Teaching us to see the tough times as being impermanent and as constructive times as they help us grow

13 December 2008

Eleven participants joined the morning service: Tai Chi, Walking meditation, Motive meditation and Group Discussion.

The chosen target for the group's motive meditation section was the sun. Venerable Miaoyu asked us to contemplate the sun and how our lives may mirror the sun. For example the sun brings energy, light, warmth and life; yet at other times it can be too hot and harsh. She asked us to think about this in terms of our own lives and what we can do to propagate the positive aspects of ourselves and our lives and how to better manage the tougher, harder, harsher aspects of ourselves and our lives.

Because it was a lovely morning, the discussion section was held under the veranda of the Front Shrine. The venerable took the opportunity to seek members’ feedback the Saturday morning service and the Wednesday evening study group.

Many of the members commented on how they enjoyed the Saturday Service and coming to the Temple, the benefits they have felt and received from attending the Temple services; how it has changed their views and behaviour towards others and within themselves. Members shared the impacts it is having on them, such as:
• Buddhism has provided a different perspective to guide them in their daily life
• It has brought more calmness and tolerance into their behaviour and thinking
• It has helped and supported them during tough times
• Teaching us to see the tough times as being impermanent and as constructive times as they help us grow
• Improving relationships with their loved ones, family, friends and other people in their lives.