Today’s evening meditation is available below in audio and script formats. The audio version is also available for free download on the player.

Reading

They are not following The Way who resort to violence to achieve their purpose. But those who lead others through nonviolent means, knowing right and wrong, may be called guardians of The Way.

—The Buddha

Commentary

The word dharma, comes from a root meaning “to support.” It is a very difficult word to translate into English. In fact, there is really no English equivalent, but dharma is that which supports us, keeps us together. Dharma is the central law of our being, which is to extinguish our separateness and attain Self-realization. This is the universal law inscribed on every cell of our being, and the proof of it is that the more we live for others, the healthier our body becomes, the calmer our mind becomes, the clearer our intellect becomes, the deeper our love and wisdom become. 

There is also personal dharma. This is our present context, our present assets and liabilities. On the spiritual path, we start from where we stand. Later on, as our capacities grow, our opportunities for service will become greater. What is the right occupation now may not be right later on, but as long as it is not at the expense of others, our job can be made a part of our spiritual journey. (WLB)

Stillness

As your day draws to a close, spend a few moments in silence and stillness. As thoughts about the day that just passed try to flood your mind, gently direct your thoughts back to God.

Abbreviations

BC The Belgic Confession

CAC The Center For Action & Contemplation

CD The Canons of Dort

CIB Church In Bethesda Prayers

HC The Heidelberg Catechism

NT The New Testament

OT The Old Testament

WC The Westminster Confession

WLB Eknath Easwaran’s, “Words To Live By”

WLC The Westminster Larger Catechism

WSC The Westminster Shorter Catechism