Photography as Meditation: The Friday Flower. Sometimes just photos. Sometimes with writing. Appearing on Fridays.
better angels of our nature © 2009 Mahala Mazerov
When Nelson Mandela was released after 27 years in prison for anti-apartheid activities, he was a strong voice for reconciliation and negotiation. His efforts, along with others such as Bishop Desmond Tutu, helped South Africa transition to a multi-racial democracy.
In an interview soon after he was freed, someone asked how he could bear to interact with advocates of the apartheid policies which had caused such suffering. How could he not hate them yet alone work beside them?
His reply was very simple. He said, “It is hard to hate someone you have prayed for every day.”
His words remind me of one of the stanzas in the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva. This ancient teaching is one of my Teacher’s favorites. He encourages us to read the short text every day to train our minds in love and compassion.
Stanza 20:
If outer foes are destroyed while not subduing the enemy of one’s own hatred, enemies will only increase. Therefore, subduing one’s own mind with the army of love and compassion is the Bodhisattvas’ practice.
How can you subdue your own mind with the army of love and compassion?
Is there someone you need to pray for today? What prayers would you say?
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I pray with all my heart for self-compassion, self-love, for all, including myself and those with whom I’ve struggled.
Thank you for leading the way, Mahala!
Sonia’s latest article Grieving Neglectful Mothering
Beautiful shot and words.
After a full day of qigong work, this is perfect to come home to.
Thank you.
Constance Casey´s last blog ..Relinquishment
Dear Mahala,
Army of love and compassion is great.
With love you can do every thing.
With love you can support everything.
You must have compassion for the case.
Love one another.
Have a nice day.
Virginia.
sister of L O V E, you DO unite! “subduing the enemy of one’s own hatred” very powerful words…and oh so very true. we seem to always be searching to fight “outside” of ourselves when the enemy lies within.
hazel
hazel colditz´s last blog ..homage…
i would pray that we would learn to love our neighbor as ourselves, but that we would also learn to love ourselves more than we can possibly imagine.
elizabeth´s last blog ..the root of everything is love
Sonia ~ What a beautiful aspiration prayer. It’s especially powerful because you’ve included not only yourself and all beings, but those that you struggle with. Sometimes it’s easy to wish things for all beings because there’s a lack of contact, an easy feeling of neutrality. Including those you know are difficult for you, that’s equanimity. A rare and precious quality to develop.
Nancie ~ Thank you. Nice to see you here.
Constance ~ Sounds (via twitter) like you’ve had quite a qigong week. Happy to be part of it.
Virginia ~ I’m always happy to read your words. Thank you for your poetic wisdom.
Hazel ~ Thank you Dharma sister. Your love is such a gift. Are you familiar with the 37 Bodhisattva practices text? Pithy and profound wisdom.
Elizabeth ~ What a wonderful prayer. “learn to love… more than we can possibly imagine.” Beautiful! Thank you.
Twitter: LuminousHeart
WoW!!! i really needed to read that today!
thx for having such a lumious heart
XOXO,
S
STeLLa´s last blog ..PuNk MoNk -> Dharma PuNx
Beautiful photo and post Mahala, speaks to the heart of this born South African.
If I were to pray for anything today, it would be to pray for that beautiful country, which has passed through the hands of the gentle Nelson Mandela and is now being led with less compassion.
“If outer foes are destroyed while not subduing the enemy of one’s own hatred, enemies will only increase.” – What you’ve written here is an absolute reflection of what is happening in S.A. and I send these loving words that way.
Thank you Mahala
xxx
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37 Bodhisattva practices text? guess not! please enlighten me…send link?
have a grateful “Thanksgiving” Mahala….hazel
hazel colditz´s last blog ..homage…
Mahala,
So good to find you! Your photography is beautiful. We miss you and hope you are doing well. BLESSINGS……and peace. Leigh
What a beautiful flower. I really enjoyed your video. My prayer is, may we all have peace of my mind, good health and joy in our everyday life.
Love and peace to all.
Hi, Mahala. Is that equanimity? I thought it was when the struggles don’t bother me, or don’t arise in the first place. The new definition creates a lot of spaciousness for me. Thanks for the food for thought!
Sonia’s latest article Grieving Neglectful Mothering