In all good consciousness, can a student of Buddhism serve on a jury trial?
Can one sit in judgment of another, deciding the fate of a person charged with a crime?
Monthly Archives: January 2010
Bodhisattvas’ (Compassion) Practices -21
21
Indulging sense pleasures is like drinking salt water — however much one indulges, thirst and craving only increase. Immediately after abandoning whatever things give rise to clinging and attachment is the Bodhisattvas’ practice.
Can Eye Movement Still a Body or a Mind?
I can see!
Just a little. A small section at the top of my eye. Through the peripheral vision of my left eye.
Bodhisattvas’ (Compassion) Practices -20
20
If outer foes are destroyed while not subduing the enemy of one’s own hatred, enemies will only increase. Therefore, subduing one’s own mind with the army of love and compassion is the Bodhisattvas’ practice.
Seeing is believing in ‘letting go’ process
Where are those spectacles? I carried them with me for nearly two weeks. Kept them in my jacket pocket, the right pocket all this time. Now that I need them, they’re gone.
Bodhisattvas’ (Compassion) Practices -19
19
Though one may be famous and revered by many people or gain wealth like that of Vaishravana, having realized that worldly fortune is without essences, to be unconceitedly is the Bodhisattvas’ practice.  Continue reading
‘Les We Forget’ names called our soldiers
No one’s ever called me “baby-killer.”
I never was “spit on” upon returning home to the United States following a year at war in Vietnam.
And, while friends and co-workers I met through the years may have thought it, none have said to my face they believed I was one of those “Crazed Vietnam Veterans.”
Bodhisattvas’ (Compassion) Practices –18
18
Though one may have an impoverished life, always be disparaged by others, afflicted by dangerous illness and evil spirits, to be without discouragement and to take upon oneself all the misdeeds and suffering of beings is the Bodhisattvas’ practice.
Name-calling can get you kicked in the end
Patty DeMarco made me cry. He called me names and wouldn’t stop as I tried to walk away, with him following me on the North Philadelphia street we lived. On and on he went, badmouthing me, until he saw my brother, who helped me into his little red wagon, and pulled it home, me sobbing all the while behind. I was four years old.
Bodhisattvas’ (Compassion) Practices –17
17
Even if, influenced by pride, an equal or inferior person treats one with contempt, respectfully placing that person like a guru at the crown of one’s head is the Bodhisattvas’ practice.
Soar with me all the way to Nirvana
(Fifth in the Totem series, Cont’d from ‘Common’ Ground )
Why am I sharing this reflection now? I saw two sparrows fly away from the undercarriage of my car the other day. I parked in a lot in a nearby store, made purchases, and was returning when I got to within feet of my car, and noticed the birds.
Two Tigers Turn To Testosterone Tales
Part II of Totem Series, Cont’d from Hawk, Tiger & Sparrow
Two Bengal Tigers charged me and knocked me to the macadam street, as I placed my arms over my head to prevent lethal contact with my throat and face. I twisted into a fetal position, waiting for the first blow to strike, knowing this could be my end at the “hands” of two large cats I could never have imagined seeing on the streets of Conshohocken, PA in the good old USA.
Common Sparrow flies as high as he dares
(Part IV in Totem Series, cont’d from ‘Common’ Ground )
To become as “Common” as an Ordinary Sparrow, does not sound like much of an aspiration.
Joy Found in Everyday ‘Common’ Ground
Part III in totem series (Hawk, tiger & sparrow)
There’s nothing quite as common as a cracker, one of those Saltines, that is . . .
Hawk, Tiger & Sparrow send Wake-up Call
Part I in the Totem Series
Three animal totems appeared to me in the past few days, and I am putting the world on notice, that I plan to pay attention to what messages might be coming my way.
Bodhisattvas’ (Compassion) Practices –16
16
Even if for whom one has cared as lovingly as one’s own child regards one as an enemy, to cherish that person as dearly as a mother does an ailing child is the Bodhisattvas’ practice.
Bodhisattva (Compassion) Practices – 15
15
Even if, in the midst of a public gathering, someone exposes faults and speaks ill of one, humbly paying homage to and perceiving that person as a spiritual friend, is the Bodhisattvas’ practice.
Continue reading
“Soma” practice sensually loosens me up
The black eye patch slips from my face as I throw my head back in a frenzy of movement. I’m trying to keep up with a pace I “feel” the “Soma” teacher is ratcheting up, as she “pushes” my body, mind and spirit higher and higher.
What Type of Personality is Your Type?
Here’s a series of traits from something called the Enneagram. You can search through in attempts to find what type of personality fits you. I found some interesting things about myself. And hope to bring them up at a meeting of HSPs (Highly Sensitive Persons), one of whom suggested the sites to me.
Bodhisattva (Compassion) Practices – 14
14
Even if someone broadcasts throughout the billion worlds all sorts of offensive remarks about one, speaking in turn of that person’s qualities with a loving mind is the Bodhisattvas’ practice.
Eye still on the 30-day writing finish line
Surgery was completed on eye yesterday. I have to return today for an exam. Boy, am I drowsy.
Have had to urinate constantly. May have to cancel afternoon meeting to learn how to be “calm” and find “peace.” It’s a free workshop, and if you know anything about me, you’d know I can’t stand to pass up anything that’s free.
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Bodhisattva (Compassion) Practices – 13
13
Even if others try to cut off one’s head when one is utterly blameless, taking upon oneself all their negative deeds by the power of compassion is the Bodhisattvas’ practice.
Youth Recaptured through Football Hurdle
You can recapture your youth by simply recalling a time in your life when you were most athletically gifted and soared like an eagle in whatever endeavor you excelled at years earlier. Continue reading
Bodhisattva (Compassion) Practices – 12
12
Even if others, influenced by great desire, steal all one’s wealth or have it stolen, dedicating to them one’s body, possessions and virtues accumulated in the three times is the Bodhisattvas’ practice.
Bodhisattva (Compassion) Practices – 11
11
All suffering without exception comes from wishing for one’s own happiness. The perfect Buddhas arise from the altruistic mind. Therefore, completely exchanging one’s own happiness for the suffering of others is the Bodhisattvas’ practice.
poem purloined from a pretty pet place
Don’t like to sound “cocky,” but when I see something a cute little chick wrote for me.
I want to climb to the top to crow how she just made this old heart to grow.
Sharing my Feelings of Love for Your Words
Dear ML,
I will never underestimate a chicken or her mate after sparring with “Words We Never Said (Please see WordsWeNeverSaid.)
You’re inspirational. And I bow to you with a tip of my hat!
(Please see original at Beware the Banty Rooster)
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WordsWeNeverSaid |
City slickers and their country cousins ought to know
How Roosters strut their stuff in front of pretty hens
In plumage preened and plumped to make a tougher show
Caring not a peck for the attention of their friends…
Keep a close eye on that banty rooster in the scratching yard,
Every city boy should learn before its way to late
Not to ever underestimate a chicken (or her mate).
*grin*
M.L.
1,000,000/yes . . . 0/no
Rate This
________
Contoveros Said:
Words We Never Said:
Can not top this in a million years.
you win, ML!
(Actually, we all win with such a poetic addition to the barnyard.) Thanks.
Michael j
For more bantam banter see Rooster racks up pain and admiration
Stop the presses, stop depression, stop!
Stop! Don’t tell me anymore. Don’t want to hear it.
Keep the news to yourself. It hurts me, it’s always bad.
Meditation time is right in this moment
Driving while stuck in a traffic jam ordinarily would not be the best place to practice mindfulness meditation. I found out today while rushing to a doctor’s appointment, it was the “only” way to travel.
Blog Post Mistakenly Published Twice in a Row!
Meditation time is right in this moment
Driving while stuck in a traffic jam ordinarily would not be the best place to practice mindfulness meditation. I found out today while rushing to a doctor’s appointment, it was the “only” way to travel.
Bodhisattva (Compassion) Practices – 10
10
When mothers who have been kind to one since beginningless time are suffering, what’s the use of one’s own happiness? Therefore, generating the mind of enlightenment in order to liberate limitless sentient beings is the Bodhisattvas’ practice.
Yucky moment leads to ease of suffering
Ever have one of those “yucky” moments? Like, when you put your hand in a box, feeling around for some specific item only to come upon something gooey, wet and, of course “yucky.”
Run away & you live to fight another day
Originally cont’d from Last minute reprieve delays eye execution 1-25-10
I have never been good at waiting, and when I have something unpleasant to do — like undergo an operation in the hospital — I prefer to get it over with. Quickly. And not have to count the minutes that seem to pass by so excruciatingly slow.
Last minute reprieve delays eye execution
I felt the governor had called in a reprieve at the 11th hour, minutes before my scheduled “execution” was to take place Monday.
Bodhisattva (Compassion) Practices – 9
9
The pleasure of the three realms is as fleeting as a dew drop on the tip of a blade of grass, vanishing in a single moment. Striving for the Supreme State of never-changing liberation is the Bodhisattvas’ practice.
Crazy to think suffering could ever help
Why is it that when someone tells you about recalling a “past life” it’s always one of glamour where you had lots of power to change things in the world?
A ‘Post A Day’ Brings You Peace ‘All’ Day
When I started posting these ‘Thirty-Seven Bodhisattva Practices’, I never thought the mere act of compiling them could bring so much meaning to my life. Kinda feel like one of those bald-headed monks living in a cloistered society copying ancient words of wisdom so that others could learn to live life better.
Bodhisattva (Compassion) Practices – 8
8
The Subduer said that all the unbearable suffering of the three lower realms is the fruition of wrongdoing. Therefore, never committing negative deeds, even at peril to one’s life, is the Bodhisattvas’ practice.
Laser pain – small price to pay for vision
Originally Cont’d From Eye surgery burns the bravest resolve 1-17-10
Anyone facing a detached retina medical procedure must learn to deal with discomfort. A patient will be in store for short bursts of pain that get progressively more difficult to deal with around the eye.
Eye surgery burns the bravest resolve
I prayed I wouldn’t show any fear, but I did. I couldn’t help it. I pulled my head away from the laser burning into my eye like a mare pulling away from a wrangler trying to break in a unridden horse.
Bodhisattva (Compassion) Practices – 7
7
What worldly gods, themselves also bound in the prison of cyclic existence, are able to protect others? Therefore, when refuge is sought, taking refuge in the undeceiving Triple Gem is the Bodhisattvas’ practice.
Rooster Racks up Pain and Admiration
Dark red scars are forming on my left hand and forearm where the thrust of the attack struck me. If left too long, I believe the cuts would fester and get worse. They’re the type that could cause that ugly yellow crust-like “deformity” to surround and create a horrific open wound.
Blindness Warning Wraps ‘Round Wrist
Originally Cont’d from Bubble battles detached retina’s blinding 1-16-10
WARNING: Handle this detached retina eye patient with more care than he handles himself. A Bubble in his eye could explode. Now wear this bracelet until we say otherwise. (And stay off airplanes, for Heaven’s sake!)
Bubble battles detached retina’s blinding
A green wrist band announces to a Good Samaritan that, should I fall ill or be rescued from some accident, that I have a “Bubble” in my eye.
Bodhisattva (Compassion) Practices – 6
6
When sublime spiritual friends are replied upon, one’s faults are exhausted and one’s qualities increase like the waxing moon. Holding sublime spiritual friends even more dear than one’s own body is the Bodhisattvas’ practice.
Mary deserves Philly Buddha buddy visits
Hello Mary?
You should get a medal for spending five hours at a conference call with a bunch of Buddhists “partying” three-time zones away from you last year, as you culminated your three-month studies of the Eastern philosophy.
Lots of Fun in Finding Refuge in Buddhism
They were “celebrating” in finding refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, while you stayed “in touch” the whole time from Reno, Nevada, secure in a closed office room to stay focused by phone.
I had a hard time staying “focused“ for one hour at the conference call Wednesday with others from across the United States, as well as Canada, and I hate to think what it would be like to put in five hours mostly “listening” as others exchange insight on Buddhism. Most from the Chenrezig Tibetan Buddhist Center of Philadelphia.
You remember me? The guy that just got out of the VA (Veterans Administration) Hospital for treatment on a detached retina. I raced like a bat out of hell, driving with one eye patched and a mix of dilated drops in the other, to get from West Philadelphia in the USA to Conshohocken, PA, some 20 miles away. Didn’t want to miss my first-time “call-in” about meditation.
Can Still Travel Despite my LASER Surgery
Still felt a little woozy from LASER surgery on the eye and probably sounded a little off centered. But I like what you said, and was wondering if, someday, you would want the Philadelphia Group to come to you? I mean, fly out to Nevada for a day or even a two day-long event. Maybe meet up in Las Vegas, if we could get a good deal from the town. What’s that? Too many temptations even for a hard-core Buddhist initiate?
We’d follow the “Middle Path” and stay out of the Casinos. Tell management at one of the gambling hotels we were having a “Buhhdi” convention — that’s using the long-sounding “ee” –pronounced “Booty,” and they’d put out a red carpet thinking a bunch of girls would be showing up to “shake” up some things. Won’t tell them we coined the new word “Buddhi” for the plural of Buddha, until after getting discounts for the rooms.
Does it sound good to you? Well, let’s meditate on it, and “chant” an offering of “acceptance” at the next phone conference. Don’t want to gamble away an enlightened idea as good as this one.
Bodhisattva (Compassion) Practices – 5
5
When evil companions are associated with, the three poisons increase, the activities of listening, pondering and meditation decline, and love and compassion are extinguished. Abandoning evil companions is the Bodhisattvas’ practice.
Bodhisattva (Compassion) Practices – 4
4
Long-Associated companions will part from each other. Wealth and possessions obtained without effort will be left behind. Consciousness, the guest, will cast aside the guest house of the body. Letting go of this life is the Bodhisattva practice.
‘Letting go’ provides a better ‘vision’ in life
Psychedelic green bursts of light pulse across my eye. It’s like a strobe light flashing over and over, as I “see” a colorful cascade of a lime green pigment appear before me as if it’s penetrating the eyeball itself.
Bodhisattva (Compassion) Practices – 3
3
When harmful places are abandoned, disturbing emotions gradually diminish. Without distractions, virtuous endeavors naturally increase. Being clear-minded, definite understanding of the Dharma arises. Resorting to secluded places is the Bodhisattvas’ practice.
Driving too fast to slow thru a lens hazard
(Don’t Try This at Home, Kids)
A contact lens done me in. I tried to insert one in each eye while driving behind schedule to get to a meeting Saturday morning.
Continue reading
Bodhisattva (Compassion) Practices – 2
2
The mind of attachment waivers like water. The mind of hatred for enemies burns like fire. The mind of ignorance which forgets what to adopt and what to discard is greatly obscured. Abandoning one’s homeland is the Bodhisattvas’ practice.
Highly Sensitive People get Highest Grade
I feel I have just awakened from a dream. I see a mother, a father, as well as a brother and sister smiling at me. Each one is new to me. Each is the member of a family I have wanted to belong to all my life.
Bodhisattva (Compassion) Practices – 1
1
At this time when the difficult-to-gain ship of leisure and fortune has been obtained, ceaselessly hearing, pondering and meditating day and night in order to liberate oneself and others from the ocean of cyclic existence to the Bodhisattvas’ practice.
Continue reading
Thirty-seven steps may stop all suffering
You want truth in advertising? Well, this headline ain’t what you’re looking for. There’s simply no magic that will transform your life by taking 37 steps, or thirty-seven thousand steps, for that matter.
God Wins in Showdown with the Buddha
God won in the religious showdown I created between Him and the Buddha.
He rose to the top. Well, actually . . . He “remained” at the top, having never been “toppled,” so to speak. Continue reading
Heeding the Beck & Call of “Great Mother”
I struck the “mother lode” while mining the other day and discovered a treasure worth more than its weight in gold. It’s a few words, captured who knows how many years ago, and kept hostage until their rescue by good-will seekers throughout the world.
Can’t A Guy Get A Break Around Here?
What am I doing with this wet rag in my hand? The woman at the meeting hall gave it to me, told me to “wipe down” some wooden box up on a stage with others cleaning and organizing for this Buddhist “event.”
My ‘Right Speech’ May Have Wronged You
You did it again, Michael.
Veterans’ PTSD helped at Omega lands
Pictures, statues and other works of art often capture the beauty of the soul as people seek peace and love through different spiritual paths. Omega Institute provided all of that for a group of US veterans at a retreat this past Fall. Below are a few photos that may have captured the spirit of meditation, and that is, “Being in the Moment.”
No American Idols portrayed in my home
Never liked the term, “idol worshipper.” Reminded me of Moses and the “Chosen People” creating that golden calf in the Old Testament. Had a hard time with all the icons in my heritage, Greek Orthodox, with those gold and silver tinted pictures my father and his father prayed before in the Old World.
Hereafter or not, why risk taking a chance?
I face “High Noon” this Sunday. And nobody from town will help me deal with whether I’ll live or die in the outcome. None can, because the confrontation is something I knew for some time that I would have to face alone.
Women Know the Help Boys Need in War
1917 – “Through a Glass Darkly” Continue reading
Macho man marvels at mistaken miss
I’ve been shooting the bull the past several weeks with JhanaJian, of whom I thought was this “Asian guy” from Vietnam.
Turns out I was wrong. Dead wrong about everything I thought I knew about JhanaJian.
Flowers still Brighten Up my New ‘Home’
A spectacular combination of yellow and purple graced my eyes as I traveled yesterday to America’s first home, the City of Brotherly Love, in Philadelphia. There, on a counter with cups and a large “coffee” pot with hot water for my tea-toddling friend, were a bunch of flowers that greeted everyone and spiced up a small corner of the room at the Chenrezig Tibetan Buddhist Center of Philadelphia.
Gratitude Given Freely Can Grow on You
Want to feel good? Pick out five things each day to show your gratitude. Write ’em down. But, don’t try to fake it. You really gotta look for some thing in your life, some person, some reason that, deep down inside, you can say “makes me grateful.”
That’s a message I got from a fellow named Bill Stauffer who addressed a group of like-minded people who were seeking some spiritual insights this morning. Continue reading
Life’s daily details creates a colorful you
Here I am, walking on the high wire. No net below. My big mouth got me up here, and here I’ll stay for 30 days.
Unless I fall. Or someone pushes me off.
Saigon lady serves up smile & forgiveness
You never know when Fate will offer a blessing in disguise.
Saw an Asian woman handling the checkout at a nearby Target store and joked with her about a gift I was getting for my son’s birthday three months from today. It was a holiday box with no writing on it, nothing to suggest it was from Xmas.
Nirvana provides escape from all assaults
What is this “Nothingness” they call Nirvana?
“Emptiness” is another word I heard while trying to describe what I believe is a state of “being.” A “void” where all stimuli, all sensory perception and all “thought” is “extinguished” from within.
Spirit World may speak within each of us
Continued from Voices of a Past Life arise from meditation
Don’t like this “hearing voices” phenomenon. I am uncomfortable with it. Instead of “voices” maybe it’s more like “spirits.” Yeah, that sounds less strange. A little “spirit” spoke to him. His “spirits” are high today.
Voices of a Past Life Arise from Meditation
Am I hearing voices? Am I becoming a person you gotta be a little worried about? Kept an eye on? You know, one of “those” people?
How You can Smile in the Face of Death
I looked Death in the Face and did not blink yesterday.
Contoveros 