Bee Mindful (Link #728)

Speaker: Michael McIlmurray. Michael describes how working with honey bees is a vehicle for his practice of mindfulness. As an example, a beekeeper's movement in the apiary can accidentally squash and kill the bees. Honoring his bodhisattva vow of not harming others, he brings mindful awareness and patience in caring for the bee colonies. His practice of patience also includes accepting his mistakes. Michael describes how being stung by a bee may result in a flash of anger or resentment, which provides an excellent opportunity to examine and work with these emotions, remaining calm and composed in the moment. Beekeeping also enhances Michael's ability to visualize the Buddhanature of vast numbers of beings including all beings’ collective quest for happiness.