Insights and Reflections on the Way
Tendai Kaihōgyō (回峰行) Concerning the structure of the thousand day kaihogyo, it is said that the first seven hundred days are centered on self benefitting practice, i.e., practice conducted to gain enlightenment for oneself. But from the seven hundredth day on, it is understood that the practitioners commence upon others-benefitting practice, i.e., practice conducted for … Read moreWalking Shugyo
Attachment/Greed Dana – Generosity Prajna – Wisdom Aversion/Hatred Kshanti – Endurance Sila – Morality Ignorance/Delusion Virya – Effort Dhyana – Concentration
Wrong view Lack of understanding Ignorance Dukha Ultimately and thoroughly unsatisfying Attachment to ever impermanent phenomena If ignorance is bliss, right view is waking up Seeing things as they truly are, this is freedom. To willfully stay in the dream and call it reality This is lucidity, not reality This is ignorance This is cruel
Cycles Balance Change Simple observation into the way things are. I think this was initially realized, formulated, and shared during my teenage years with my brother during one of our legendary “good conversations”. Amazing how this is still valid all these years and lessons later. It’s this observational foundation that essentially led me to search, … Read moreMy first insight
What is poison? 1 : a substance that can cause people or animals to die or to become very sick if it gets into their bodies especially by being swallowed 2 : something (such as an idea, emotion, or situation) that is very harmful or unpleasant What is medicine? 1 : a substance that is … Read moreDharma prescription
Post meditation thought: Each of the 10 primary precepts I follow (5 Reiki 5 Dharma) all deal with action and interaction. This is a very interesting observation. It seems, enlightenment isn’t just some stroke of inspiration, some knowledge to be attained akin to a Google search. Enlightenment is both a realization of and constant expression … Read morePrecepts, actions, interaction
Attachment is resistance to the inevitable, the change inherent in all things. Unhealthy attachment inhibits life and progress We’d still use torches rather than lightbulbs without the courage to change and let go. Letting go takes nerve. Letting go is powerful. Letting go is not easy. Letting go is wise.
All thoughts make a difference. As such, I train my mind with the best intentions. All words make a difference. As such I speak carefully with the best intentions. All actions make a difference. As such I move with the best intentions.
Death. This whole idea of “impermanence surrounds us” is easy enough to conceptualize. Still, nothing hits home quite like death and the realization of impending death. Yes, I can acknowledge this blah blah about reincarnation, but honestly there is no “self” so it truly isn’t like the reincarnation in the comics and movies and such; … Read moreUltimate impermanence
Post meditation thought: The Three Jewels are everywhere: Buddha, Dharma, Sangha Sila, Samadhi, Panna (Prajna) Body, Mind, Heart Earth, Heaven, Human Lower, Upper, Middle Diamond,(Tanden/Tan-tien) Jing, Qi (Chi / Ki), Shen Wisdom, Light/Love, Compassion (Pure Land) Sun, Moon, Earth Trikaya doctrine of different bodies of awakening (Buddhas) The it, the I, the over-I (id, ego, … Read moreThree Jewels