Open up your favorite spiritual book. The old testament, new testament, upanishads, edgar cayce, The Berenstein Bears Go for a Walk, whatever.
Turn it to page 35. Skim through the page.
Is there a sentence or an idea that stands out to you? What is it? Why? What are your thoughts on it?
Is there an image? How does it make you feel?
Here is the response I posted:
Nice idea. By the way, this is called bibliomancy. It's generally thought of as a way to know the future – but I think it's more like Tarot in that it can reveal whatever is lurking in the psyche that needs attention.
My current favorite book is Pema Chodron's Comfortable with Uncertainty. Here is what I found on page 35:
It's helpful to always remind yourself that meditation is about opening and relaxing with whatever arises, without picking and choosing. It's definitely not meant to repress anything, and it's not intended to encourage grasping, either. Allen Ginsberg used the expression “surprise mind.” You sit down and–wham!–a rather nasty surprise arises. So be it. This part is not to be rejected but compassionately acknowledged as “thinking” and let go. Then–wow!–a very delicious surprise appears. Okay. This part is not to be clung to but compassionately acknowledged as “thinking” and let go. The surprises are endless.
This is a favorite book of mine that I use for exactly this purpose when I feel like I need a little input from a “teacher.”
Give it a try. It's kind of cool what you can find.
Del.Icio.Us Tags: Buddhism, Pema Chodron, Bibliomancy, Page 35, Meditation
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