On this episode of the Be Here Now Network’s Guest Podcast, Mirabai Starr and Roshi Joan Halifax take questions from a live audience about the power of love and the need for perseverance.
Show Notes
Paths to God (Opening) – Roshi Joan and Mirabai discuss the nature of intimacy found in the relationship between the student and the Guru. Mirabai reflects on the power of love found in this relationship through the teachings of St. Teresa of Avila.
“I think about the teachings of St. Theresa of Avila and how she sees the soul as a magnificent castle. She sees the path to union with God as not up and out of this word, it’s deeper and deeper inward into the rich field of the interior castle. The way to attain that union with the beloved is by further and further stripping away all the obstacles.” – Mirabai Starr
Re-estimating Our Capacity (9:00) – Roshi Joan reflects on her work with LSD and the dying. She discusses the vastness and capacity of the human heart.
“We want to re-estimate the capacity of the human heart.” – Roshi Joan Halifax
Mother Mary (11:25) – Mirabai talks about the role of Mother Mary and how it relates to our experience. She shares her own loss and how Mary can guide us through our own hardships.
“In many ways, I see that we are all like Mary, reluctant prophets who are being called to step up and be shattered for the sake of love.” – Mirabai Starr
Opting for Futility or Possibility (16:50) – Roshi Joan and Mirabai reflect on the koan of the flute with no holes. Mirabai reflects on what happens when we try to solve all the problems of the human condition.
“It is impossible to liberate creations, but we still show up and serve. We don’t opt for futility, we show up, and we show up and we show up again. What is being called for is exactly what we are cultivating in our time together, which is the courage to love.” – Roshi Joan Halifax
Just Show Up Anyway (23:10) – How can we do our best, on one hand, but also not be attached to the outcome? Mirabai shares her thoughts on how we can cultivate a heart of wisdom that does all it can while not becoming attached to the consequence.
“You understand from spiritual practice that your task is to show up anyway, even if the outcomes are not at all what you hoped for. You just show up with love and tenderness and a spaciousness to hold what is.” – Mirabai Starr
For more wisdom on the power of love, and more, from Mirabai Starr and Roshi Joan Halifax, check out their other appearances on the Be Here Now Network Guest Podcast!