jonzen

I am curious about those greens you mentioned. What kind are they? I'm trying to eat more kale....finding that putting a couple of leaves into a smoothie is actually good!

Richard, your work is marvelous! I am in awe of your great talent and ability to create such painterly work digitally. Do you ever begin with a painted work, scan it and then digitally alter it?

I agree with what you just said Richard.

Whoa! Michelle! I am reviewing indie films for a film series for next year. I would love to toss this one into the mix for reviewers! Hilarious! This is a subject that everyone relates to, especially, I think, during the Holidays, and all the soynog and tokurkey. But I digress.... Question: How do you spell the sound of a fart? In junior high I used to spell it something like ppphhrrrraaaaarrrrrrrt. Would love to "hear" yours!

You know, I think my life has come to a place where I often sit in a meditative state of mind. I think it used to be called "daydreaming"! But, yes, even my painting is often meditative in nature.......being aware in the present moment.......not really "thinking" at all, just being awake and very present. I sit zazen once a week, on Monday evenings, with a small group of friends who practice various paths or versions of Buddhism. I suggested we call our little sangha, "The Maxi Paths". We sit 2 sessions of 30 minutes with one walking meditation of 10 minutes between the sits. Then we commune afterwards for awhile. Sometimes I go on a weekend retreat......often they are completely silent with long periods of sitting. On January 4,5,6, I will go to Great Vow Monastery in Clatskanie, Oregon, for a retreat that also includes study with the Japanese Master calligrapher Kaz Tanahashi. The longest retreat thus far was a week with Thich Nhat Hanh...completely silent except for personal talks with some of the Monks or Nuns.

Thank you my friend JW. Deepest Bows to you. Yes, this blurring of "reality" seems to be increasing in me. For example, right now, as I type into my laptop, I see, outside my windows, great white cumulous clouds slowly drifting by. Without leaving my laptop, I gaze out at the clouds and sense what it is to be a water molecule suspended in air, I "see" my dwelling from the point of view of the cloud.....and the division between us is nil. I love this. I love loving all things and marvelling at the great diversity. I wish those of us here who are interested in the Buddhist path could sit together in meditation some day. It would be an honor to be with all of you.

Yes and no. You see, the more I understand, the less I know. Or the more I know, the less I understand. So placing the Rinpoche's statement in reverse works for me also. I grasp the idea that we are nothing, and therefore, all. I think about dreams and how real they seem to me, little difference between them and "real" life. Are we not made of the same material as everything around us.....the same material that is what we call the Universe? When I sit zazen for long periods the sense of difference from what is "me" and what is "other" begins to blur. I sense a oneness. Do you sense this also?

Yes. Only opposite.

I know. I was just trying to bring on a wee smile. Watching how heavy and unfit so many Americans are, I wonder if fast food, packaged food and empty food will lead to loss of population? Will there be a XXXXX size?? Seriously, I am greatly concerned for our Earth and it's health and future. Do you suppose there will be a new virus.......like the "bird flu" pandemic, that will take many lives. Do any of you think that this is the Earth's way of "correcting" the imbalance of population? I love life, I love babies (a young artist friend of mine has a 3 month old boy) and am constantly reminded how miraculous this planet is. Do I hear Enya singing in the background?

I am also interested in what others have to report about L-Glutamine. These days I am experiencing more sore joints, like elbows when I do curls. Also my joints "pop" way too much for my liking, and I have had other guys make an "Ewwww" face when they hear the snap, crackle, pop! But L-Glutamine is more for muscle building and hydration of cells isn't it??

I am doing my part....no reproduction. I do think Homosapiens has over-populated Earth. But the VHEMT's will become extinct, while others may continue to over-populate. Maybe we need more Gay people?

Thank you for posting such wonderful photos. I miss the highlands! Good to see such good friends together having a good time.

JW wrote: I empathize with Richard and the families and friends of people attacked. In respect to the noticeable escalation of insensitive conduct in this forum, I, too, have noticed it and have said as much on a couple of threads thus far. Yes, it is often challenging to "get along" with others, but in my naive way, what surprized me was the lack of compassion and mindfulness from a few individuals on a site dedicated to animal rights, which is based, I believe on compassion for life. As Mr. Spock used to say, "Fascinating." Perhaps there is a certain sense of empowerment that comes from using language that historically has a shocking value? But what of thinking before speaking or writing? As compassionate earthlings, would it not be good to think about the effect our use of words or speach might have on others? To honor all life? Or am I just displaying an antique attitude that belongs in a museum? Please, let us all be mindful of others for the betterment of all.

I guess I am one of those anal people Mr. Mulletass has referred to. There are some who believe that words and sounds are powerful and can set a tone for positive or negative energy. It is a free space here, yes. And no, I do not have to read these entries. Yet for the sake of the greater community I would suggest being more mindful of the use of words. One may always PM another if you wish to speak in such a manner. Whatever. Carry on.

I feel as though I have paddled into the deep end here. I have a great deal to think about. Please excuse me. I need a break.

I'll put my vote on Foster Perry as well!

Welcome Pim! Good to have you join us here! I have many very fond memories of Paris!

Perhaps my feelings about this come from my school days? I was always the one who did not fit in, the weird one, the loner. I observed others being voted most popular or most likely to succeed....and felt even more removed from those people. It was not a good feeling. Daywalker, Raven and Bronco may also sense the potential for drawing lines within our community. I realize that this idea is meant for fun. And I am probably just carrying the negative memories of High School with me and applying them here. I think that most of us are intuitively aware of who the winners might be already. In doing this, please be mindful of those who may not be awarded something, and always think of the whole nature of this community.

Welcome Micah! I checked out some of your sites, very cool. I've got a friend up in PDX who has done some performance art, especially fire. His name is Peach. Wonder if you know him?

Michaelhobson wrote: Michael, you are welcome to ask my dog, Phoebe, what she prefers to do. From what I can determine from her behavior, she seems to want to spend most all of her time with me. (I know, according to your view, this is cruel treatment) It sounds to me as if you are projecting your thoughts and feelings on theoretical dogs. I think one would be wiser to take case by case. One would have to ask each dog separately, I don't think it is fair to assume one knows what all animals want. You have a wonderful talent for raising my temperature. And I just returned from 3 hours of meditation!

Potter, I think that the idea of animals being spirits reincarnate may possibly be the influence of tribal cultures, like in Tibet, for example. I am seeing less of this idea being discussed with Buddhists here in the West. Buddhism is flexible and fluid, based upon basic tenets. That is why there are so many sects in different parts of the world. It is more a mutual respect for all life. Homosapiens is equal to and part of all life, not superior. I really like this thought, this belief. It feels right to me. That is why I save the spiders who inhabit my bathroom sink!

I sleep on a high bed and still consider myself to be studying the Buddhist path. I think one can make it as simple or as complex as one wishes. It depends on if you wish to join a Sangha and practice a certain way, or follow the basic precepts on you own. Yes, Richard, I think it is true, that many vegans, perhaps without realizing it, are already on the path of Buddhist teachings. It is a good fit. Meditation is good, especially in this time.

There are many sects and many differing beliefs. I do not belong to any one group. I like to remain free, and many others do the same. Reincarnation? Again, it is different with every sect or group. I do not believe in specific things....."if you do X you will be Z", but I do sense that living mindfully and lovingly begets more of the same energy. The same can go opposite, hatred and "flaming" words beget more of that as well. It seems that goodness, the energy of it, has a certain quality that might continue on, and which might be a gentle influence on life. I encourage you to listen to the words of Thich Nhat Hanh and then ask questions. Read read read. You will know what is right for you. I do not think of Buddhism as a religion. It is a practice. I do not pray to the Buddha. I think of what he achieved as a human and honor him for what he learned and taught. He taught that human reason and practical common sense were a higher authority than any scripture or tradition. Buddhism is a system of education, a process of discovery that leads out of the habitual world of ignorance, unconsciousness, and suffering. It is a critique of belief systems rather than a pattern of beliefs. Some Buddhists chant a great deal. I do not. Once in awhile I will sit with others, and at the end of a meditation we will say OM together. I have chanted with Tibetans and felt the warmth and goodness of the vibrations all through my body and spirit. I honor all beliefs. Everyone has a right, a freedom, to choose what is right for them. One of the most complicated of all sects are the Tibetan Buddhists. Fascinating, the mix of the teachings of Buddha from India and the Tribal beliefs of the high plateaus of Tibet. Tibetan Buddhism is astounding. Robert Thurman has written a good book on the subject, "Essential Tibetan Buddhism". And a simpler one, "Inside Tibetan Buddism". Another great book is, "Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism" by Chogyam Trungpa. All of this may seem overwhelming at first. The process has taken years for me. The path continues always.

Andgbr, you might simply enjoy a personal journey by Googling the word Buddhism. Finding your way is part of the journey. I personally found an immediate affinity to the words of Thich Nhat Hanh, the Vietnamese Buddhist Monk. He is prolific in his writings, and also there are many recordings of his dharma talks available. Perhaps you could begin by exploring this? I have a website address for Plum Village, which is Thich Nhat Hanh's Monastery in France. It might have leads to books, etc., that you could then find in libraries or in used book stores and the like. I wish you well on your journey. If you have questions, I will be pleased to attempt to answer them. Namaste, Jonzen http://www.plumvillage.org

Michaelhobson, this discussion certainly goes to the bedrock of our ethical beliefs. There is great potential for "flame" as you say. I honor what JW stated in his recent entry. It is fascinating, this idea of freedom of choice, is it not? It seems always that there are truly some freedoms and then there are "laws" that govern our freedom. I wonder what the international council of dogs and cats would decide for themselves? I would honor what that might be. I personally choose not to kill any life knowingly. Therefore, as you so clearly pointed out to me, I am in violation of my ethical constitution. JW's question is interesting. If given the choice between raw food and vegan kibble, which one would Phoebe choose for herself? Since she resides with me under my roof, and since she is under my guidence for "acceptible" behaviors within this society, is she also to honor my choice for diet? As I have stated, there are so many voices, a great deal of emotion, and many views on this issue. Disagreements will most likely occur. Let us honor one another in this process of learning.