This feels like an extension of the compassion contemplation.  I've never thought of a lion as a loving beast.  I do perceive the lion as a magnificent, observant, calm beast and a kingly beast.  I look forward to adding this.  I'm not certain how I do this.  It feels like we keep adding practices.  Is it ok to do a short compassion meditation in bed followed by tiger one day and lion the next?

 The idea of the tiger, lion, garuda and dragon contemplations are to do them as a part of your daily meditation practice, not necessarily in bed. The in bed contemplation of "may others be happy" is just a wonderful way to wake up and set your day. These other slightly more formal contemplations can be read or listened to at the end of your sitting practice.  We are suggesting to try them each for one week at a time to get the flavor of each one.  It would be too much to make them additive, so don't try to do the lion contemplation after the tiger contemplation.  Then, after you know each of them fairly well, you can do whichever one is appropriate whenever you need it. Is this clear?  Much love to you! Gayle

Hi Gayle!

Thank you.  I was getting confused, not to mention starting to fall back asleep as the meditation in bed got longer and longer!  Now I understand how to use the meditations.  I also think I need to print them so I can remember them.  I can remember the general idea, but I know I forget a lot. 

Much love,

Geri

Since I made the last post on this discussion, it is weird to make another.  I'm focusing a lot on Lion right now.  It is interesting to think about naturally arising happiness and the happiness of others....but I actuallly find the meditation helps it happen.  The other night I had a "Duh" moment.  Although I intellectually had grasped that if all people truly understood the root of happiness and could embrace it the world would be transformed, while doing the Lion meditation, it clicked.  Of course!  The intellectual struggle I had been having was with "if we're happy already, why would anyone have goals or strive to do things?"  During meditation it became obvious that we could still have goals, but without the ego attachment we would flow with the outcome and we would share our experiences, accomplishments, inventions, and knowledge to benefit everyone.  If we don't care WHO accomplishes the goal, but only that the outcome benefits the world, then we can easily be happy for whoever accomplishes it.  It was such a cool recognition.  Interestingly, I got to practice it the next day.  The director of a play had asked me to read for the lead.  (That was the compliment...being asked by him was a nice pat on the head to the ego.)  I read well.  Although I would love to have played the role, I felt that I was probably not the right "look" for the character.  As I left, a woman came in.  My reaction was, "She looks perfect for this character. I hope she reads well."  Two days later the director left a voice message.  He was apologetic and sad. He said he "hated this part."  I called him right back and assured him that he had warmed my heart by asking me to read for him. It meant so much because I respect his talent and standards for actors.  I was so appreciative and I hope to get to read for him again.  Perhaps I could be directed by him.  I asked if the woman I saw was cast and when he said "yes" I rejoiced.  "She looked perfect," I said.  "I was so hoping she'd read well!"   He was startled at my reaction.  Interestinly, I actually felt more joy than if I had been cast.   It's funny how there's enough joy to go around even when you don't get what you think you want.

It was a learning experience and a wonderful moment.  It was made clearer and sweeter because I am contemplating on the Lion.

Thank you for having this AliveGuide!  :-)   Geri

 Geri, what an amazing insight!  This is truly integrating what you are practicing into your life.  Talking about joy coming from within and from connection to the happiness of others sounds trite or unbelievable if it is not made real as you have done in sharing this story.  Your dedication to your practice and realization is inspiring, and your way of being is what will help others to touch their own inner joy as well.  Cheers to the lioness 

To say I am "behind" is a bit of  understatement, but I am reading this alive guide and working it into my everyday life. It is quite a challenge, but your insights, Geri, are amazing and helpful. It was wonderful and unexpected to meet you in person...what a delight!

 As I work through these contemplations and I think about my tender heart, my compassionate heart, I also want so much to share the these teachings with my son.  Raising children in this world where there is so much violence and hurtfulness, particularly for "entertainment", I am increasingly conscious of it.  Can either of you share some insights or suggestions for this? What has worked or worked for you?  My son surprised me by reading this aliveguide with me and we now routinely have conversations about it.....I think that is a start, but how can I do more? Thoughts?  Many thanks:)

Hi Gayle,

I'm just starting lion contemplation and I'm finding I have a real problem with speedyness. The joy often feels like raw energy which gets a little too strong. The tiger with its humility is a good way to remember to stay soft. I guess I'm pretty good at perky and need to remember to slow down like the meek tiger. They are very good companions these cats. Catherine 

Catherine, what a poetic description of your mind :-).  It is an interesting observation how joy can be speedy.  In a way, perhaps conditional joy is a bit like the manic swing of a bi-polar condition.  I somehow think that the joy of a bodhisattva is more tempered with never losing sight of the suffering of those whose minds are still clouded by confusion.