Meditation:

Now I’ll tell you a secret thing

The Archbishop and the Dalai Lama are described by Abrams as two of the most inclusive spiritual leaders, which is beautifully captured in this chapter. The two, coming from different spiritual traditions, generously share their practices with one another through meditation and prayer.

These contemplative practices have been shown to sooth and calm the reactive elements of our brains. The chapter begins with the Dalai Lama guiding the others in meditation at his private residence. Abrams describes the Dalai Lama’s home and the privilege he feels in being invited there, a place where the Dalai Lama experiences solitude. His prayer room houses ancient Tibetan texts, Buddha sculptures dating to the 17th century, and brightly colored thangkas. The Dalai Lama shares with the others details of his daily meditation practices and elements of the “clear light of death meditation.” After sharing a meditation, the group prays together in the Archbishop’s tradition of Eucharist. Throughout, the two share gentle expressions of friendship as well as moments of laughter.

The Archbishop and the Dalai Lama are truly two of the most inclusive religious figures in the world, and throughout the week the theme underlying their teachings was about transcending our narrow definitions and finding love and compassion for all of humanity.

- The Douglas Abrams, Book of Joy, p. 184

Discussion Questions

Abrams describes the Dalai Lama’s home in great detail. What sensations or reactions do you have when reading these excerpts?

The Dalai Lama meditates many times throughout the day beginning extremely early in the morning. Do you have daily practices that bring you comfort? Describe them.

The Dalai Lama and the Archbishop participate in one another’s traditions through meditation and through prayer. They epitomize inclusivity and a shared humanity. What are the barriers to removing and us v. them mentality? How do you see those barriers in your experiences?

Are there contemplative practices you integrate in your life or are there practices you are curious about?

How do you respond to Abram’s description of the Archbishop's ability to pause and respond thoughtfully even in a moment of tension?

Considering the Dalai Lama’s meditation practice and the Archbishop’s prayer practice, what do you think is the relationship between prayer/meditation and joy?

Activities

Watch the Dalai Lama discuss his meditation practice [Requires CU credential login.]

Read about and practice the three minute breathing space from the Renee Crown Wellness Institute.

Listen to Dr. Richard Davidson discuss the benefits of meditation for well-being.

Practice Loving Kindness Guided Meditation from Greater Good Science Center.

Follow this activity provided by Missionjoy.org:

“His Holiness and my dad are both people who have very strong disciplines of prayer and quiet time. When I went to seminary… I had the experience of learning my dad’s language in a way…. The most important lesson that I have taken is taking time for prayer and taking time for quiet. For him, that’s the first priority, and everything else flows from that.” Mpho Tutu van Furth, Priest and Author, Mission: JOY

Find a place to be quiet and focus your attention inwards.
Close your eyes; quiet your mind. Take several deep breaths. What thoughts and feelings come to you?
From this place of quiet, open your eyes or bring your focus back to your physical space.
Consider adding quiet time to your daily routine.
Celebrate the connection with your inner being!