In Buddhist circles, there’s a very powerful yet simple phrase that serves as both a profound invitation to us, and also a reminder of what we’re all capable of.
This proposition is: Claim Your Seat.
This phrase is especially rich, since it points directly to the Buddha’s own enlightenment, where after many months of struggling with his own personal doubts – especially about his own potential for awakening – he finally reached down, touched the earth, and “claimed his seat.”
In other words, he finally affirmed his innate belonging – to the earth and all things – with the recognition that he didn’t need to ‘do’ anything to ‘prove’ that he was worthy. He simply saw clearly that he already was, just as we all are.
At the same time, he was also confirming his strong faith in himself, as well as his intrinsic ability to discern for himself which thoughts and actions would ultimately lead him towards happiness and away from suffering.
This is probably my favorite part of the story of the Buddha’s awakening, because it serves as a sage message for us: not only are we all innately worthy, and precious, but we’re also all entirely capable of conquering our own doubts, and discovering a deep faith in ourselves.
This month’s talk, “CLAIM YOUR SEAT: Buddha’s Teachings on Doubt,” explores how our experience of unhealthy doubt can create suffering in our lives, and how we can use our healthy doubt as the antidote, as a way to reveal what is true.
It includes a meditation at the end. As always, I hope that it will serve.
Also, a heads up!, and a request:
1) The next daylong retreat on NOV. 16, “Cooling the Flames of Anger,” in Berryville, VA, is almost full!
2) Our team is currently looking for a retreat/conference center/academy or school within about 2.5-hours of Winchester, VA that could accommodate between 50-80 people in single rooms for a silent retreat. It would require a quiet dining facility, and space for both group meditation and walking meditation. If you have any good leads, we would be so grateful if you could please let us know more!
In the meantime, I’m sending many kind wishes, and my hopes to see you soon!
~ Shell 🙏🏽💕