In this mornings meditation, I tried something different. I opened myself to the spaciousness of this existence, and allowed recollections of past existences.
To my surprise, it quickly came to me that my previous existence was that of a Monk. And I think that perhaps I was not that good at it, hence, in this life I needed to be an upasaka (sits with monks). For a long time now, I have felt this unexplainable connection to the Brotherhood of monastics. This would, in part, also explain my affinity towards monastics and my great love for all of them.
I observed that I was clinging to this, and let go of it to return to my breath and continue to open myself.
Almost immediately I saw that prior to being a Monk, I was a beggar. I had nothing, and lived on the streets. This might explain why material possessions have always seemed important to me. As I once had nothing, material possessions now seem to have such great importance.
Again, I let this go and returned to the breath.
What seemed like only moments later, I saw that I was a warrior prior to being a beggar. A noble warrior, but one who none the less killed many living beings. Perhaps this was the purpose of returning as a beggar. To learn the basic lessons of nothingness and humility.
Returning to the breath, I was sure that I had gone as far back as I could and relaxed into my breathing.
But again I went to a previous existence and saw that I was a Sherpa of sorts. A guide and helper to other people. I immediately saw the connection in my current character as one who finds joy in this service to others and happy to carry burdens.
I became abundantly aware that this is samsara. The cycle of rebirth that does not end until we awaken and attain nibbana (nirvana).
Could this happen for me in this lifetime? Perhaps, but it would seem unlikely. I am aware that I have so much yet to learn, and am only beginning to scratch the surface.
But how grateful I am for this lifetime and these lessons. How grateful for this impermanence and awareness. How wonderful that karma will follow the nature and put each of us in the exact place that we belong. Without question or expectation, we each continue on our path.
One day, may I see there is no happy or sad, there is just this.
May you be well, happy and peaceful.
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JenniferSlad
Amazing! I'd love to hear more about how you connected with that.
Caden, my 3 year old, often tells me stories about when he was "a grandpa". He's told me about his 3 cats (names, what they looked like) and about his house. He's also told me what it was like "inside my belly". I'm fascinated by these stories, and I keep a journal of them for him. I wonder. If he'll remember or connect with them when he's older.
WHPDave
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JenniferSlad That's very cool about Caden, jennifer slad .
As for how I connected to that, I just opened myself up to the space that existed while I meditated. Don't put too much credibility into it however, as I'm sure this could all be delusions and mental formations.
Metta,
David
Don't be too quick to discount the experience. I'm a hypnotherapist and past life work can be extremely powerful in recognizing triggering events that you may carry in this lifetime. Having that awareness (as you did in your account) can bring release, healing and understanding. I initially was a 'non believer'. However having had the honor of bearing witness to these amazing transformations and 'awakenings' has brought a deeper level of understanding of what 'soul' truly means. It's also interesting to note that there has been scientific study around 'proving' people's experiences. Two books that I absolutely love is Many LIves Many Masters and Old Souls.
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