Finding True North
Historically we use a compass to indicate magnetic north. One of the four greatest inventions, compasses originated in China in 60 CE and comprised a lodestone spoon and a metal ‘heaven plate’, together they were called sinan. The spoon would always point south when sitting on the plate. This evolved in the West to the floating magnetic needles that we know today.
Our lives are directed by our internal moral compass that guides our decisions based on our concept of right and wrong. We are said to be ‘in integrity’ when what we say, think and do is wholly embodied and consistent to our values.
Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.– C. S. Lewis
Integrity is also defined as the state of being whole and undivided. As a gong player we play from our heart with singular attention to energise the intentions of our clients. Some teachers focus on ‘Integral Gong’.
Disappointingly my students report of gong players who are checking messages on their phones while playing; who carbon copy the words and practices of other players without crediting their source; who focus more on appearances in their Instagram post than on delivering a quality sound experience; and some who believe gongs are no different than bowls and therefore do not seek relevant training before playing for the public.
… know that integrity, honesty and truth are the highest vibrating energies to guide you forward. Everything else will fall away. - Molly McCord
It was predicted that where yoga is today, gongs would be in 20 years. Given the rapid rise in popularity it already seems as though we are “flooding the zone.” There are even several online courses, ‘How to make money playing gongs”. Spiritual materialism has arrived.
We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles. - Jimmy Carter
Despite temptations we must adhere to the Six essential qualities that are the key to success: Sincerity, personal integrity, humility, courtesy, wisdom, and charity. - Dr. William Menninger
This defines me.
