We have now three cats that dwell on the homestead. There’s Sam, a black and white tuxedo. There may be Finn, a white albino. And there may be Enso, a grey tabby.
The primary two, Sam and Finn, are home cats to their core. They’re going to sit and look out the window on good days, however they’ve zero curiosity in making an attempt to enterprise outdoors.
Enso, nonetheless, is one other story. Throughout the spring and summer season, he comes inside simply lengthy sufficient to eat, then he runs again outdoors to discover the woods that encompass our property.
He likes to roll round in our backyard mulch and he’d slightly sleep in a pile of straw than a cat mattress.
Nevertheless, his love of journey cools a bit as the times develop shorter and the nights get colder. Throughout the Fall and Winter months Enso goes outdoors simply lengthy sufficient to make sure the grass continues to be the place he left it, after which he retreats to the nice and cozy consolation of our dwelling.
I get a little bit of a chuckle from his antics, however I am glad we will supply Enso a spot of refuge on the times when the world is uninviting. And watching him snooze on the sofa jogs my memory that Buddhism does the identical factor for us.
As Buddhists, we vow to take refuge within the triple gem of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. After we take refuge in Buddha, we vow to observe his instance. After we take refuge in Dharma, we vow to observe his teachings. And once we take refuge in Sangha, we vow to assist and participate within the bigger Buddhist group.
That stated, the best way practitioners strategy the refuge vows can fluctuate. For some individuals they’re hallmarks of custom; one thing they do to attach with their Buddhist ancestors. For others, they’re an mental train; one thing they do to study extra concerning the teachings.
However we should do not forget that the triple gem is way more than that. It is a protected area; a spot the place we will discover consolation when the world is uninviting.
When our thoughts is rattled and filled with unkind ideas, these are the day we must always meditate. After we’re so offended that we won’t assume, these are the times we must always chant. And once we’re afraid of what the longer term has in retailer, these are the times we must always research sutras.
As we do that, as we take refuge within the triple gem of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, we regain our energy, and we study to take care of life’s hardships.
Like a farm cat who’s venturing out into the wilderness, we dwell our lives figuring out that if issues grow to be too tough, we will all the time return dwelling.
Namu Amida Butsu
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