I stumbled across Buddhist meditation in 2017 where I met Hojun, the Buddhist chaplain/monk who led the meditation and spiritual discussion. Since then, thanks to Hojun, I feel I have changed mentally and spiritually in nearly every way.
Some of the important changes I reflect upon are things like the acceptance of chance, and that everything is in a state of flux. This means we all change, with the difference being that I am now aware of the change, so I can manifest this in skilful ways.
Some other more challenging concepts include: I am not the story that I tell myself; I am not my possessions, friends, crimes, name, age or sex. I am not my past, or my future; and we are all here witnessing consciousness though our human senses. It is through this understanding I can truly begin to see life and how it truly is, letting go of the concepts I have of myself and therefore the judgements I have of others, allowing me to free myself from how I think others should act.
Being spiritual means to go beyond; which for me means to go beyond the beliefs I hold on to, the strongest of which make me suffer most. Some would say the goal is enlightenment, but there really is no goal; the path or the journey to non-self, freedom, liberation or enlightenment is where the work is. This work means letting go, practicing compassion, confronting my beliefs, and being rewarded for it.
Thank you, Hojun, for your inspiration, guidance, patience and your time.Thank you for guiding me through the changes I needed in my life, and by throwing the web of connection I know you have changed the lives of many in the most positive ways.
Kindest regards,
George … AKA Shin Zen
