Will We Always Struggle?

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Will we always struggle with forgiving ourselves more than others? Maybe this is the crux of life— perpetual prep for a final exam? What kind of humans will we be?  We grow and get better growing through it all...don't we? What determines a weed or a flower? Neither hides from the morning sun... Both produce fragrant and elegant blooms! Our intention and energy determines what we grow into, But who is to say I am a weed or a flower if they are not tending my garden? Should they not focus on tending their own? They should, and would be better for it themselves, but... Forgiveness is instant, it's true  But it's not a feeling manifest instantly... Oh those pesky feelings, uninvited guest passing through,  Don't let them be squatters in your head or heart, we will push through.  Together.   ✨✨✨ We all have knots to be undone and this is often times delicate work.  Humility and vulnerability aides the process, Sheltered with prayer and meditation....
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Blessed are the Peacemakers (SundayX)


"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." 
                                                —Jesus 
               (Sermon on the Mount; Matt ch 5:9)

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This SundayX, let's enjoy a cup 🍵 together and talk about the #walkforpeace2025 going on now in the United States by 19 Buddhist Monks and their loyal companion Aloka. 

A journey that started in October from Fort Worth, TX, these monks are walking 2,300 miles across America to Washington, DC with arrival planned for February 13, 2025.

This journey has not been without peril. One monk was injured after being hit by a car in Texas resulting in amputation of one of his legs below the knee. He recently rejoined the walk in a wheelchair. 

Currently they are in Georgia heading into South Carolina. 

People are turning out and welcoming them along the way. 

Social media is also welcoming and supportive of them for the most part as we collectively help amplify their message and intent for this walk.

(Copied from their Facebook post dated January 4, 2025): 

"We walk not to change anyone’s faith or belief—we walk only to gently raise awareness of peace, mindfulness, compassion, loving-kindness, and unity.

These qualities are already there in each human heart, in all of us, quietly waiting to be recognized and nurtured. They have always been part of who we are.

We do not need to change our faith or belief to cultivate peace in our hearts. We do not need to abandon what we hold sacred to practice compassion toward others. We do not need to let go of our traditions to embrace loving-kindness and mindfulness in our daily lives.

We simply walk to remind ourselves and each other—with deep humility—that these qualities exist within us, that they have always been there, patiently waiting for us to remember.

We hold profound respect and honor for everyone who follows their faith, whatever that faith may be. Different faiths, different beliefs, different traditions—all beautiful, all valid, all capable of nurturing the same essential qualities that help us become more compassionate, more connected, more at peace with ourselves and one another.

Our journey is simply a gentle reminder, offered with open hearts, that beneath all our differences, we share a common longing for peace, a common capacity for kindness, a common humanity that quietly binds us all together.

May you and all beings be well, happy, and at peace.
#WalkForPeace #Buddhistmonks #AlokaThePeaceDog "

This isn't left vs right partisan divide. 
This isn't an attempt to convert the Bible belt to Buddhism. 

Peace is for everyone. All beings. 

I've been watching the support of these monks and it blesses my soul to see support coming from the left and the right.
 
Unsurprisingly, some of the Christian religion comment about doctrine and I believe this too is done with sincere intentions. They are living their faith and I respect this. 

I pray they see the common threads all beings share.

What this IS- a focused intention and prayer for harmony and peace for all beings in motion. 

I can attest to the enrichment of my being from reading the words of Buddha, for I have studied and read them for myself and by doing so I was able to work on those things in me that created barriers between me and the Kingdom of God within me. 

Christ in me recognizes the intent of these monks. It was Christ who said, "blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." 

Who am I to argue with God?

The Kingdom of God is within you. 

Don't let dogma block the door.

✨Namaste.✨

(📸 Shen Yu (@ monkshen) on Facebook.)

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