The Search For Enlightenment

We’ve talked about the Ten Worlds on many occasions, from Hell to Enlightenment, they are all part of the average day. So when I woke up this morning, having finally drifted off around 2 o’clock, I was in a bit of a state, though I’m not quite sure whether it was Hell or Tranquillity, but either way it was certainly not going to help me get through the day.

Speaking to Bumble on the way to work, I was a bit quiet, a bit negative, for me, and I’m sure she picked up on it. Tiredness, a general lack of life-energy, can really set you back. Not that I’m prone to it on the whole, but it gets the better of us all now and then.

Fortunately, my degree of self-awareness is certainly improving. So having worked out that I was the living embodiment of The Grinch, I had to make  change, so I took myself off to the peace and quiet of the stream at the back of the office and had a good chant.

Not wishing to blow the trumpet for Nichiren Buddhism too loudly, it is amazing that the simple repetition of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo for ten minutes can completely transform your mood and, consequently your whole day.

We’ve got Josie and Matt, Bumble’s daughter and her partner, coming to stay for the weekend. I’m really looking forward to seeing her again, it’s been a while as she’s currently living and working on the Scilly Isles, and to meeting Matt for the first time.

I know that Bumble has planned, and prepared, a veggie curry for this evening and we are going to watch the Bristol balloon fiesta tomorrow, weather permitting. I think a picnic at the top of Tog Hill, one of the highest points in the area, should give us a great view and mean we won’t be involved in the traffic jam that accompanies the event.

So getting myself into a great mood, buzzing with life-force and energy, has to be the best way to set us all up for a busy weekend. With more chanting between now and tomorrow afternoon, I’ll be right on song and full of beans. Bring on the chanting, bring on the weekend !!!

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo