Dayspring of Virtues

Out of the muck and mire of confusion and chaos emerges qualities of character that deepen our perception of our authentic selves.

Dayspring is the early dawn, the beginning of a new day. It is the first sign of light that shines over the dark horizon. Dayspring is a symbol of hope.

The Buddha teaches that "Life is Suffering." The wisdom that I have found in this teaching is that the object of our goal should not be to remove those things that create suffering for us, but to change the perception that we have about those things that cause us to suffer. By changing our perceptions we can change our lives and ourselves.

That is not to say that what some people have suffered at the hands of their oppressors is just. It is not just. But in order to create change we must first be the change we wish to see in the world (Ghandi). We must focus on the solution not on the problem and pray for the strength of those souls who continue to suffer unjustly.

In North America, our suffering is mental for many of us have the comforts of food, shelter, and clothing. We suffer from stress, anxiety, depression, etc. These types of sufferings can be overcome with careful attention to the beauty of the world around us and gratitude for the bounties that surround us.

Today I am grateful for my American family and for the opportunity to visit them. And I am grateful for the peace I feel as the dawn of day embraces me.