The following Dharma talk was presented 4 years ago. At the end I mention keeping a journal. This is something I have continued to do for many years. The value of this simple activity is priceless. I continue to explore various ways in which to keep my journal, and in fact keep two.
One journal I use for a morning brain dump, and warm up exercise. In this journal, I write for a minimum of thirty minutes about anything. Sometimes it is merely stream-of-consciousness, where I just start writing, and riff on the last word with no punctuation. It reads like some insane persons babbling. It can be fun to reread. Sometimes it may be about what’s on my mind. It is never about what I am currently engaged in with my book writing.
The other journal is my Field Notes notebook. This journal is a combination of bullet journal which is more like a To Do list, and a visual journal. See the sample in this photo.
I find keeping both journals provides me with more opportunities to let out those weird, crazy, creative ideas without any boundaries or restrictions.
Give it a try, explore various options. Finally do not be concerned that some days you have nothing to add. It is more about the process than the product.
Reflection – December 31, 2011 Meditation
It is said that after years of practicing various austerities the Buddha knelt by the side of a lake to take a drink of water. By some accounts the Buddha saw his reflection in the water and was shocked at how emaciated he had become. This caused him to realize that the deprivations he had inflicted upon his body would not lead to enlightenment. At this point he took some nourishment that was offered to him by a woman, and then sat under the Bodhi tree to meditate.
At this time of year, on this last day of the year, we customarily look back over the past year and reflect on what we have accomplished. I wonder what do we see when we look at this reflection. I hope the vision you see is one that encourages you to continue in your Buddhist practice. Perhaps you may see a reflection that inspires you or one that disappoints you. I hope that you will use what ever is reflected back upon you as a motivation to redouble your efforts, to spare no effort, to practice the Lotus Sutra and quickly realize your enlightenment.
“Just as a reflection is seen in a clear mirror, all things in the world will be reflected on the pure body of this person, that is, of this Bodhisattva. No one but he will be able to see all things clearly.” (Lotus Sutra, Chapter XIX)
No matter what is reflected we should all use this time to, as society does, make a new determination for the future. Past disappointments do not dictate a future of continued disappointment, the future is still a potential that exists for us to create.
“Although he has not yet obtained the wonderful body of the Bodhisattva who knows the nature of the Dharma without-asravas, he will be able to have all these things reflected on his pure and natural body.” (Lotus Sutra, Chapter XIX)
Just a passing thought, it might be a good opportunity for you to begin, if you have not already done so, to keep a journal that records your spiritual journey over the days. Then next year you will be amazed at the accomplishments you have achieved.
My sincerest wish for your happiness, good health and good fortune for the New Year 2012.
