Getting Ready

Tonight the year turns.  Where did last year go and where are we headed?  Nowhere! We are where we are, when we are, and as we are. We talk of journey, coming and going, grasping and letting go. Yet, no matter where we think we are going, what we are grasping, or what we want to let go, we are always only in one place---exactly where we are with no place to go but right here. If we are busy trying to figure out what to let go of so we figure out where to go we forget that they are not real places. Where we were even a minute ago is no longer there. Where we will be in the next moment isn't here yet. So, where are we at any given moment? We are right where we are.

Looking Ahead Yet In This Moment

The new year is fast approaching. Rather than making resolutions why not take the time to ask:
   What am craving or clinging to?
   What makes me angry?
   What makes me sad?
   What am a yearning for?
What would your life be like if you could let these thing go?  What if you could wake up tomorrow without the craving, the anger, the sadness, the yearning?  What would fill the space instead? What matters perhaps more than what fills the space is allowing to space to exist. What is suppose to fill it will. If work to hard to fill it, then you run the risk of more craving, anger, sadness, and yearning and you're right back to where you started.

Zen Biology

My teacher sent this to me. It is worth the few minutes to watch. Click on next item to view.

A Zen Biology Lesson

Looking toward the New Year

As the new year approaches we might find ourselves making resolutions. If you do, then you might want to use this poem by Korean Buddhist poet Ko Un as inspiration:

 THE WIND
      Never beg the wind for mercy
      Tall wild lilies and such
      scented white lilies and such
      one day lilies and such
      once all your stems have snapped
      produce new buds. It is not too late.

Here is a website on neurotheology. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, it is a new branch of science that explores the relationship between religious/spiritual practice and how it affects the human neurological system. This site is just one of many that are popping up. Just click on:

Neurotheology

December Holidays are not just on December 25.

 I have heard some of my buddhist friends bemoan the chirsitanness (not really a word) of this time of year. It is true that the christian take on December permeates our American view of this season. But, our Jewish and African friends have their December celebrations. And so do we. In this month we celebrate Buddha's enlightenment. How many of us have shared this important event with our friends of these other traditions? Is there something more we can or should do? Or, is it in our natures to keep it to ourselves? Just a thought.

For an interesting editorial on Buddha and Jesus click:  Buddha and Jesus

A Holiday Thought

I was thinking last night, actually it was about 1:40 this morning, that this time of year is a good time to pause and be thankful. No matter where we are in our lives, no matter what yet remains for us to do, this is a good time to stop, be still, do nothing, and be thankful. Over the next few days we may find ourselves busy and distracted with activity and family. It is easy to let the holidays overtake us. How much better might they be if, instead of giving in to the whirl of activity in every moment, we stood still long enough to say a thank you and if we took a moment to send out the light of compassion to those who suffer.  Better yet, why not take time from your day and do something for those folks. Make a donation or volunteer at a shelter or food bank. It would be a simple, quiet way to ease someone else's suffering. What better way to be thankful for our own blessings than to ease the plight of someone else.

Buddhist Nun Il-yeop: An Editorial Comment, Korean Times

Buddhist nun Il-yeop

By Choe Chong-dae I recently took a trip to Sudeok-sa (Sudeok Temple), which is nestled in the heart of Mt. Deoksung, Yesan, South Chungcheong Province. The temple was built in the 7th century during the Baekjae Kingdom. Sudeok-sa is a well known Zen Buddhist temple in Korea and one with a unique legacy. Rev. Gyeong-heo (1849-1912), a great Korean Zen Buddhism master, lived at the temple and rejuvenated the Zen spirit in Korea by promoting the Zen practice center. Later, his disciple Ven. Mangong (1871-1946), continued his master’s work by turning out many great disciples himself. Sudeok-sa has a particular place in my heart because of Kim Won-ju (1896-1971), better known by her penname, Il-yeop. She lived at the temple after she was ordained as a Buddhist nun in 1933 and remained there until she passed away. I harbor nostalgic feelings of Il-yeop’s literary works because of her influence on the history of modern Korean literature. Il-yeop was a pioneer feminist, novelist, poet and a Buddhist nun. She was one of Korea’s most prolific women writers and considered herself a novelist and poet ahead of all other titles. Her feeling of loss and isolation, due to the death of her parents and siblings at a young age, and her awareness of human morality and uncertainty would have had a profound impact on her writing and her path to becoming a Buddhist nun. Despite her tragic circumstances and unhappy first marriage, she continued her studies at Ewha Hakdang (predecessor of Ehwa Womans University) and at Tokyo English Institute. Demonstrating great intelligence and a unique literary talent from early on, Il-yeop influenced the Korean literary society of her time. She wrote about activities that reflected the trends in the women’s liberation movement and founded the Sin-Yeoja (New Women), the first women’s literary magazine in 1920. Over the years, a great number of her critical essays, poems and short novels about women's liberation struggling against the oppressive traditions of the gloomy Japanese colonial period were published in such Korean daily newspapers as Dong-A Ilbo and Chosun Ilbo, as well as in literary magazines including Kaebyeok and Chosun Mundan (Korea Literary World). During stays at Sudeok-sa, Il-yeop immersed herself in only practicing Korean Zen Buddhism. She wrote an autobiographic novel entitled ``After I Burned My Youth” in 1962. The novel created a great sensation and drew the attention of many readers because it was the first time in 30 years that the novel had been published since she was ordained as a Buddhist nun, Sudeok-sa also reminds me of a popular folk song about a Buddhist nun and the famous ``Sudeok Inn," located in front of the temple. It was at this inn (now the exhibition hall of Sudeok Temple) that Lee Eung-no (1905-1992), a world famous Korean painter, lived and completed a painting on a rock. While living at the Sudeok Inn from 1944 to 1959, Lee became close friends with Na Hye-seok, another pioneer female artist, and Il-yeop. ``A Buddhist nun at Sudeok-sa," is also a popular Korean song about sorrow over secular love affairs. It was sung by singer Song Chun-hee a few decades ago. The song is still loved by many older people. It is presumed that the inspiration for the song came from the life of Il-yeop

Buddhist Temple erects Christmas Tree

FROM TAIWAN

The Yuandao Kuan-Yin Temple in Taipei County's Danshui resembles a Tang Dynasty temple. The simple building is largely made of stone and wood. What might seem out of place in the temple, however, is the glittering Christmas tree that has been placed in the courtyard. Members of the temple said this is aimed at highlighting the tolerance and harmonious spirit of the Eastern religion.

Located in a mountainous part of the township, the temple, which completed in 2000, differs from most of its counterparts with its exterior, and the design of the structure is aimed at blending in with the environment while providing a wonderful ocean view. The temple has become a popular destination for both its devotees and tourists alike.

Zhuang Shu-hui, a volunteer at the temple, says the structure of the temple might remind many of a Japanese structure. This was because Abbot Li Shan-dan and temple management committee head Huang Jin-chun wanted the temple's building to reflect the simple and frugal style of temples in the Tang dynasty, which were primarily built of stone and wood.

The simple, but elegant form of the temple is easily mistaken for a Zen temple from Japan, which was influenced by Chinese architectural styles during that era.

Designers also sought to incorporate environmentally friendly concepts into the building's design. In an effort to maintain the area's ecosystem and highlight the compassion and respect for life displayed by Buddhism, not one tree surrounding the construction site was cut down. The place has become a serene retreat for visitors to get away from their daily frustrations.

With regards to the Christmas tree that has been set up in the temple's courtyard, Zhuang said it is a tradition that goes back many years. She added that the temple does not see this as a conflict because Buddhism advocates tolerance and harmony.

The Christmas tree represents the spirit of religious sacrifice and tribute, which runs parallel to Buddhist principles, she said.

(This article originally appeared in The Liberty Times Dec. 19.)

What's There

"Look straight ahead. What's there?
  If you see it as it is
  You will never err."
Bassui Tokusho, zen monk, 14th century

How would Buddha do Christmas--click on next item for link

Huffington Post Buddha Brain Christmas

Don't Know Mind

We live in a culture where we are told we "need to know" this or that. Or, we are told we should Know this or that.  Others are busy telling us what they know.  However, what is it that we should know? Korean Zen Master Ko Bong teaches: "if you attain don't know, that is your original master". (emphasis added). Our greatest teacher is what we don't know---not what we need, should, or do know. In the end, what do we really know?

Your Brain on Meditation

Check out this link for some of the latest research on the effects of meditation on the brain.
Brain/Meditation Research---click on next item.
from the Daily Maill

Interdependence

"All dimensions of experience are completely interrelated and interdependent."
the Prajnaparamita Sutra
 This is the way of seeing the world. Yet, it is not so easy to do. "I", "me", "mine", "you" get in the way. It is the ego fighting to keep its place. If only . . .

Amazing Buddhist Dance

Buddhist Dancers: All are deaf women. They could not hear the music. Learned from practicing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgXM0IxQb7w&feature=rec-LGOUT-exp_fresh+div-1r-1-HM

An Ox

"A man who does not learn from life grows old like an ox: his body grows, but not his wisdom."
The Dhammapada


Note: the Dhammapada is an ancient text that was compiled before our language was gender sensitive. I did not take the liberty of making the language gender neutral.


TODAYS BUDDHIST NEWS ITEM

Thousands of Buddhist monks assembled at the Bodhgaya Buddhist shrine on Wednesday to attend an eight-day prayer session for peace.

The Buddhist monks, who have come from nine nations, chanted prayers for world peace and harmony.

"Every year, for this puja here, His Holiness Karmapa and many other great masters and many other monks also, we pray for world peace in the country," said Nama Kama Chuida, a Buddhist Monk from Darjeeling.

The 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, who was also present at the prayer session, said that they would pray to Lord Buddha for the next eight days.

The monks also gathered under the holy Bodhi tree for special prayers. The Bodhi tree is a 'peepul' or sacred fig tree under which the Buddha achieved enlightenment. By Surya Pratap Singh (ANI)

A Piece of Wood

"If at the outset, when I check my mind,
  I find that it is tainted with some fault,
  I shall be still and self-possessed,
  Unmoving like a piece of wood."


Shantideva: The Way of the Bodhisattva

A Cautionary Thought

"If you're not sure, don't act"  The Zen Teachings of Bodhidharma


The clergy in Korea are sure and are acting against their government. Read this article:

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/opinon/2010/12/137_78011.html

The Flute

A student passes his teacher's house where the teacher is working in the garden. Student asks teacher, "Do you hear the flute? Isn't the song beautiful?" "Hrumph," responds the teacher. She gets up and starts gathering her tools. The student says, "I could listen to that flute all day long." The teacher takes a long look at the student and says, "would you rather listen to the song or know the flute player?" The student forgets the flute for an moment to consider the teachers question. "Why it's the song, teacher. It is so beautiful." The teacher walks towards her cottage leaving the student at the gate. "I'll see you tomorrow for my lesson," the student calls out to the teacher. "Not tomorrow. Come back when you have the answer to my question." "But, I told you, it's the song." Without looking back the teacher says, "so you did. Still, come back when you know the flute player." "I don't know where the flute player lives." "Too bad, then," says the teacher as she is about to close the cottage door, "I guess I won't be seeing you for awhile." The teacher closes the door.

Here's a link to an article about how meditation can help with pain:

http://healthland.time.com/2010/12/09/mind-over-matter-can-zen-meditation-help-you-forget-about-pain

Snow Flakes

Heavy, wet snow today. Ah, the weight of water. Or, is it the snow? Where is the snow, where the water?  No water, no snow? Where is the cold that makes the snow? Is it the cold? Is it the wind? Cold, wind, water, snow. All the same. We learn about the rain cycle as one of our earliest science lessons. Every child knows it. It is also our first lesson in impermanence; our first lesson in the workings of causes and conditions. So today, where is the snow? Where the water? Where the cold? Can your senses find each in a snowflake? Does it matter?

For those of you who are film buffs you might want to check out this website:

http://www.buddhistfilmfoundation.org

Welcome! How does a buddhist share the Buddha Dharma as we move into the 21st century? How does a monk share the Dharma in this new virtual world? The Buddha says that one must employ expedient means---this is one of them. Each day there will be a post that will attempt to bring just a short meditation a person can use for their practice that day. Some days, there will be references or links to news of interest to buddhists. I welcome your comments and questions.