Image by lauraelatimer0 from Pixabay
A benefit should be kept like a buried treasure, only to be dug up in necessity… Nature bids us to do well by all… Wherever there is a human being, we have an opportunity for kindness.”
Seneca, On the Happy Life, 24.2-3
As a polytheist, I’m compelled to go beyond Seneca’s human being boundary and suggest offering kindness to all beings. Literally, all beings. See, hidden within each moment of connection is the opportunity to practice kindness. It doesn’t matter what or who we’re connecting to, only that we lead with kindness.
We encounter a plant… maybe it’s thirsty, or needs some shade. Quench its thirst. Be its shade. We encounter an Ancestor, or memory of one… maybe they’re hungry. Feed them. We encounter an animal… maybe it’s cold. Be its warmth.
This reminds me of a prayer I wrote a couple years ago:
We encounter a plant… maybe it’s thirsty, or needs some shade. Quench its thirst. Be its shade. We encounter an Ancestor, or memory of one… maybe they’re hungry. Feed them. We encounter an animal… maybe it’s cold. Be its warmth.
This reminds me of a prayer I wrote a couple years ago:
***
A Prayer for the Pagan Bodhisattva
In this lifetime, and the next…
... may I be as a great library for all seeking liberation from ignorance.
May I be a Holy Flame that all lost in darkness can find their way.
May I be as the Seer's tools, a map to guide others to places unknown.
May I be a bridge for all crossing the River of Fear.
May I be the spirit of Perseverance for all who want to surrender.
May I be as a cleansing spring against the stains of disgrace.
May I be as a laden table that all may receive and be sustained.
May I be as fertile soil, an impelling force of growth for all.
May I be as a finely-tuned scale for all seeking balance…
... and a servant to all in need.
***
A Prayer for the Pagan Bodhisattva
In this lifetime, and the next…
... may I be as a great library for all seeking liberation from ignorance.
May I be a Holy Flame that all lost in darkness can find their way.
May I be as the Seer's tools, a map to guide others to places unknown.
May I be a bridge for all crossing the River of Fear.
May I be the spirit of Perseverance for all who want to surrender.
May I be as a cleansing spring against the stains of disgrace.
May I be as a laden table that all may receive and be sustained.
May I be as fertile soil, an impelling force of growth for all.
May I be as a finely-tuned scale for all seeking balance…
... and a servant to all in need.
***
See, we’re able to become that library, that Flame, that bridge, and that abundant table because we first choose to extend kindness, and start the whole interaction from that point of kindness.
In closing, remember there’s always a chance to step away from kindness if it comes to that, but it’s nigh impossible to return to it once we’ve stepped away.
(See y’all tomorrow)
In closing, remember there’s always a chance to step away from kindness if it comes to that, but it’s nigh impossible to return to it once we’ve stepped away.
(See y’all tomorrow)
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