When I visualize “The Noise in my Head,” the first thing that comes to my mind is clutter and chaos in the outside world that I can’t control. My mind starts racing about what I should do or can do, and it can become overwhelming very quickly. One thing that helps me rein in my thoughts is to focus on what I can control – which is usually fairly limited: my own emotions, and what I project to the outside world … This can sometimes seem small and pointless, and if we BELIEVE it’s small and pointless, then we get into a stagnant mindset. But if we BELIEVE that we have light and agency and power over ourselves, and that we can make little ripples out there.
The Book of the day is Sun House, by David James Duncan. His books are set in the Pacific Northwest – mostly Oregon, Washington & Montana
His most recent book, Sun House, took him SIXTEEN years to write –
“Sun House” is a 776-page epic about an “unintentional menagerie” of people who become intertwined, each with a specific knowledge of the world that links Sanskrit to Buddhism to character-invented “Dumpster Catholicism” and the semi-monastic 17th century community of Christian Beguines. The immense text builds world theologies and historical movements into a narrative framework that moves the characters toward a higher consciousness.
The author says, “the impetus behind the novel was to impart an experiential model of contemplative inner life that might help navigate a future of social, cultural, and ecological unraveling that looms large.
I resonated with so much about this book, but especially about the connections that the characters had with each other, and even though they came from different places and different philosophies, there were these “Indescructible Connecting Lines” Between them …
A chapter about ⅔ of the way through the book, is called: “What Threads, Dreams, and Fragments Grow the Whole …”
A main character, Risa, is pondering how the members of their group have formed immediate bonds …she calls the connections “spirit threads’ and thinks back to something she learned in college from her Sanskrit literature professor.
The word:
sutratman
sutr = suture or thread,
atman = soul or self
sutratman = soul-suture
She describes other terms from great thinkers:
Plato’s term for soul-suture: The fastening of heaven.
Sufi mystic, Rumi’s term: The cord of causation.”
Another greek philosopher, PlotInus says, our tutUlary (guardian) spirit, not bound up with our nature, not the agent in our action, belonging to us as belonging to our soul, as the power which consummates the chosen life.”
I found this description of the connections between souls enlightening, and the parallels between different thinkers and philosophies comforting …
So my meditation is built around visualizing some of these different concepts and feeling ourselves as part of something much bigger out there …
Introduction
Sit or lie down in a relaxed position. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, inhaling deeply through your nose and exhaling slowly through your mouth. Allow your body to relax and your mind to settle.
Today, we will journey through the connections of our inner being, the threads that weave us into the fabric of the cosmos.
As you begin, take a moment to set an intention for this meditation. Perhaps it is to deepen your understanding of your spiritual connections, to find inner peace, or to simply be present in the moment. Whatever your intention, hold it gently in your mind.
Body of Meditation
Begin by bringing your attention to your breath. Notice the natural rhythm of your inhalation and exhalation. With each breath, allow yourself to sink deeper into relaxation.
Visualize a soft, golden thread emerging from the center of your being. This thread represents your connection to the universe, your Sutratman, the soul-suture that binds you to the divine.
As you breathe in, imagine this golden thread extending upwards, reaching towards the heavens. With each exhale, feel it anchoring you, grounding you in the present moment.
Focus on your breath for a few more minutes. Inhale deeply, filling your lungs completely. Hold the breath for a moment, and then exhale slowly, releasing any tension. With each breath, feel yourself becoming more relaxed, more centered, and more connected to your inner being.
Now, envision yourself standing in a vast, open space beneath a starry sky. High above, you see the celestial dome, shimmering with countless stars. Plato spoke of the “fastening of heaven,” a divine order that connects the cosmos.
Imagine that your golden thread reaches up to this celestial dome, connecting you to the stars. Feel the vastness of the universe and your place within it. Know that you are part of this grand design, interconnected with all that exists.
Spend a few moments contemplating the stars, the vastness of space, and the intricate order of the cosmos. Reflect on how you are a part of this divine order, a unique and essential thread in the tapestry of existence.
As you breathe in, feel the energy of the stars flowing down your golden thread, filling you with light and wisdom. With each exhale, send your love and gratitude back to the cosmos, acknowledging your place in this magnificent universe.
Rumi’s “Cord of Causation”
As you continue to breathe deeply, bring to mind Rumi’s words about the “cord of causation.” This cord represents the flow of life, the intricate web of cause and effect that binds us all.
Visualize your golden thread weaving through your past, present, and future, connecting every moment of your life. See how each experience, each choice, has led you to this very moment. Embrace the wisdom and growth that come from understanding this interconnectedness.
Take some time to reflect on significant moments in your life. See how they are all connected, how each event has shaped who you are today. Recognize the beauty and complexity of this web of causation, and honor the journey that has brought you here.
As you breathe in, feel the energy of your past, present, and future flowing through your golden thread, bringing you insight and understanding. With each exhale, release any regrets or attachments, allowing yourself to be fully present in the now.
Plotinus’s Tutelary Spirit
Now, turn your attention inward. Plotinus spoke of a tutelary spirit, a guardian or guide that watches over us. Imagine this spirit as a radiant light, residing within your heart. This light is connected to your golden thread, guiding you along your spiritual journey.
Feel the presence of your guiding spirit, offering you wisdom, protection, and love. Trust in its guidance as you navigate the path of your soul.
Spend a few moments in communion with your guiding spirit. Ask for guidance, clarity, or support in any area of your life. Listen with an open heart for any messages or insights that may come.
As you breathe in, feel the light of your guiding spirit growing brighter, filling you with warmth and love. With each exhale, allow this light to spread throughout your body, bringing you a sense of peace and well-being.
Embodying the Connection
Now, bring together the elements of this meditation. Feel your golden thread connecting you to the stars, the web of causation, and your guiding spirit. Know that you are part of this intricate and beautiful tapestry of existence.
As you breathe in, feel the energy of the universe flowing through your golden thread, filling you with light, wisdom, and love. With each exhale, send your gratitude and love back into the cosmos, acknowledging your place in this grand design.
Spend a few moments embodying this sense of connection and unity. Feel the peace, the wisdom, and the love that come from knowing your place in the universe.
Breathe in …. Breathe out
Conclusion
Begin to bring your awareness back to the present moment. Feel the surface beneath you, the air on your skin, and the gentle rhythm of your breath.
Take a moment to express gratitude for the connections you have explored, the threads that weave you into the fabric of existence. Know that you carry this sense of interconnectedness with you, always.
When you are ready, gently open your eyes, bringing with you the peace and insight of this . Take a few moments to reorient yourself to your surroundings.
Thank you for joining this meditation on Sutratman, the soul-suture. May you carry the wisdom of your connections with you, wherever you go.
Dedication of Merit
With profound gratitude and deep reverence, we dedicate the merit generated from our study, practice, and reflection on these sacred sutras. May the wisdom and compassion contained within its teachings illuminate our minds and hearts, guiding us on the path to enlightenment.
May the benefits of this practice extend to all sentient beings, bringing them peace, joy, and liberation from suffering. May this merit contribute to the well-being of our loved ones, our community, and all beings across the universe, seen and unseen.
Just as the sutras have been preserved and shared by countless generations of practitioners, may our dedication today serve to uphold and spread the Dharma, ensuring its light continues to shine brightly for future generations.
May we all realize our true nature, attain complete awakening, and contribute to a world filled with wisdom, compassion, and harmony.