SoulTending.com

By Geshe Langri Thangpa

By thinking of all sentient beings
As more precious than a wish-fulfilling jewel
For accomplishing the highest aim,
I will always hold them dear.

Whenever I’m in the company of others,
I will regard myself as the lowest among all,
And from the depths of my heart
Cherish others as supreme.

In my every action, I will watch my mind,
And the moment destructive emotions arise,
I will confront them strongly and avert them,
Since they will hurt both me and others.

Whenever I see ill-natured people,
Or those overwhelmed by heavy misdeeds or suffering,
I will cherish them as something rare,
As though I’d found a priceless treasure.

Whenever someone out of envy
Does me wrong by attacking or belittling me,
I will take defeat upon myself,
And give the victory to others.

Even when someone I have helped,
Or in whom I have placed great hopes
Mistreats me very unjustly,
I will view that person as a true spiritual teacher.

In brief, directly or indirectly,
I will offer help and happiness to all my mothers,
And secretly take upon myself
All their hurt and suffering.

I will learn to keep all these practices
Untainted by thoughts of the eight worldly concerns.
May I recognize all things as like illusions,
And, without attachment, gain freedom from bondage.

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love,
Where there is injury, pardon,
Where there is doubt, faith,
Where there is despair, hope,
Where there is darkness, light,
Where there is sadness, joy.

O divine master, grant that I may
Not so much seek.
To be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Saint Francis of Assisi (1181-1226)

I grew up in a European village with strong influence by the Roman Catholic church and therefore have strong rooted traditions engrained in my soul. There are several things that I miss here in America when it comes to Christmas. They have to do with the time before and after December 24th and 25th. This is what is most meaningful to me:

• Advent and the 24 days in December before Christmas
• Advent and the four Sundays before Christmas
• Santa Claus day on December 6th
• Solstice on December 21st
• Christmas Night on December 24th
• Christmas Day on December 25th
• The time between Christmas and New Year
• The last day of the year, a time to look back and reflect
• New Year, resolutions and the promise inherent
• The arrival of the Three Kings on January 6th.
• Tend the soul according to the season
• The longest night and what this means for the soul

Writing and now reading this list makes me realize what a big task it is to share all the details of this important time of year. Since I am committed to have this year’s advent be the most relaxing possible, I might not be able to conquer the writing and deliver it in time. However, blogging is a work in progress by definition. It consists of different entries and there is no boss breathing down my neck. So, I will simply tackle this list in my own rhythm, knowing that I can always add. Meanwhile, I wish you all many breaks, cozy moments and lots of warmth.

We all go through difficult times. Share your favorite prayer here, so that others may find strength from it as well.

Welcome to SoulTending.com a blog that explores how to embody, connect to and tend to the soul within oneself and everything that exists.

SoulTending.com is a place where we can gather and reconnect to what it means to be tending soul(s) in the fast paced, industrial, technological and ever changing world we live in.