A Passage for June
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Photo from a recent YA hike in the San Francisco Bay Area
One of the real strengths of passage meditation is.... the passages! Given that it's right there in the name of the practice it seems like it should be obvious, but here at YA Blog HQ we've been thinking how we love being able to choose from the wide range of inspirational passages.
Having this choice means that our meditation stays inspiring, week after week, month after month. There's such a broad spectrum of language describing the spiritual life and spiritual transformation – from the practical to the sublime, there's always a passage that will speak to each challenge we're facing, and each mood we're in.
This month, we chose a passage that offers a collection of images of spiritual transformations all in one short passage. All of the images “Miracle of Illumination” by Shantideva are particularly striking in their simplicity and place in our everyday lives.
We invite you to add this passage to your rotation this month and share with us your thoughts below.
- What images from the passage are particularly striking to you?
- Are there other passages whose language about spiritual transformation has been meaningful to you?
Miracle of Illumination – Shantideva
As a blind man feels when he finds a pearl in a dustbin, so am I amazed by the miracle of Bodhi rising in my consciousness. It is the nectar of immortality that delivers us from death, the treasure that lifts us above poverty into the wealth of giving to life, the tree that gives shade to us when we roam about scorched by life, the bridge that takes us across the stormy river of life, the cool moon of compassion that calms our mind when it is agitated, the sun that dispels darkness, the butter made from the milk of kindness by churning it with the dharma. It is a feast of joy to which all are invited.