Perceptions

I thought that I had posted for the last time on this particular blog already...but hit some unknown key on the keyboard and suddenly there the blog was...actually the picture was the first thing that I saw and then it dawned on me where I was...and after reading Tinley's post and having shivers run down my spine and comprehension come into focus I was inspired to add yet another thought in relation to the pilgrimage and perception.

One of my perceptions regarding India was that everything was new and different...I had never been on a bicycle rickshaw before, or tasted Indian food, or sat in the shadow of the stupa at Sarnath...or a million other little (and big) things. I had never been to India before...and after reading Tinley's email and having the phrase "Why aren't you bored yet?" pop into my mind...I realized that this perception I held about India could not possibly be true.

Through uncontrolled rebirth and the emanation process, we have returned again and again and again, been everywhere, played every role, done every misdeed known to man...done everything...nothing is new...well maybe one thing...

Nothing is new, except perhaps the process of transformation...it is the very thing that we have not yet experienced...so hence the question...why can we not see it? Why do we continue to yearn for newness within samsara when it can not be found...we are limited by our perceptions...and thus we continue to play in samsara.

My response to that...I am not interested in playing in samsara anymore...I am not interested in doing the same old repetitive activities and for what end? A moment of happiness...temporary...that falls away just as it comes into existence...and that really does not even come close to the joy that can be found within the transformative process and path.... So the question becomes...where do my priorities lie...and will I be able to hold that perception...

I hope to be able to hold these lessons carefully that I have learned from this pilgrimage...because really...I have no desire to learn them again:)

Blessings,
Menma