To soar effortlessly, the mighty eagle needs two wings.
One is just not enough.
My teacher Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche often said this to illustrate,
that a sublime balance of mind is needed
when facing challenges,
both from outside and from inside oneself.
In good times and bad times, a much coveted secret
is how to maintain an even keel,
no matter what happens.
We need an inner sanctuary,
which is easy to access and easy to be.
Equanimity is the very essence
of an authentic meditation state.
It can be cultivated now
and enjoyed for the rest of your life.
The access point is this present moment,
right now, while you read these three verses:
Suspend your attention,
fire the referee,
allow experience to surge through,
raw and naked.
Don’t give in to the urge
to shield your sensitive heart from pain,
just remain even.
Open mind is by itself compassionate.
Don’t give in to seeking
the pleasure of an inner high,
just remain even.
Equanimity is in itself sublime ease.
Whenever I think of this immense benefit,
the choice comes so easily.
The balance needs less effort by practice.
Otherwise you would be like the eagle trying to fly with only one wing,
my teacher said.
Music: Erik Satie Gnossienne 1 performed by the Steinway Artist Alessio Nanni, piano, Italy.