My Grandmother, the Buddha

I lost my grandmother to cancer on Wednesday. We were very close, this has been a tearful week for me. I’m crying now as I write this, but the tears only serve to give her life value, to show how much I love her.

She was an amazing woman open minded, hard working, full of compassion, energy and zest for life.

A few months ago my father and I took Grandma out to eat at a Vietnamese restaurant on the North side of the city.  Forty years ago the restaurant had been an Italian restaurant, she had cooked there. The neighborhood has changed since then, and is now home to a Vietnamese community.

My Grandmother was a phenomenal cook and consummate foodie always trying and learning new things. She was excited to be going to the authentic Vietnamese restaurant that had moved into the old building she used to work at.

Upon entering the door we all stopped to admire the Buddhist shrine that the owners had set up near the entrance. I had never discussed my interest in Buddhism to my Grandmother, so I was pleasantly surprised when she beamed a huge grin and chuckled happily, “Ah smiling Buddha; you know that out of all the religious figures Buddha is the only one that’s ever depicted smiling”.

That was a great bit of Dharma from my grandma and a very happy memory for me. She was a special person who looked to find happiness on earth and joy in each moment. I feel very grateful for having had her in my life for twenty eight years, and will always cherish the time I spent with her. I’ll carry her with me in my heart and mind for the rest of my days on this earth.

Gassho,

Greg

The Impermanent and Fragile Nature of Life

The impermanent and fragile nature of life has hit home for me today. My grandmother has passed away. We’ll be burying her this Saturday. She was a good woman who lived a noble life. I’ll miss her and I cannot hide my sadness at her passing. But, the pain is not something to run away from or resist. Best to just let it be and run it’s own natural course. The thing to do now is give love and support to my family, and in turn be supported and loved by them.

Loss is a part of life, it teaches us to value the time we have with the people who are dear to us. Every moment and each relationship we have is a precious thing.

Developing the Eightfold Path: Right Mindfulness

 

Right Mindfulness is an integral part of Buddhist Meditation Training. Through Right Mindfulness we attain equanimity and serenity; it also opens the door of insight. In cultivating mindfulness we train ourselves to be fully present in each moment, observing as things arise and pass away. We become fully aware in both body and mind. We notice phenomena without judging it, or rushing into a conditioned response. Instead we accept each moment and live in the bare truth of reality no longer perceiving with a clouded mind; but living in the essential, with an open heart and a clear mind.

 

Painting by Gregg Chadwick

Ethics and Practice

“As aging and death are rolling in on you, what else should you do but live by the Dhamma, live righteously, and do wholesome and meritorious deeds?”

- The Buddha from the Samyutta Nikaya

A major component of the Eightfold Path is ethics training. Without the a sense of ethical or moral conduct we cannot hope to concentrate on our practice. If our mind’s are burdened by the thoughts of some past or current transgression, our ability to meditate will be hindered. And, we will continue to sow the seeds of suffering.

As Buddhists we don’t dwell on the past or punish ourselves with guilt.  However, we do try to set things right in the present moment and endeavor to practice Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood. We draw comfort from our efforts in this regard.

The peace of mind which flows from this noble effort is capable of healing us from the destructive and hurtful cycles we’ve created. This healing is necessary for the cultivation of concentration, both on the cushion and in the world.

Just as the Mountains . . .

Just as the mountains of solid rock,

Massive, reaching to the sky,

Might draw together from all sides

Crushing all in the four quarters -

So aging and death come

Rolling over living beings . . . .

 

Therefore a person of wisdom here,

Out of regard for his own good,

Steadfast, should settle faith

In the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha.

 

- Samyutta Nikaya