The Dacher CD’s Meeting Asclepius contemplative practice was perhaps the most instructive and moving of all those we’ve been assigned.
I did have trouble when asked to envision a particular person of wisdom as my thoughts ran around looking for someone. Then I began to feel guilty not being able to name someone like that – as I continued to let my mind wander around I missed enough of the narrative to start over again.
The preface provides two terrific analogies one with regard to our having at our disposal our own inner healer, very capable and caring and the other to do with having a very new practice and the mind being much like a rushing loud waterfall, then becoming a less competitive stream to a lazy river and finally a quiet river united with the deep and stable ocean. This lays a foundation for understanding that at the beginning we might be surprised to find out loud the noise really is in our resistant mind, and even with time it may feel like there is no change, but this is because we’ve only begun to listen. Early on, we may only find the untamed mind and as we practice longer eventually a bit of the witnessing mind. Later on possibly calm-abiding and over a long time a glimpse of unity consciousness.
In addition a very important consideration is asked of the listener with regard to finding an experienced teacher which is a great idea. It will be important to locate a good teacher however. With or without a guide, we are reminded that the goal is inner freedom versus simply relaxation.
The contemplative practice involving access to our inner healer, or our Subtle Mind, asks us to envision a wise and loving man or woman, someone we respect, honor and feel a connection with. For the 1st round I choose the Dali Lama as my point of focus – I am a great fan.
The listener is invited first to observe the chosen individual keeping them in front of you in your mind. Next the listener is invited to sit in their presence, reflecting on their qualities, characteristics, inner peace, compassion, love and happiness.. Several minutes are spent “staying” with your mentor allowing the connection to deepen.
Finally, the listener is directed to visualize white and cleansing light emanating from the person of focus to listener as they sit, purifying their thoughts, speech and heart. This is very powerful and has a beautiful influence on the listener’s sense of their capacity for goodness.
My experience of envisioning the chosen person moving around in his space, that I would use his peace, his calm-abiding perhaps as an example for myself was really charming. I especially like having to use the visualization of white light from the Dali Lama’s throat for the purpose of his manner of speech becoming my own.
2 comments:
You have chosen a great teacher/healer. I would agree to have his ability to speak instilled into one would be a great honor and accomplishment. In considering the teachings of this man I believe I would value his wisdom. To have this degree of wisdom would allow one to speak from the heart.
From what I am seeing many of us had a strained time deciding or choosing a healer to model our inner healer after and I completely know what you mean when you had to restart the meditation because as with most of us we want the best of the best within us in every aspect of our being whether it's our inner healer, our inner nurturer, our inner counselor, our inner best friend we need to take the time and chose wisely I mean it has to be as important as it is when we chose our spouse or our best friend because if we take the time to chose our outter companions wisely why wouldn't we do the same for our inner companions?!! Great choice in your inner healer! It was a wonderful and uplifting and connecting meditation to someone who is so important in our lives isn't it? Liz Hobby
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