Insights and Reflections on the Way
Not one moment should be taken for granted. Be humble and grateful for this very moment. Even in difficulty – especially in difficulty, a grateful heart can ease many painful emotions, and put the worrisome mind and body to rest. Appreciation for what is here and now gives strength of presence, strength many of us … Read moreGraditude
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
Haju Sunim presented me with a few options to consider with regard to formal Buddhist training. While I was definitely hesitant during our discussion, on further personal investigation, this seems to be something I wasn’t asking for but definitely looking for. I think I’ll go ahead with it eventually, I just need to be balanced … Read moreConsidering formal training
Brother Gilbert Gutierrez, the sole American Dharma heir of the Great Chan Master Sheng Yen, visited Ann Arbor and Perry Michigan last month to give a lecture and one day retreat. During his lecture on the history of Chan Buddhism, I learned A LOT about Chan; history, philosophy, abstract theory, etc. A slight sense of … Read moreCrash course on Chan by Brother Gilbert
Simple philosophy I realized long ago, through observation, and recognition: Cycles Balance Change The Dharma wheel present in all things.
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
Emptyness To attain is to attach To set free is to be free No-thing = Every-thing