Garden Meditation

Timothy McKibben

Cultivating Peace

A N A T U R A L P A T H T O H A P P I N E S S

Gardening is a cultivation of the external environment, meditation of the internal environment. A vibrant garden full of healthy plants depends on first removing the rocks and weeds, then enriching the soil with plenty of organic matter. Likewise in meditation we remove causes of unhappiness, such as anger, worry, loneliness and depression, and cultivate a more joyful and compassionate approach to life. Then all enlightened qualities can flourish.

In the darkness of winter a rose bed appears just a bunch of thorny sticks, giving no sign of the potential held inside. However when nurtured by warmth and spring rains, a glorious range of colour and perfume emerges. Likewise when feeling a bit bleak and thorny oneself, dissatisfaction and irritation so easily arising, we have no inkling of the potential for enlightenment that lies within. But through the inspiration of age old spiritual teachings, gradually come the happiness, love, insight and peace we have long missed. This book sets out a series of small steps along the way.

50% of the royalties from the sale of this book will help support the traditional Tibetan temple and gardens at the Tibetan Buddhist Society meditation centre in Melbourne.

 

About the Author

Timothy Mckibben is a Buddhist monk and teacher who for the past 23 years has helped develop the Peaceful Land of Joy rose gardens in Melbourne, Australia.