Don’t allow three things to diminish.

Photo by Sindre Kinnerød (worldwildlife.org)

          Ursus maritimus (‘sea bear’) evolved from terrestrial brown bears (Ursus arctos). Though the fur of the polar bear appears white, it is actually transparent; their black skin allows them to soak up as much of the sun’s rays as possible. These bears are dependent on sea ice for hunting, mating and denning. While their evolution allowed them to thrive as a part of the Arctic ecosystem, rising temperatures from climate change has now created a life of struggle. As more of the pack ice diminishes, it has become increasingly difficult for polar bears to travel, feed and raise young. Whether they survive or become extinct is intricately tied to whether the ice endures. Slogan forty-six cautions that the durability of our practice relies on respect for our mentor, enthusiasm for the teachings and a firm commitment to awaken our mind and heart. If we are interested in more than just a fling with mind training, we will make sure these things don’t diminish. Unlike the polar bear, we do have a choice.

Go forward with curiosity, wondering where this experiment will lead. This kind of open-ended inquisitiveness captures the spirit of enthusiasm, or heroic perseverance. ~ Pema Chodron

For more information on the forty-sixth slogan go here.

Slogan Forty-six

Don’t allow three things to diminish.

From the Lojong for the Layperson booklet:
            We often start lojong full of enthusiasm with an intention to persevere in our practice. But then we get frustrated or bored, craving something new and more exciting. Our gratitude wanes, and we no longer cherish our teacher, the instructions or the personal commitment we made. Our mind training becomes just another experience to add to our spiritual resumé. This slogan counsels us to continually renew our appreciation for the opportunities and resources we’ve been given. Our devotion and respect will grow for our mentor as we see his or her commitment in teaching us. Joy will naturally develop when we realize the usefulness of lojong in the prevention of suffering. And when we treasure the freedom to practice provided by social support and an economic foundation, it can help us stay dedicated to our purpose.

Photo: Southern magnolia cones and leaves surround a single-flowered rose.

            At age sixty-six, my husband bought his first brand-new car. If a squashed bug or bird droppings get on it, he immediately cleans it off. He carries Windex and a roll of paper towels in the trunk of his car specifically for this purpose. When we go shopping, he chooses a parking spot in the outer area of the lot. He believes this will prevent the dings caused by other car doors and shopping carts. If any warning lights appear on the dashboard, he doesn’t hesitate to call the Honda service center and have the engine checked out. The owner’s manual for the car is about as thick as the Oxford English Dictionary, but he is doggedly making progress in reading it. He has worked hard to buy this car, and so he enthusiastically cares for it. With spiritual training, it is easy to take the available resources for granted when I have nearly effortless access. My respect, appreciation and dedication and can wane for my mentor, the teachings and my commitments. Yet without these three things, I won’t learn how to be compassionate towards myself and others. I will begin to feel separated rather than connected. And when challenges come, I will react emotionally rather than respond with wisdom.