My mind has taught my body countless conditioned responses and habits for the purpose of being able to run off and create alternate realities. I have seen this behavior and it is now exposed. My mind has played the Joker and like a good friend I kindly admonish it to cease with its foolery and be aware and awake to the true nature of things.
About Me
- Rafael
- I am just trying to make my way in the world without causing any harm while I am here. It is a noble task that I hope to get better at with each passing day. I currently write several blogs. NoThinker is my social activist blog. Running for CRSF is a blog I started when I wanted to track my training for my first half marathon race which I ran in Sept‘08. I also used this experience to raise money for an orphanage in Sri Lanka. My Meditation Journal is where I chronicle my thoughts and experiences with meditation. I hope that something here touches you and enriches your life. I learn best when I learn from others so all comments are welcome.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
A spiritual time
I have never really paid much attention to time or the lack thereof when it comes to my spiritual development. I have been slowly familiarizing myself with the 13 moon Dream spell Calendar and the Mayan Calendar. Both of these are just as similar as they are different and I am intuitively learning how to combine the two.
This new concept of observing time in a new and different paradigm for me helps me to monitor my spiritual development, to become more mindful and aware of my progression. It is with this that I say July has been an interesting month to say the least for my spiritual development.
I have become closer and closer to nature with my flower garden, garden plot and bird feeder. I performed two Dana services, one for my mom and the other for Himashi's dad. I have meditated a few times out doors and just last evening I meditated as the full moon rose into the night sky and then did some gazing with my telescope. It was a really spiritual experience.
Intuitively I have been feeling a strong pull toward a more spiritual and calm life. However, my meditation sessions have met with much difficulty and hindrance. It appears that the more I learn and attempt to apply and practice, the more my mind, old habits, and fundamentally ignorance resist the effort. It has become quite difficult but the thing is that I know what is happening.
I read something to day on twitter about Vassa and it really gave me a good boost spiritually. I didn't know that Vassa was in some ways similar to Catholic Lent. This is encouraging because it allows me to make a good conscious effort over the next three months to devote to extra practice.
I have a lot more to write about so I need to keep up with the posts a little better than I have been. Funny how some of this post is about the topic of time.
This new concept of observing time in a new and different paradigm for me helps me to monitor my spiritual development, to become more mindful and aware of my progression. It is with this that I say July has been an interesting month to say the least for my spiritual development.
I have become closer and closer to nature with my flower garden, garden plot and bird feeder. I performed two Dana services, one for my mom and the other for Himashi's dad. I have meditated a few times out doors and just last evening I meditated as the full moon rose into the night sky and then did some gazing with my telescope. It was a really spiritual experience.
Intuitively I have been feeling a strong pull toward a more spiritual and calm life. However, my meditation sessions have met with much difficulty and hindrance. It appears that the more I learn and attempt to apply and practice, the more my mind, old habits, and fundamentally ignorance resist the effort. It has become quite difficult but the thing is that I know what is happening.
I read something to day on twitter about Vassa and it really gave me a good boost spiritually. I didn't know that Vassa was in some ways similar to Catholic Lent. This is encouraging because it allows me to make a good conscious effort over the next three months to devote to extra practice.
I have a lot more to write about so I need to keep up with the posts a little better than I have been. Funny how some of this post is about the topic of time.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Four Months
Today marked four months since my mother died. There is nothing really significant about four months but my fiance thought it would be nice if we went to the Buddhist Temple to have a puja service in her memory.
It was really nice of her to think of doing this and going to the temple and performing devotional and wholesome deeds on behalf of my departed mother is very comforting. We spent about two hours at the Wheaton Temple with the head monk and it was really nice.
For the service the monks chanted various Buddhist Sutras and asked that we all hold good thoughts in our hearts and minds for my mother. The combination of the monks chanting and loving, compassionate thoughts for my mother was soothing and euphoric. It is nice to be able to think about mom in a positive and loving way in a such a calm, compassionate and supportive environment that the monks and the temple provide. The monks are reassuring and don't try to skirt around the realities of life and death.
This is a great service, because there are moments which I am sure we all share when the memories of our our lost loved ones creep into our minds seemingly out of nowhere. The timing may not be convenient or perhaps we have unpleasant memories or feelings of crushing guilt. Normally we usually don't think of setting up a controlled time and environment when we can really think about our lost loved ones and actively work with any feelings we may have. This ceremony provides that opportunity. Today I had the chance to think about mom and hold her close to my mind and heart in a manner that is healthy and helpful for the grieving process. I had all the time I needed and did not have to be bothered with getting back to work or having to do this or that. No, this time was for her and I and I was happy to have it and thankful that my fiance and her mother took time to share it with me as well.
I certainly plan to take advantage of this service whenever I can. As I said it is really helpful and in such a busy world where the demands of life don't tend to allow you to stop and reflect on loss it's nice to know I have this option whenever I need it and that there are compassionate monks that are available for me when I need them.
May you be well, happy and peaceful!
It was really nice of her to think of doing this and going to the temple and performing devotional and wholesome deeds on behalf of my departed mother is very comforting. We spent about two hours at the Wheaton Temple with the head monk and it was really nice.
For the service the monks chanted various Buddhist Sutras and asked that we all hold good thoughts in our hearts and minds for my mother. The combination of the monks chanting and loving, compassionate thoughts for my mother was soothing and euphoric. It is nice to be able to think about mom in a positive and loving way in a such a calm, compassionate and supportive environment that the monks and the temple provide. The monks are reassuring and don't try to skirt around the realities of life and death.
This is a great service, because there are moments which I am sure we all share when the memories of our our lost loved ones creep into our minds seemingly out of nowhere. The timing may not be convenient or perhaps we have unpleasant memories or feelings of crushing guilt. Normally we usually don't think of setting up a controlled time and environment when we can really think about our lost loved ones and actively work with any feelings we may have. This ceremony provides that opportunity. Today I had the chance to think about mom and hold her close to my mind and heart in a manner that is healthy and helpful for the grieving process. I had all the time I needed and did not have to be bothered with getting back to work or having to do this or that. No, this time was for her and I and I was happy to have it and thankful that my fiance and her mother took time to share it with me as well.
I certainly plan to take advantage of this service whenever I can. As I said it is really helpful and in such a busy world where the demands of life don't tend to allow you to stop and reflect on loss it's nice to know I have this option whenever I need it and that there are compassionate monks that are available for me when I need them.
May you be well, happy and peaceful!
Anger has consequences
I went to bed angry last night and woke up in the same state of mind. I didn't feel like getting up to sit so I slept in. I had a long day yesterday and was still pretty tired and that coupled with being angry, there was not much motivation to practice.
Himashi arranged for me to go to the temple. Today is four months since my mom died. Tonight I will go and offer flowers, food, and incense to the Buddha for her, to transfer merits in her behalf. This will be a good meritorious act and one I will be happy to perform.
Himashi arranged for me to go to the temple. Today is four months since my mom died. Tonight I will go and offer flowers, food, and incense to the Buddha for her, to transfer merits in her behalf. This will be a good meritorious act and one I will be happy to perform.
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