The Technology of Celebration

This Week's Quotation:

Let your love flow outward through the universe,
To its height, its depth, its broad extent,
A limitless love, without hatred or enmity.
Then as you stand or walk,
Sit or lie down,
As long as you are awake,
Strive for this with a one-pointed mind;
Your life will bring heaven to earth.

~ Gautama Buddha

The Technology of Celebration

Rev. Berry Behr, Global Interfaith Ambassador

This month, Buddhists around the world celebrate Vesak, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of The Buddha, born in the 6^th Century BCE as Prince Siddartha Gautama. The title “Buddha” means “One who is awake.” This was how his followers referred to him after his enlightenment, which is recognised as the founding moment of Buddhism. Vesak is observed annually over the first full moon in May and is the holiest day in the Buddhist calendar.

Last week it felt as if the Cosmos itself was celebrating. Streams of light cascaded as a geomagnetic storm danced around the earth, unleashed by a level of solar activity most of us have never imagined. Photographs of magnificent auroras flooded social media from far-flung places: pinks, greens, blues. If angels could sing in colours, I imagine that is what it might look like. The images made me think of something else the Buddha said: “Oh let us live in joy, in love amongst those who hate! Among men who hate, let us live in love.”

Scrolling through the breathtaking images, I found myself thinking this: Dear Cosmos, you have our attention! What is your message?

Coming as those auroras did, in the lead-up to the great honoring of a great teacher, and attracting the attention of the world’s population, I feel a sense of awe, reverence, and deep purpose within the apparently random unfolding of the Universe. I also feel a sense of belonging, because I do belong, as you do, to the planet and the Universe and to the Light and to that essence of Natural Law that brings it all together like some heavenly orchestral movement in a moment of shared glory.

Mostly, I feel a sense of celebration. Despite all our human dramas there is always something to celebrate. Through the dancing lights, God has called us to the wonder of a magnificent Creation. Celebration is a technology of transcendence: when we surrender to it, something shifts. An energy is released that lifts us out of stuck patterns, moving us onwards, and empowering us to go forward. Celebration creates a joyful momentum in our lives and reveals new perspectives and opportunities. We look afresh with joyful eyes learning it is not possible to hate in the midst of true celebration. And then we experience the limitless Love that overcomes everything. The light dances. Our love flows outward. We live in love, and in joy. That is heaven on earth.

About Open Windows

We, the authors of this blog, dedicate it to the transparent exploration of the world’s sacred scripture and enlightened spiritual thought. We believe that the original inspiration of all faiths comes from a common source, named and revered in a myriad of ways. With that understanding, the innumerable symbols, beliefs, and practices of faith cease to divide. They become open windows to a common reality that inspires and unifies us. We find deeper insight and nourishment in our own faith and from the expression of faith from others.

We hope these weekly quotations and meditations speak to your heart and soul.