Coming Home
I have been very fortunate to have had the chance to travel to many places. Some were vacations, some were for lectures, some were on business. I found it very nice to always return home. No matter how much I enjoyed my trips, coming home was always comforting. Our practice is like our home. If we take care of it, it is comforting and is always there. It is a respite out of the rain, the busyness of our lives; a place where we can rest and recharge our batteries.
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The reclining Buddha represents Shakyamuni Buddha (the historical Buddha) at his death. It is said that the Buddha knew death was approaching, and asked his disciples to prepare a couch for him in a grove. He lay there, reclining on his right side, facing west, with his head supported by his hand, as he passed into nirvana.
The image of the reclining Buddha is not supposed to evoke sadness, but rather encouragement that all beings have the potential to become enlightened and attain release from the sufferings which characterize the cycle of rebirth. The reclining Buddha’s serene, composed, and restful demeanor (he is actually slightly smiling) a reminder of the serenity that comes with enlightenment.
If you have problems sitting in a traditional pose (full lotus, half-lotus), try the reclining position rather than laying on your back which could cause you to fall asleep. In the reclining position, you will be unlikely to fall asleep. Try it and see if you find this pose useful.
