> >Weekly Reflection September 11, 2013 > Sacred Earth: Sacred Self > >This is the sixth and final week in the Sacred Earth Reflection series. >Discover that the sacred mystery at work in the natural world is the same >mystery at work in the depths of our souls... > >Our Role in a Sacred Earth > >The process of discovering our True Self is one of Thomas Merton's important >themes, and it was in the framework of a contemplative life that he became >aware this treasure he already possessed. To have compassion and love for the >earth starts with accepting life as a gift, because the way we treat ourselves >is reflected in the way we treat all of life. > >What Different Faith Traditions Say > >There is a place within each of us from which compassion arises. Each >religious tradition has a name for that place within: The Kingdom of Heaven >Within, The Buddha-nature, The Christ-like nature, Adama, The Self, The >Fitrah, True Man, and so on. If we are to love ourselves, others, and the >earth, it is of great importance that we understand that we can act from the >spiritual Heart. > >"The body repeats the landscape. They are the source of each other and create >each other." >-Meridel Le Sueur > >"Any spiritual path should provide us with an understanding that gradually >leads us beyond habitual, reactive mind so that we can engage life with >intelligence and openness." >- Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel > >Throughout this week take a moment, pause, & have a reverential attitude >towards all of life. > > Connect with us over a cup of tea! >www.InstituteforContemplativePractice.org > > > >October 4th - 6th Retreat (Two Days Left for Early-Bird Discount) >Offered in Downtown Louisville, this retreat is offered by The Center for >Interfaith Relations under their 2013 Festival of Faiths theme Sacred Silence: >Pathway to Compassion. Lead by Anam Thubten & Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel, this >retreat will focus on unburdening ourselves from mental habits that cause >unnecessary suffering and creating a pathway to a natural state of compassion >rooted in peace, joy, and love. Early Bird Registration still available! > >Meatyard / Merton >The Institute for Contemplative Practice hosted a gallery supported by the >Center for Interfaith Relations during their May 2013 Festival of Faiths. The >exhibit featured a collection of Ralph Eugene Meatyard photographs of Thomas >Merton and the first public appearance of eight Thomas Merton calligraphies. >The catalogue includes all of the photographs, calligraphies, captions, and an >essay by Chris Meatyard. >The Institute for Contemplative Practice >[email protected] >Forward email > >This email was sent to [email protected] by >[email protected] | >Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy >Policy. >The Center for Interfaith Relations| Institute for Contemplative Practice| 415 >W. Muhammad Ali Blvd.| Louisville| KY| 40202
