I was explaining to a neighbor that Sensei and I are not a couple, well maybe an odd couple, but that she is my preceptor and teacher, a requirement for bhikkhunis, and noble friend, a necessity for Buddhists. Then this morning thinking back on that I realized that actually we had had the longest and most beneficial relationship in our lives. I realized I am somewhat resentful that life has given me broccoli rather than french fries. Extra funny because although she likes broccoli she is famous for loving fast food...
Another couple of bhikkhunis made a similar statement in a magazine article a while back. Many modern Americans do not realize that this is the normal state for many ordained Buddhists throughout time. The monasteries of catholicism are more familiar. This does happen today in Buddhism but for millenia we students of the Buddha have worked hard to create small supportive units that foster the Practice. Noble friendships are the antidote for all the Hindrances and were recommended by the Buddha to help us on the path.
We are more important to each other than spouses, far more important than earthly marriage is the partnership of Noble Friends. The Practice reaches beyond birth and death, beyond this fathom long body. It may be hard for others to understand, and confusion creates uncertainty and fear, but the benefits outweigh this risk and the ripple effect of the benefit spreads out to others.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Friday, March 13, 2015
Finding Dhamma in TCM
translator of the Shang Han Lun reveals the consistency - enjoy these talks if you have time:
Monday, March 2, 2015
Challenging Change
This morning news of another murder reached me and countless others. Murder by police, of an unarmed helpless non-aggressive human being. Oh wait, that's not murder - they were doing their job. A video showing the vicious attack by a group of large darkly uniformed thugs upon a couple of small and weakly struggling citizens of the united states of america. My heart breaks to see what we have come to.
Sensei has reminded me this is not new or unusual. Today she tells me to focus on the good. That we can make change only in the direction we look toward. If I continue to see hatred and fear between authorities and destitute or needy citizens I create the disharmony and nourish division.
This is not the same as not challenging injustice or addressing wrong, it is using what works to repair disharmony. It is counter intuitive, and it requires that anger be seen for the poison it is, not a source of power or energizer. Anger in fact only creates more anger, it is the parasite that feeds upon our stupidity and laughs at us for being so easy to herd.
I recall that the realms are all present together, one cake many layers. Each layer exists for a purpose and is sustained by those ingredients composing it. We traverse the boundaries of the layers and move from one to the next by focusing our attention on the attributes we imagine or perceive. We do not abandon those who are constituents of hell, we show them the way out and create the alternative, there has to be a balance.
The plan for today is to see how communities have joined together to care for their needy. How police officers and the wealthy are committed to the welfare of the community and concerned for the well being of the poor and the sick. How the strong and fit nurture and support the ill and weak because that brings security and amiability to the community. Because helping one another is a reliable way to sustain happiness and wellbeing.
I want to be effective, efficient and actually accomplish change. I am willing to appear to neglect reality and to appear to stick my head in the sand and to appear to be in the closet and to appear to turn my back on suffering in order to not keep doing what has always been done and what has still not worked. Einstein said the definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing and expect a different result. This tack bears me away from the same route as the herd. I trust and respect Sensei especially when she challenges the norm and the status quo. We are here to be different. It is not different to be outraged, it is useless. I am going to do the hard thing and look for the good.
Sensei has reminded me this is not new or unusual. Today she tells me to focus on the good. That we can make change only in the direction we look toward. If I continue to see hatred and fear between authorities and destitute or needy citizens I create the disharmony and nourish division.
This is not the same as not challenging injustice or addressing wrong, it is using what works to repair disharmony. It is counter intuitive, and it requires that anger be seen for the poison it is, not a source of power or energizer. Anger in fact only creates more anger, it is the parasite that feeds upon our stupidity and laughs at us for being so easy to herd.
I recall that the realms are all present together, one cake many layers. Each layer exists for a purpose and is sustained by those ingredients composing it. We traverse the boundaries of the layers and move from one to the next by focusing our attention on the attributes we imagine or perceive. We do not abandon those who are constituents of hell, we show them the way out and create the alternative, there has to be a balance.
The plan for today is to see how communities have joined together to care for their needy. How police officers and the wealthy are committed to the welfare of the community and concerned for the well being of the poor and the sick. How the strong and fit nurture and support the ill and weak because that brings security and amiability to the community. Because helping one another is a reliable way to sustain happiness and wellbeing.
I want to be effective, efficient and actually accomplish change. I am willing to appear to neglect reality and to appear to stick my head in the sand and to appear to be in the closet and to appear to turn my back on suffering in order to not keep doing what has always been done and what has still not worked. Einstein said the definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing and expect a different result. This tack bears me away from the same route as the herd. I trust and respect Sensei especially when she challenges the norm and the status quo. We are here to be different. It is not different to be outraged, it is useless. I am going to do the hard thing and look for the good.
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Blue Blazing
on the AT there are 'purists' and there are 'blue blazers' (we won't even mention the yellow blazers). The purists feel a thru hiker must absolutely hike by absolutely every single white blaze, some even extend this to carrying their full kit by every white blaze. Others even feel it is essential to complete the trail all in one direction from beginning to end. Does that sound like the middle way to you? To me it sounds like an Ascetic Practice, which is fine if time limited - it takes 4- 6 months to complete the trail so that works, and if it is acknowledged as an extraordinary effort outside of the life time pursuit of the middle way. Difficulty arises when ascetic practices are elevated on a pedestal and used to contrast and compare self and other. The problem is the promotion of duality in perspective. When the perspective is locked into dualistic thinking it limits and hinders insight. This leads to a deviation in experiences on the path from positive to detrimental in the ripples produced. You can tell I am a blue blazer, can't you? Yup, and this follows into Buddhist Practice. As a nunk, I with Venerable Sensei, follow the middle way. We Blue Blaze.
Funny that those ordained by Ven. Dr. Karuna Dharma wear blue on their sleeve in tribute to her. She was a blue blaze advocate in my opinion. A compassionate and generous nunk, unhindered by fear, she presided at grand ordination events enabling those in diverse traditions to ordain who would not otherwise have had the opportunity.
There are many parallels between long distance backpacking and the Buddha Dhamma. Like sailing, backpacking provides a physical manifestation of the practice to reinforce the understanding on an experiential level.
As Blue Blazing Nunks we are taking a different path from the herd of Bhikkhunis in America today. Sensei is helping me to become a licensed acupuncturist, a primary care provider. As a side benefit she gets to live and teach in Santa Monica. When I have graduated and am providing care I am counting on her teaching those who come to me for wellness support and treatment of disharmony or illness. Her Awakening Stillness Qigong and Living Enlightenment classes dramatically improve individual and community wellbeing and to have the potential to integrate that with traditional oriental medicine is an exciting and powerful way to change the world. Mahatma Ghandi-ji said "Be the Change You Want to See," and we are.
Funny that those ordained by Ven. Dr. Karuna Dharma wear blue on their sleeve in tribute to her. She was a blue blaze advocate in my opinion. A compassionate and generous nunk, unhindered by fear, she presided at grand ordination events enabling those in diverse traditions to ordain who would not otherwise have had the opportunity.
There are many parallels between long distance backpacking and the Buddha Dhamma. Like sailing, backpacking provides a physical manifestation of the practice to reinforce the understanding on an experiential level.
As Blue Blazing Nunks we are taking a different path from the herd of Bhikkhunis in America today. Sensei is helping me to become a licensed acupuncturist, a primary care provider. As a side benefit she gets to live and teach in Santa Monica. When I have graduated and am providing care I am counting on her teaching those who come to me for wellness support and treatment of disharmony or illness. Her Awakening Stillness Qigong and Living Enlightenment classes dramatically improve individual and community wellbeing and to have the potential to integrate that with traditional oriental medicine is an exciting and powerful way to change the world. Mahatma Ghandi-ji said "Be the Change You Want to See," and we are.
Monday, January 26, 2015
Quote
Karen Traviss in Grasslands: "It seemed that the more rules a religion laid down, the more precise its strictures, then the more devious its adherents felt obliged to become."
I love this, this simple take on organized religion rings true for so many. Of course Theravada Buddhism is famous (infamous?) for the number of "vows" its nunks take. And so many of us are so proud of that, is it the pride or the restrictions that cause the harm? It's not the adherence because that is rarely practiced but often cited. In truth only three guidelines matter: Heightened mind, heightened virtue and heightened discernment.
I love this, this simple take on organized religion rings true for so many. Of course Theravada Buddhism is famous (infamous?) for the number of "vows" its nunks take. And so many of us are so proud of that, is it the pride or the restrictions that cause the harm? It's not the adherence because that is rarely practiced but often cited. In truth only three guidelines matter: Heightened mind, heightened virtue and heightened discernment.
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Aloka Vihara
There is a lovely recent article in Tricycle Magazine that showcases the Venerables Anandabodhi and Santacitta. The beautiful photos and gentle speech paint an uplifting and inspirational portrait of modern Buddhist Nuns in America.
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Stop there if you prefer to maintain a serene and pleasant state of mind.
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Beyond this point I cross the threshold into a murky area where what is beneficial is unclear to me.
I admit to having a bit of a stomach ache from Sour Grapes. I do not begrudge them the limelight, they are welcome to it. The sad thing is what a powerful reminder to me this is that one should not judge a book by its cover. The article is a gorgeous book cover, quite like the magazine. But life experience has taught me critical thinking and I prefer frank discussion and transparency. I don't usually read this magazine but a friend brought it to our attention. Like a nurse, every once in a while she rips off the bandaid and airs out this wound, though we generally prefer to ignore it.
These are two of the Sangha who have shunned us and countless other women in order to secure their support and obtain the status that brings them such fine advertising. Its a dog eat dog world out there even within the Sangha. Reminds me of the childrens book about the caterpillar that becomes a butterfly, the story speaks more to adults who have learned about both sides of competition and goal seeking. For me it recalls the Israelis who suffered at the hands of the Nazis only to turn around and offer such treatment to the Palestinians. Doubtless this opinion offends someone, perhaps you.
Many members of the venerable Sangha believe it is invaluable to have a polished image in the public eye. Outward appearances have been the majority of their training and consume the values instilled in them. They may be 'right' in what they do, I am sure they think so, just as I think I am right in what I do.What's a nunk doing with such a soapbox? Wasting breath really, the path is better off without such concerns.
***********************************************************************************
Stop there if you prefer to maintain a serene and pleasant state of mind.
***********************************************************************************
Beyond this point I cross the threshold into a murky area where what is beneficial is unclear to me.
I admit to having a bit of a stomach ache from Sour Grapes. I do not begrudge them the limelight, they are welcome to it. The sad thing is what a powerful reminder to me this is that one should not judge a book by its cover. The article is a gorgeous book cover, quite like the magazine. But life experience has taught me critical thinking and I prefer frank discussion and transparency. I don't usually read this magazine but a friend brought it to our attention. Like a nurse, every once in a while she rips off the bandaid and airs out this wound, though we generally prefer to ignore it.
These are two of the Sangha who have shunned us and countless other women in order to secure their support and obtain the status that brings them such fine advertising. Its a dog eat dog world out there even within the Sangha. Reminds me of the childrens book about the caterpillar that becomes a butterfly, the story speaks more to adults who have learned about both sides of competition and goal seeking. For me it recalls the Israelis who suffered at the hands of the Nazis only to turn around and offer such treatment to the Palestinians. Doubtless this opinion offends someone, perhaps you.
Many members of the venerable Sangha believe it is invaluable to have a polished image in the public eye. Outward appearances have been the majority of their training and consume the values instilled in them. They may be 'right' in what they do, I am sure they think so, just as I think I am right in what I do.What's a nunk doing with such a soapbox? Wasting breath really, the path is better off without such concerns.
Friday, January 16, 2015
Buddhist Nationalism is an Oxymoron
http://news.yahoo.com/us-warns-myanmar-over-growing-religious-tensions-110015152.html
This article on Yahoo news about Myanmar aka Burma strikes us all to the heart. Why? Because people still say that Buddhism is the only religion that has never gone to war. Well, no more. These people wearing maroon robes and shaved heads cannot be Buddhist are not Buddhist are pitifully ignorant of the Buddha Dhamma. Millions of people around the world who have never heard those words are more followers of the Dhamma than these men.
Buddhism is not an organized religion, there is no pope, the DaLai Lama is not our CEO, but he is a great Buddhist leader and I am saddened by the thought of how he feels knowing this is happening in Myanmar. Perhaps the conflict there will help to consolidate the fourfold Sangha but knowing many of the european american traditional monks by their behavior that is not likely.
Thanks to all Good Hearts the Dhamma is an organic living breathing REAL motive force in the universe. There is no end to it and no beginning either so it cannot be undone, if only those who claim to be monks could see the basic teachings, they harm themselves more than anyone and yet they harm us all as they do so, we are one.
I believe there is not more outcry about this from buddhists in the media because all of us are basically struck dumb by the absolute opposition to the Dhamma, the teachings of the Buddha clarifying the nature of universal reality, shown by these men who pose as monks. It is Generosity Compassion and Wisdom taught by the Buddha, not "us vs them" or "me, mine, and not yours" or "I am right and you are wrong." Good heavens, I feel sorry for them, their enemies are themselves. This is what happens when the outward appearances are emphasized over inner development on the Eightfold Path.
This article on Yahoo news about Myanmar aka Burma strikes us all to the heart. Why? Because people still say that Buddhism is the only religion that has never gone to war. Well, no more. These people wearing maroon robes and shaved heads cannot be Buddhist are not Buddhist are pitifully ignorant of the Buddha Dhamma. Millions of people around the world who have never heard those words are more followers of the Dhamma than these men.
Buddhism is not an organized religion, there is no pope, the DaLai Lama is not our CEO, but he is a great Buddhist leader and I am saddened by the thought of how he feels knowing this is happening in Myanmar. Perhaps the conflict there will help to consolidate the fourfold Sangha but knowing many of the european american traditional monks by their behavior that is not likely.
Thanks to all Good Hearts the Dhamma is an organic living breathing REAL motive force in the universe. There is no end to it and no beginning either so it cannot be undone, if only those who claim to be monks could see the basic teachings, they harm themselves more than anyone and yet they harm us all as they do so, we are one.
I believe there is not more outcry about this from buddhists in the media because all of us are basically struck dumb by the absolute opposition to the Dhamma, the teachings of the Buddha clarifying the nature of universal reality, shown by these men who pose as monks. It is Generosity Compassion and Wisdom taught by the Buddha, not "us vs them" or "me, mine, and not yours" or "I am right and you are wrong." Good heavens, I feel sorry for them, their enemies are themselves. This is what happens when the outward appearances are emphasized over inner development on the Eightfold Path.
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