| A simple Collect prayer to finish off this Advent season.. |
[21 Dec 2009|02:18am] |
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In church yesterday, we recited the following prayer, and were encouraged to recite it every day until Christmas:
Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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| Material Desires, Ego and Such |
[20 Dec 2009|08:34pm] |
Hey all,
Not sure how to ask this or kind of get it off my chest, but here's the thing - lately I've been feeling down in the dumps and it's not because I don't have gobs, hell, any cash at all to spend on presents for people. That said, I've read about and greatly understand the need to release ego's desire for what your neighbor may have and it's a good thing to do because I think like many things Buddhist, that release does bring peace of mind.
I was watching and simultaneously gagging on MTv's "Best of Cribs" yesterday - now there are some egos right? And don't get me wrong, it'd be nice to have a Bentley or four in the garage, the pool, the 700,000 square feet and such, but I never, ever have asked for that, I've always just wanted to be able to pay my bills and maybe have a few nice things that for me, equal a trip to the thift store where I leave feeling like a pirate with my treasures!
Still..... I am in a job where I"m making less than $17K a year and I know damn well with my skills I could (and am trying to) find work where I"m making more.... I never, ever have extra money and so I never go anywhere or do anything. I have a car that's omg a piece of dukka all its own and ready to be put out to pasture, to the point where I am never really sure it's going to get me to said low paying job... and on top of this, my health is declining.
Believe me, I am blessed, despite all of these complaints. 2 years ago I was homeless and have fought my way back to where I am now in my own apartment, loved and adored by 2 wonderful felines, I have food in my cupboards most times even if I have to go to pantries - I have a job in this economy and a car to get there - So i am not snubbing my good fortune nor discounting my own role in it.
Yet is it wrong really to want, well, basically, greater security?? A better car to ensure holding on to my job? A better job to secure rent each month without the whole robbing Peter to pay Paul bit?
How does one balance letting go of the importance of material things with the want for just these simple objects and intangibles? I just want to be happy in my own little nondescript crib, yo.
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| The Living Nativity |
[19 Dec 2009|09:03am] |
A light-hearted video to lighten the mood :-) Perhaps some of you have seen this, perhaps not...
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| Christmas Devotions |
[19 Dec 2009|07:25am] |
* * * Holding the newborn baby in his arms, Simeon spoke words from God: Mary's life would be filled with both joy and sorrow. Her baby would be at the center of controversy. Her Son would be the revealer of hearts – even her own. She would have to learn to step back, be silent, and continue to ponder things in her heart. Shepherds could praise Him, Pharisees would curse Him and children would adore Him – but Mary could only quietly pray for Him. He was her son, but he was also her Savior. God's plan would proceed as she stood by and watched. * * * Lord, I know You have a plan for each of our children. Mary had some very human sons and daughters in addition to her perfect Son, Jesus. Would they ever accept Him as Messiah? No doubt, Mary prayed that her other children would accept Him as their personal Savior. It wasn't until after the resurrection that they truly believed – but in God's perfect time – Mary's prayers were answered. * * * And Joseph and His (Jesus’) mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Luke 2:33 NKJV
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| Creating desire in others |
[18 Dec 2009|08:42pm] |
Is there negative karma in provoking desire and attachments in others? Would the job of salesman, model, artist or marketing psychologist be considered Wrong Livelihood?
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| Lost in Translation |
[17 Dec 2009|02:00am] |
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Recently I was accused of taking scripture out of context concerning some of the things I share about the Lord. Well, that is an opinion that I will not argue over as there is nothing I can convince anyone of. Especially when someone's mind is all ready made up about a matter. All I can do is point to Christ, and by the undeserved grace He has granted me share with others what He has shared with me. ( Read more... )
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| PURITY |
[16 Dec 2009|11:21pm] |
I opened up this account to discuss purity through posts and journals about Purity
Mostly scriptures, some quotes, and a website so far...
I was just wondering if anyone would like to join my project
my friends were supposed to, but only one really did, and I would like to have some good discussion about purity from different female perspectives
:) Thanks and God Bless
Chelli Mac
purescripture
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| The river of life |
[16 Dec 2009|01:04pm] |
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I posted last Sunday's sermon on the passage in John 4 where Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at the well here, if anyone is interested and/or wants to comment.
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[16 Dec 2009|05:24pm] |
_
Too lazy to be ambitious,
I let the world take care of itself.
Ten days' worth of rice in my bag;
a bundle of twigs by the fireplace.
Why chatter about delusion and enlightenment?
Listening to the night rain on my roof,
I sit comfortably, with both legs stretched out.
Ryokan
________
Stories of Ryokan
It is common practice for a monk to abstain from eating meat. Once a young monk sat to dinner with Ryokan and watched him eat fish. When asked why, Ryokan replied, “I eat fish when it’s offered, but I also let the fleas and flies feast on me [when sleeping at night]. Neither bothers me at all.”
It is said Ryokan only slept with most of his body inside of a mosquito net so that he would not hurt the bugs outside.
Ryokan attended the midsummer Bon Festivals. Because he was a monk, he would normally be unable to attend, but sneaked in disguised as a woman.
Ryokan hated waste, and so any food that he was offered that he did not eat, he put into a little pot. Over time, the food rotted and became filled with maggots and other bugs. When warned against eating it, all Ryokan said was, “No, no, it’s all right. I let the maggots escape before I eat it and it tastes just fine!”
One evening a thief visited Ryokan's hut at the base of the mountain only to discover there was nothing to steal. Ryokan returned and caught him. "You have come a long way to visit me," he told the prowler, "and you should not return empty-handed. Please take my clothes as a gift." The thief was bewildered. He took the clothes and slunk away. Ryoken sat naked, watching the moon. "Poor fellow," he mused, "I wish I could have given him this beautiful moon."
from Wikipedia.org
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| Attachment to precepts? |
[17 Dec 2009|01:41am] |
《大智度論》卷13〈1 序品〉：「譬如無足欲行，無翅欲飛，無船欲渡，是不可得；若無戒欲得好果，亦復如是。若人棄捨此戒，雖山居苦行，食果服藥，與禽獸無異。」(CBETA, T25, no. 1509, p. 153, b25-29)
Chapter thirteen of the Mahāprājñā-pāramitôpadeśa states, “It is like without feet wanting to go somewhere, without wings wanting to fly, without a boat seeking to cross – this is not possible. It is also like this if one without vows wants to seek the good fruit. If a person should discard these vows then even if they live in a mountain doing austerities, eating fruits and taking medicines, they are no different from wild beasts. ”
Well, at least adherence to your precepts is necessary for progress, or at least that's what Nagarjuna had to say about the matter.
In my discussions in this community it seems a lot of people think keeping your precepts is some kind of dangerous attachment. Precepts is one of the three trainings (the other being meditation and wisdom) and without it there is no realization. You need discipline if you're going to progress.
You know historically in China at least you study the Vinaya (rules, regulations and precepts) before you ever look at the philosophy of emptiness.
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| Christmas Devotions |
[16 Dec 2009|08:00am] |
[4]
THE SHEPHERDS
Read Luke 2:8–20
"Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10–11 NKJV
* * *
Exhausted but happy, Joseph wraps his newborn babe in swaddling clothes and lays him at Mary's side. They are alone, in the city of their birth, but not their home. Only the sound of animals disturbs their quiet conversation. What will life be like with this child of God? Soon they will be able to consummate their marriage and build a family together.
Meanwhile, out in the nearby fields, a lowly group of shepherds are in for a big surprise. Suddenly an angel appears in the night sky surrounded by the glory of the Lord. He announces, “There is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. "(Luke 2:11 NKJV) Lonely quiet places - this stable - those fields - where all of history would be changed. Even today we date our lives from this event.
* * *
Lord, help me to value the lonely, quiet moments of my life. They are so few and yet so valuable. Speak to my heart this morning with words of peace. Like Mary, I truly desire to understand Your ways and ponder them in my heart.
* * *
"All those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:18-19 NKJV
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| Buddhist tells lies to audience |
[16 Dec 2009|02:14am] |
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Push it - Static-X |
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Hey again guys!
I decided to get other opinions on this article since I thought it was sort of odd, lying isn't considered good Karma, so I'm kind of on the fence as to why the monk phrased his inability to explain his studies to an audience in this manner. The article I'm talking about can be found here:
http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=60,8766,0,0,1,0
I'm of the opinion he could've handled himself differently in this situation since he was asked to present to an audience, but that's just one opinion.
What's yours?
Namaste,
Angie
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| feeling sad, angry, and mostly hurt |
[16 Dec 2009|03:01pm] |
I come from a non-christian family. But I have lots of Christian friends. A few months ago, my sister 'became' a Christian. Which is perfectly fine with me! However, I read on her facebook that she doesn't consider her family to be family any more because we're not Christian.
It just really hurt me to read this. We used to be so close!
Worse, her Christian friends 'support' how she feels...
Most Christians I know aren't like this!! Why does my sister have to be this extreme? Or is it 'normal' and 'right', what she's doing? During the first 2 months after she became a Christian, she was not like this! It's only been recently that she's becoming more and more distant. Can someone perhaps explain this?
She's so enthusiastic about spreading the Gospel outside of the family, but she won't talk about it with us. It's like...she's blaming us for not being Christians...? idk...I dont think anyone can be forced to become a Christian. I've already gone for bible studies, attend church sometimes, etc, but I just don't (can't?) believe in God. Sometimes I really wish I was Christian too, then I won't have to deal with this (?)
I have no idea. I'm just so confused and upset now. =(
[p.s If anyone would like to talk with me more about this, please feel free to msg me on LJ. Thank you]
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| Pope Benedict XVI's Message for World Day of Peace |
[15 Dec 2009|11:48pm] |
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Following is Pope Benedict XVI's Message for the World Day of Peace, January 1, 2010:
MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS
POPE BENEDICT XVI
FOR THE CELEBRATION OF THE
WORLD DAY OF PEACE
1 JANUARY 2010
IF YOU WANT TO CULTIVATE PEACE, PROTECT CREATION
1. At the beginning of this New Year, I wish to offer heartfelt greetings of peace to all Christian communities, international leaders, and people of good will throughout the world. For this XLIII World Day of Peace I have chosen the theme: If You Want to Cultivate Peace, Protect Creation. Respect for creation is of immense consequence, not least because "creation is the beginning and the foundation of all God's works",[1] and its preservation has now become essential for the pacific coexistence of mankind. Man's inhumanity to man has given rise to numerous threats to peace and to authentic and integral human development – wars, international and regional conflicts, acts of terrorism, and violations of human rights. Yet no less troubling are the threats arising from the neglect – if not downright misuse – of the earth and the natural goods that God has given us. For this reason, it is imperative that mankind renew and strengthen "that covenant between human beings and the environment, which should mirror the creative love of God, from whom we come and towards whom we are journeying".[2]
( Continue reading... )
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| Tathata, the absolute reality in Mahayana Buddhism. |
[15 Dec 2009|08:13pm] |
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Yesterday I had a lengthy argument with some members of this community about the description of the Absolute Reality in an old Gnostic scripture.
I have pointed towards the fact that this description is similar to the one that can be found for Tathata (Suchness) in the Mahayana Buddhist texts.
Based on this similarity, and other similarities found in the descriptions of the Absolute Reality related by different mystics and spiritual masters from different religious traditions and cultural backgrounds, I have presented the hypothesis that the Absolute Reality contemplated by a mystic's mind is the same despite the differences of cultural and religious indoctrination.
But my opponents in the debate did not want to see what I was pointing to.
Thus I present here a concise description of Tathata (Suchness) which I have copied from The Awakening Faith in Mahayana, one of the most influential Mahayana scriptures:
"In its very origin suchness is of itself endowed with sublime attributes.
It manifests the highest wisdom which shines throughout the world, it has true knowledge and a mind resting simply in its own being.
It is eternal, blissful, its own self-being and the purest simplicity; it is invigorating, immutable, free...
Because it possesses all these attributes and is deprived of nothing"
For the ones interested to compare, please see the description given by the Gnostics here:
http://community.livejournal.com/buddhists/2813143.html
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[15 Dec 2009|03:42pm] |
PILLARS
When Lot's wife was disobedient and "looked back", Gen19, God turned her into a pillar of salt! What a preposterous miracle! Sure taught her a lesson, didn't it? (*sarcasm*).
On second thought (using "hind"sight), after learning how Jesus wants us to be salt and light, and how successful churches have 'pillars' like elders, musicians, teachers, cooks, etc. They have 'looked back' figuratively, and repented of their sins, and become the figurative salt. Paul wrote in Phil 3:13 "but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before".
Solomon's Temple had pillars named Jachin and Boaz, 1Kings7:21 (whoever heard of naming pillars?) *strange..* and the temple was sixty cubits long; twenty cubits for the most holy place and twenty for the (lesser) holy place, and twenty for the courtyard. 1Kings6 refers. Notice how the three twenties could be said "threescore".
Now to our historical time-line, seeing as how Calvary was about 20 centuries ago, and before that was a period of about 20 centuries to the time of Moses, and before that was a period of 20 centuries back to Adam. So, like Solomon's Temple, it was "threescore". The two pillars would be Moses and Jesus -- the mediators of the First and Second Covenants, Gala4:24. Obviously a cubit is not the same as a century, even though the patterns are alike or similar. Do we chalk this up to coincidence, or do we believe Jesus about the Holy Spirit leading us into further truth, or maybe something else?
P.S. When a thousand years are as a Day, it has been just 2 days since Jesus went to the Cross -- also the equivalent of 40 Jubilee's.
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