I really appreciated this reflection, especially the framing of meditation as a way to sharpen the mind and soften the grip of unconscious conformity. That image of “opening the hand of thought” to see more clearly. Not just from within, but in the world... Yes!
I also believe meditation helps us notice the group conditioning we’re soaked in, often without knowing it. And while I understand the caution around group dynamics, I’ve also experienced the beauty and power of a well-held sangha. Especially when it is rooted not in ideology or dogma, but in reverence, humility, and shared inquiry.
This is wisdom especially apropos of our times, sorely needed and helpful. It regards the tendency to lose one’s own voice and wisdom in the maelstrom of groupthink. Very well written and helpful.
I’ve finished reading it, but I would highly recommend Master Sheng Yen's books on meditation. He expresses the concept of enlightenment more clearly and explains each stage of the meditation process with great precision. He is a meditation master who has fully walked the entire path of meditation himself.
I experienced group stupidity as a monk, even in the three year retreat. I think my teacher did too as he was a hermit and several of his students had previously held high positions in various monasteries before embracing the hermit tradition.
I really appreciated this reflection, especially the framing of meditation as a way to sharpen the mind and soften the grip of unconscious conformity. That image of “opening the hand of thought” to see more clearly. Not just from within, but in the world... Yes!
I also believe meditation helps us notice the group conditioning we’re soaked in, often without knowing it. And while I understand the caution around group dynamics, I’ve also experienced the beauty and power of a well-held sangha. Especially when it is rooted not in ideology or dogma, but in reverence, humility, and shared inquiry.
Thank you for this thoughtful piece.
This is wisdom especially apropos of our times, sorely needed and helpful. It regards the tendency to lose one’s own voice and wisdom in the maelstrom of groupthink. Very well written and helpful.
I’ve finished reading it, but I would highly recommend Master Sheng Yen's books on meditation. He expresses the concept of enlightenment more clearly and explains each stage of the meditation process with great precision. He is a meditation master who has fully walked the entire path of meditation himself.
I experienced group stupidity as a monk, even in the three year retreat. I think my teacher did too as he was a hermit and several of his students had previously held high positions in various monasteries before embracing the hermit tradition.
Apt words for a dangerous time 🌸
A slight hint of personal bias in the explanation of meditation can harm many people.
TOOLS OF YOUR
INTENTIONS ☯️
These are to be the tools of your trade, fashioned under the moon
from patterns that are part of our family heritage.
The steel from the earth and wood from the forest are tempered by the fire
and washed in the stream for purity to become the servants of the winds of your intention.
Use your weapons with prudence employing them only when the cosmos demands it.
Use your creativity as the first means of preventing danger.
When you cannot prevent, avoid.
When you cannot avoid, confuse.
When you cannot confuse, dissuade.
When you cannot dissuade, hurt.
When you cannot hurt, injure.
When you cannot injure, maim.
Only when the scheme of totality demands you be its messenger, kill.
Wisdom from the Ninja Village of the Cold Moon
Stephen K. Hayes
Thank you Matthew! Brilliant article as always. 🙏🏽