In the sacred space of the OUUC sanctuary, warmed by beautiful quilts lovingly made by OUUC’s Sewing Ministry, we experienced the warmth of community. The monastics commented on the warmth still in the room from our Sunday morning worship earlier that day.
Ajahn Kovilo, a visiting monk, gave a Dhamma Talk (wisdom talk or sermon) about three important principles of Buddhism: dana (generosity), sila (ethical conduct), and samadhi (meditative practice or creativity). Ajahn Kovilo’s wisdom was that these practices build on each other; dana/generosity is how we give to the world, sila/ethical conduct is how we care for ourselves and each other, and samadhi/meditative practice is how we reflect and create from our internal wisdom.
As I enjoyed the wisdom and warmth, silence and laughter of this emerging community, I thought and felt, “This is how repair happens.” When we slow down enough to connect and listen to each other, we can begin to repair the wounds in ourselves and each other. When we are welcomed in our human wholeness, we have companionship as we seek to be better people. When we celebrate and laugh in hard times, we nurture hope. This is how we repair ourselves and the world.
In this month when we reflect on the spiritual practice of repair, how are you connecting? How are you listening? What are you celebrating?
It is good to be back in community with you and with our neighbors.
Blessings on your week.
Rev. Mary
(Photos taken by Frank Winters.)
