Friday, November 14, 2008

Filling Our Lamps With Oil

Here are some things that Eknath Easwaran recommends to nurture and cultivate the God-seed within, and help us to reveal our Original Goodness. I added (in italics) some examples and goals for my own life.

1. Meditation

Sit for a few minutes each morning, and at stop-lights.
2. Repetition of the Holy Name

Example: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
3. Slowing Down
Vacations, coffee-free days, bicycle riding, working outside, driving slower and walking.
4. One-pointedness

Goal: Avoid over-extending and try to focus on one simple thing at a time.
5. Training the Senses

Goal: Avoid over-stimulation.
6. Putting Others First
Forgive others' everyday mistakes and imperfections.
7. Spiritual Reading
Read a few pages from inspirational books in the mornings.
8. Spiritual Association
Examples: Christian fellowship in a church community, meditation group, and people at work.

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