The guru cannot awaken you; all that he can do is to point out what is. The guru can give you words; he can give you an explanation, the symbols of the mind, but the symbol is not the real, and if you are caught in the symbol, you will never find the way.
Undisturbed calmness of mind is attained by cultivating friendliness towards the happy, compassion for the unhappy, delight in the virtuous and indifference towards the wicked.
Slowly and steadily cleanse the mind; sharpen the intellect, purify the senses, and win grace.
“Make your offering,” said the Master. “As you make it be pleased in mind. Make your mind completely calm and contented. Focus and fill the offering-mind with the giving. From this secure position you can be free from ill will.”
The mind is the instrument, the flywheel, and the thickest comrade of man. Through it, one can ruin oneself or save oneself. Regulated and controlled, channeled properly it can liberate; wayward and let loose, it can entangle and bind fast.
Appreciate fully what you are eating, enjoy it fully, breathing and smelling the aroma to add to the taste, chewing slowly and well, to taste more and to digest better. Discover the subtleties of taste. Gently keep bringing the wandering mind back to tasting fully what you’re eating. Feel the difference! Give thanks for the chance to be able to enjoy what you eat.
