On the Minister's Mind
by Rev. Laine Morgan
Buddhism is one of the religions that influenced Ernest Holmes heavily as he wrote The Science of Mind that we study. After all, it was Buddha who said – “What we think, we become.” Sounds like Holmes to me!
Knowing Buddhism was foundational to our teaching, I have been inspired to look at the Eastern religion closely over the years and I love the wisdom it contains. There is just so much truth to be found in Buddhist thought.
This Sunday is their Day of Vesak when the world honors Buddha’s birthday on May 31. It is the major Buddhist holy day to commemorate the life and legacy of Siddhartha Guatama, the Buddha, including the major events of his birth, his enlightenment and his passing into nirvana. Celebrations include acts of generosity, visiting temples to offer flowers and candles, chanting and meditation.
When I was recently in Thailand, I visited several treasured Buddhist temples and saw hundreds, if not thousands, of Buddhas. I was struck by how many people I saw bringing flowers, candles, and incense into their sacred practices of prayer and meditation, completely ignoring the tourists’ taking pictures. I witnessed deep respect and reverence for the temple monks who had dedicated their lives to serving others and seeking their own enlightenment.
I can only imagine how intense the observance of the Day of Vesek will be in those holy places, given how many people were present on a normal day. I wish I could be there to immerse myself in the shared consciousness.
But, I am reminded of this Buddhist saying – “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”
The values Buddha taught cross all cultural, religious and national boundaries – peace, compassion, mindfulness, nonviolence and goodwill toward all living beings. Perhaps this Day of Vesak can be a call to all of us to remember these values in our own lives.
May we concentrate on the present moment and bring the teachings of Buddha to live in our own thoughts always...and then, let’s become what we think!