Meditations for Arousing Aspiration

We begin by recognizing how fortunate we are to have been supported by so many in this lifetime, generating gratitude and an aspiration to support others by living an altruistic life. Cultivating a strong aspiration and reflecting on it every day will create the larger container that will help override our habitual reactions to life.

1. Reflect on all beings who have supported you in this lifetime, including: parents, grandparents, other family members, teachers, mentors, friends, work colleagues, spiritual teachers and friends. Cultivate gratitude, realizing that we wouldn’t be where we are today without their support.

2. Reflect on the most important benefactors in your life, those who have been most inspirational and helpful, whether known to us personally or not. Select one very inspirational benefactor, perhaps a spiritual teacher or other very significant being in your life who exemplifies those qualities of kindness, compassion and wisdom that you wish to nurture in yourself, and reflect on all the wonderful qualities of this person. Recognize that the seeds of these qualities are within your heart also, and let this benefactor be a constant presence who inspires you to nourish those seeds.

3. Reflect on your personal aspiration for your spiritual life. For example, do you wish to be more compassionate, kinder, open, harmonious in relationships, generous, helpful to others? How might you live in alignment with this aspiration?