Joy - Daily Tao Series
...more of the Daily Tao Series…......
From the book ‘Tao Daily Meditations’ by Deng Ming-Dao on Joy
Do your devotions make you happy?
Is your life a joyous song?
In all this talk about spiritual devotion, there is one simple fact. You have to like it. It should make you happy. It is unfortunate that so much coercion, unhappiness, bitterness, guilt, and fear become wrapped up in spirituality. Why can’t we simply do things out of joy?
Practicing spirituality isn’t a matter of drudgery. It isn’t a matter of fear. It isn’t for fitting into a social group. It has nothing to do with status. Being devoted to holiness in your life is a matter of joy and celebration. When you sit down to meditate, a smile should come to your lips and a feeling of joy should permeate your body. When you go to consecrated ground to give thanks and celebrate, you should do so not because of the day of the week or out of the habit of ritual, but because this is the best way that you know how to adore your gods and express the wonder of being on this earth.
Yes, yes, there is much unhappiness in this existence. That unhappiness is part of the overall field of negativity. There are also positive things in life, and spirituality is foremost among them. So whenever we practice our spiritual devotions, let it be in gladness and joy.
Joy - Daily Tao Series belongs to the following groups:
ABSTRACT DIGITAL ART AND WRITING and PEACE, LOVE & TRANQUILITY Available for sale asGreeting Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints, Mounted Prints, Canvas Prints, Framed Prints and Posters
Jan Landers
‘So whenever we practice our spiritual devotions, let it be in gladness and joy.’...how beautiful a reminder, jenny…i love these, and have missed some that i will try to catch up on….this is such an inspirational series…beautifully done, my friend!
JenLand replied
Thank you my friend! I find them very inspirational too, it’s a great way for me to really deeply read and feel the meditations. :o) Glad you enjoy them as much as me. :o)
syd baker
Yay, a new one, maybe I need a second comment dance?
JenLand replied
Oh yes! a SCD would be fun too!! Thanks Syd!
Sally Omar
Lovely…definitely a FAV!!!!!!!!!! xoxoxoxoxo
JenLand replied
Thanks very much Sally, glad you’re enjoying these and I appreciate the fav as well!! :o) XO
Bunny Clarke
Gorgeous work! Splendid piece. I feel the need to get up and dance and smile a bit. ;o) Superbly done.
JenLand replied
Why thank you Bunny!! You dance whenever you feel like it, that brings a smile to my face this morning!! Thanks also for the fav. :o)
gerrardt
i think maybe what i experience is “guilt” because i haven’t meditated enough—and when i finally do it, i know that i’ve been depriving myself of the medicine that i need. However, I think this is great way to remind ourselves that this is meant to be joyful, and fun. thanks Jen.
JenLand replied
Glad it did remind you! Guilt is not a good vibrationn to be in!! We are here to be joy manifested on this physical plane. :o) So let yourself enjoy the healing process of meditation and wash away the guilt!!
hugh023
Nice series and lovely thoughts. . .
JenLand replied
Thanks very much Hugh, glad you like these!
linaji
THIS IS MY FAV!!!
JenLand replied
Thank you Lina!! I so appreciate that you faved this one. :o) It is all about joy isn’t it?
LjMaxx
That turquoise really pops out on this Jen. Beautiful, peaceful and simply well done, presented & written.. Gonna make for one fine calendar indeed~ :) Lj
JenLand replied
I do like turquoise! :o) Thank you so much for your kind comments and the fav Lj! I am excited about getting a calendar put together with these, I’m more than halfway there!!
tkrosevear
Definitely one to embrace Jen ;) xoxox
JenLand replied
Yes, too many devotional/religious practices focus on fear and guilt and put so much negativity into the world! Thank you for your wonderful comments and the fav TK! XO
aspectsoftmk
this brings a perfect smile to my soul…;)
JenLand replied
:o) Wonderful!!! Thank you. :o)
gemynd
like the simplicity and how evocative that simplicity emotes
JenLand replied
Simplicity is definitely a joyful thing! Thank you for stopping by. :o)
TeriLee
I love this series….fantastically done! :)xo
JenLand replied
Thank you so much TeriLee, I am very pleased you’re enjoying it!!!
gerrardt
i wish that i’d had a mom like you!
JenLand replied
Hey! I’m not old enough to be your mom!!!! ha ha ha ha But yeah, I don’t lay too much guilt on my sons, only just the right amount to get them to be good young men. :o)
valzart
Oh this is amazing writing sweetheART such beautiful flowing words of wisdom..lovly& thxz for the JOY lol! ;} happy hippy hugglez
JenLand replied
You’re welcome for the joy Val!! And you have given it right back with your lovely comment and adding this to your favs!! Thank you!! XO Jenny
Judi Taylor
Joy … one cannot make themselves joyous … it just has to be there, plain and simple. I want more joy in my life … now here is a symbol to study for JOY!
JenLand replied
What a great take on this Judi! I do feel that one chooses to allow joy into their lives and as you say, the symbol helps us do that! Thanks so much for adding this to your favs!! XO
funkyfacestudio
Who couldn’t use a big dose of joy ? It’s so easy to have when we don’t let other things distract us ;) Lovely work Jen !
JenLand replied
So very true! And your comment here today has brought me back to this piece and given me a nice infusion of joy today! Thanks!
Clare Colins
Spirit guides led me here.
I love this image Jen and I thank you for the words you wrote to accompany it.
JenLand replied
Hi Clare! I’m glad you found this and enjoy it. And your comment has brought me back here to read your words and the words of Deng Ming Dao again and they have lifted me up today. Thank you!