the aroma, taste the sweetness, appreciate the delicacy. If you are ruminating about the past, or worrying about the future, you will completely miss the experience of enjoying the cup of tea. You will look down at the cup, and the tea will be gone.

Life is like that. If you are not fully present, you will look around and it will be gone. You will have missed the feel, the aroma, the delicacy and beauty of life. It will seem to be speeding past you. The past is finished. Learn from it and let it go. The future is not even here yet. Plan for it, but do not waste your time worrying about it. Worrying is worthless. When you stop ruminating about what has already happened, when you stop worrying about what might never happen, then you will be in the present moment. Then you will begin to experience joy in life.”

I don’t think of the past anymore, I don’t think of the future anymore, I’m free from the past, from the future, and there is a real encounter between me and the tea.”

~Thich Nhat Hanh

Meditations: "Grateful Living" by David Steindl-Rast (TEDX)

JOIN THE GRATITUDE REVOLUTION

A Must See!!!!! Very Beneficial

If I had to choose one post I'd most want you to see -

THIS IS IT! 

: )

From years of study and researching how 

to live a healthier, happier life

I've come to understand that

GRATITUDE is THE KEY to HAPPINESS

David Steindl-Rast, who presents this TEDX talk,

Is the same man who narrated the video we saw recently

"A Good Day: A Gift of Gratitude"

If you have not seen that video

I HIGHLY Recommend you do

You can watch that video Here> Link

Or you can watch it on YouTube> Link

It's a video that would be

Very beneficial to us to watch everyday

If you have time

Watch "A Good Day" video after you watch this video

Now to this video:

Want to be happy? Be grateful.

"The one thing all humans have in common is that each of us wants to be happy, says Brother David Steindl-Rast, a monk and interfaith scholar. And happiness, he suggests, is born from gratitude. An inspiring lesson in slowing down, looking where you're going, and above all, being grateful."(YouTube)

STOP. LOOK. GO.
Let Us Put Stop Signs in our Daily Lives
Reminding us to Open Our Hearts
To Feel Grateful
And to Enjoy 
The Wonderful Gifts We Receive Each Day

Listen to David as he tells us why Gratitude 

is so important in changing the world for the better

And how we can bring more Gratitude into our lives

Grateful Living

presented by

Brother David Steindl-Rast 

from his talk at TEDX

YouTube Direct Link: https://youtu.be/UtBsl3j0YRQ

~*~
**Link to the Network for Grateful Living**

"A Good Day: A Gift of Gratitude"

A MUST SEE

Please stop everything 

Turn off your phones

And Watch this Video uninterrupted 

6 minutes of PROFOUND BLISS. 

Life-changing, in its eye-opening truth.

"Watching this amazing little movie, we guarantee you will feel a bit more love in your heart, and love life a little more. If you are feeling depressed, or is finding it difficult to feel positive - which is all of us at some moments - this little movie will heal your heart just a little bit." (YouTube Description)

~*~

YouTube Comments About This Short Film

"This video made me kneel and bow to the amazing gifts I have. I'm beyond blessed to be alive and healthy, with eyes to see and ears to hear the beautiful words this man encapsulated in my heart."

"Best 5 minutes I ever spent on YouTube. Thank you!"

"What a Peaceful and Meaningful reminder to Start the day."

~*~

"A Good Day: A Gift of Gratitude" 

a short film by

Louie Schwartzberg 

narrated by

Brother David Steindl-Rast

YouTube Direct Link: https://youtu.be/4115qFsdWKQ

"Jesus Christ's Purpose On Earth" by Alan Watts

Alan Watts

"Jesus Christ's Purpose On Earth"

I will revisit this talk from time to time

Because Alan has given me lots of food for thought

Food for contemplation

There are some things he said

That resonated in my heart as true

There are other things he said

That I will need to contemplate
And a few I currently disagree with.

I think overall that this is an excellent talk

Because he got me thinking

And that is a very good thing

Whether I believe every point  he made as true or not

It brought up questions

That I would like to find the answers

One thing he touched on

That I thought was interesting 

Was when he spoke of those who have

Wrongly interpreted the message of Jesus

And how they could use their view

To turn our nation into a fascist nation

Here's the quote: 

"(22:40) "It is principally through 

White Racist Christians 

that we have the threat 

of Fascism in this country."

I think Alan's main message is

That Jesus's purpose on earth -

The good news Jesus brought to us -

Is the awakening to the awareness

That we are all divine sons and daughters of God

I suggest not to immediately accept

All that Alan says as the gospel truth

But also don't close your mind to what he has to say

Just open your mind to listen

And see what things that he says

Resonates as truth in your heart

This video is around 30 minutes long

But I think worth our time to hear

YouTube Direct Link: https://youtu.be/uaKUVJpYkOI

Excerpt from Joseph Campbell's Interview with Bill Moyers

Currently on NETFLIX

In this six part series

Bill Moyers interviews Joseph Campbell

the author of

The Power of Myth

Here is an excerpt from their discussion 

Bill and Joseph are talking about the difference between

How the Native Americans viewed the world as a "thou"

And how the white man viewed the world as an "it"

"BILL MOYERS: What happened when the white man came and slaughtered this animal (the buffalo) of reverence?

JOSEPH CAMPBELL: That was a sacramental violation. I mean, in the eighties, when the buffalo hunt was undertaken, you know, with Kit Carson…

BILL MOYERS: The 1880s, a hundred years ago.

JOSEPH CAMPBELL: — and Buffalo Bill and so forth. When I was a boy, whenever we went for sleigh rides we had a buffalo robe. Buffalo, buffalo, buffalo robes all over the place. This was the sacred animal to the Indians. These (white) hunters go out with repeating rifles, and then shoot down the whole herd and leave it there. Take the skin to sell and the body’s left to rot. This is a sacrilege, and it really is a sacrilege.

BILL MOYERS: It turned the buffalo from a “thou-”

JOSEPH CAMPBELL: To an “it.”

BILL MOYERS: The Indians addressed the buffalo as “thou.”

JOSEPH CAMPBELL: As a “thou”.

BILL MOYERS: As an object of reverence.

JOSEPH CAMPBELL: The Indians addressed life as a “thou,” I mean, trees and stones, everything else. You can address anything as a “thou”, and you can feel the change in your psychology as you do it. The ego that sees a “thou” is not the same ego that sees an “it.” Your whole psychology changes when you address things as an “it.” And when you go to war with a people, the problem of the newspapers is to turn those people into its, so that they’re not “thous.”

BILL MOYERS: That was an incredible moment in the evolution of American society, when the buffalo were slaughtered. That was the final exclamation point behind the destruction of the Indian civilization, because you were destroying…

JOSEPH CAMPBELL: Can you imagine what the experience must have been for a people within 10 years to lose their environment, to lose their food supply, to lose the object of the… the central object of their ritual life?"

You can see this six part interview on 

NetFlix (link)

RUMI, Poet of the Heart

"For seven centuries the spiritual poetry of Rumi has enchanted, inspired and delighted people all over the world, and his popularity seems to only grow and grow. 

In Rumi, Poet Of The Heart, leading translator Coleman Barks reads selections from the Sufi seer's poetry accompanied by musicians playing improvised traditional music. Huston Smith gives some interesting background on the whirling dervishes. Robert Bly and Michael Meade recite Rumi poems and provide insights on them, Deepak Chopra probes this Sufi mystic's great contribution to our understanding of the spiritual dimensions of love and narrator Debra Winger tells the story of Rumi’s life and art with passion and feeling.

Born in Afghanistan and relocating to Turkey when his father became the head of a Sufi learning community, this gifted young man took over from his father after his death, until his life was transformed by a mysterious itinerant dervish - Shams of Tabriz. The result: profound and prolific poetry that continues to illuminate and enthrall people from all over the world from all cultures centuries later. 

A feast for the eyes, ears, heart and soul; Rumi: Poet of the Heart beautifully conveys the essence of Rumi’s incredible life, writings and loving, ecstatic soul." (Vimeo Description)

Rumi, Poet Of The Heart

with

Coleman Barks, Robert Bly, Deepak Chopra, Huston Smith, 

Michael Meade, Simone Fattal, Sheikh Jelaluddin Loras, 

Zahra Eghbal-Mahdjoub, Narrated by Debra Winger

YouTube Direct Link: https://youtu.be/LT3NI_hwEvk

Dr. Bruce Lipton: 'The Biology of Belief' Interview on London Real

THOUGHT PROVOKING IDEAS

In this interview, Dr. Bruce Lipton

Discusses many different ideas

The main points are how our minds

Our perspective, our attitudes, our beliefs

Shape our physical, mental and spiritual health

I don't know if everything he talks about

Is all true or not

But most of what he said

Really resonated with my heart

So I FEEL, my intuition, my gut feeling

Tells me there is much Truth in his ideas

I hope you will take the time to hear him out

It gets more and more interesting as the interview goes along

After hearing the first part of this interview here

You may want watch the entire interview on London Real

Here is the link:

London Real | Dr. Bruce Lipton Interview (link)

I highly recommend watching the entire interview

Register for free with an E-mail on their site to watch the entire interview

I really think listening to this interview

Will be an important benefit to your life

NOTE: (To save some time)

The Intro to Dr. Lipton's interview

Is from the beginning to the 1:48 minute mark

Then I would skip over to the 5:22 minute mark

Where the actual interview starts

Dr. Bruce Lipton

BIOLOGY OF BELIEF 

from the program

London Real with Brian Rose

YouTube Direct Link: https://youtu.be/GCG1zj3mxOw