Savor the Good--Joy in the Dharma

Have just started reading "Buddha's Brain," a great book that reaffirms the Buddha Way in scientific terms. May want to use it as a book class this fall. Anyway, one of the things the authors stress, as well as Buddha, by the way, is that we can change our minds. One way to do that is to focus on the Good. We will still encounter unpleasant things in our lives, but by pairing up those moments with a conscious thought of goodness can counteract the pain of that unpleasant moment. Moreover, by dwelling in the good moments a bit longer, not letting them slip away too fast, we can ingrain a bit more peace and joy in our brains and lives.
Yesterday was my day to volunteer at Hospice House. I bring my dog, Buster, with me to help break the ice and bring some liveliness and joy into the rooms I visit. We met a man yesterday that was worried because he was there in Hospice House, and his wife had been admitted to the hospital next door. He hadn't heard from her and didn't know how she was. After several phone calls I was able to determine that she had been discharged. I tried the home number, and gratefully she answered. The man was SO happy to be able to speak with her. I left feeling so happy--for HIM. I felt my action was minimal.What was important was he got happiness. Then I got some, too. Pretty nice. Like when I saw the picture of Jan Rose in Japan sitting with a beautiful Japanese meal in front of her. Her smile of joy warmed my heart--really. Her joy became mine, and I was joyful for her. This is Joy in the Dharma.

More Thoughts on Buddha Nature

Last time I remarked how it is apparent that my dog likes anybody. He has that innate ability to connect with everyone. Like humans, he sees himself as separate from other living beings, and I have seen him get a bit testy with other dogs in certain situations. Yet, he always looks joyfully at his next encounter. It now seems that while I have been focusing on this whole notion, the universe is showing me more examples of buddha nature in animal life. I guess Buddha is knocking me over the head, and maybe I'll finally get it.

One of our members emailed me about a scientist that worked with elephants in Africa, and upon his death, the elephants he worked with showed a long mourning period. Another member emailed me about a whale that got enmeshed in many fishing nets. A small group of divers spent a long time cutting the nets away and freeing the whale. Upon his release to each diver, looked them in the eye, and gently touched them before swimming away. And finally, a very small note in the latest National Geographic says that rats have shown empathy and joy when their companions get out of a trap.

What of all of this? Well, animals, as part of the giant web of living things, can show us humans that every living thing is precious. Moreover, we can learn to appreciate and be joyful about each new encounter. Every living being shares in that essence of the Buddha, that eternal life force. As such, one one and no thing is more important or valuable. We are all necessary and worthwhile in this web of life. I found the stories of our animal friends as a reconfirmation of that fact. Hope you do, too.