New Beginnings

Springtime is here! The earth says it is so. There is an excess of pollen like we’ve never seen before and the pollinators are active doing their annual work.

Flowers bloom, fruit trees are blooming, fruit will follow and people drive their convertibles with the roof down.

For many people, this is their favorite time of year. The weather is warmer. The flowers are blooming and they are starting a vegetable garden. They like the day being longer.

Good Buddhists know you may have spring time allergies or you may not. In Buddhism we say whether you think the pollen season is good or not depends on how you think about it, discuss it, and feel about it.

We encourage you to not give the “problem” your attention /energy from that perspective. In fact don’t consider it a problem. It’s just an awareness of what is and know it is an impermanent problem or blessing if you prefer. It is whatever you decide it is. How do we skillfully traverse through the season? Let’s give our attention the idea that spring is the time to nurture seeds and what are seeds besides something you plant?

In the Oneness teachings, seeds represent our many thoughts. This is the opportunity to see to it that the seeds are planted into the rich soil of your consciousness. How do we make our consciousness a rich soil that nourishes the seeds? We do this by using the practices of mindfulness, meditation, joy, loving kindness and gratitude in the heart and mind. This allows them to grow and flourish with the season.

We are glad that you are drawn to the teaching and what Three Mountains Sangha has to offer. Let us have an awareness of our connection. I hope we are all able to meet in person at a Saturday morning retreat in the near future. Until then feel free to join our Zazen practice a couple of mornings each week. Check out our website for daily readings and more.

May you be at peace.

John Karn, D.D.