Contemplation Four

The practice of somatic meditation allows us to realize a series of developmental outcomes that mark a gradual loosening of samsara. An outcome noted in the third turning is buddha nature. Buddha nature can be simply defined as what remains in emptiness. What remains is often described as wisdom (aka: clarity, vividness, openness), compassion (aka: sensitivity, warmth, attunement), and power (aka: responsiveness). Note a moment from today - during your practice or your everyday activities - in which you glimpsed buddha nature.

Sunday morning. Dishes are being washed. Michael Enright’s leading us into the second hour of CBC Radio’s Sunday Edition. The opening piece is long, more than thirty minutes in duration. Enright is in conversation with a number of Indigenous peoples around the subject, ‘What are we really talking about when we talk about reconciliation?’

In broad terms, ‘reconciliation’ points toward efforts to establish just and respectful relations between First Nations and the nation-state of Canada. The guests are forceful and articulate in responding to the question. On several occasions, experiences are shared and challenges made that crackle across the airwaves.

I see my own lack of awareness as this segment plays - clarity. My heart aches while listening - sensitivity. The thought comes up, ‘This is my fourth contemplation’ - responsiveness.

The practice of somatic meditation allows us to realize a series of developmental outcomes that mark a gradual loosening of samsara. An outcome noted in the third turning is buddha nature. Buddha nature can be simply defined as what remains in emptiness. What remains is often described as wisdom (aka: clarity, vividness, openness), compassion (aka: sensitivity, warmth, attunement), and power (aka: responsiveness). Note a moment from today - during your practice or your everyday activities - in which you glimpsed buddha nature.

- Neil